# Radiator Support Repair in Upland > Radiator support bent or rusted after a front-end hit? Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland assesses the damage and explains repair options in writing. Source: https://route66autorepairshop.com/cooling-heating-ac-services/radiator-support-repair Updated: 2026-09-17 Business: Route 66 Auto Repair, 1775 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786, (909) 608-7699 Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–2 PM, Sunday closed **TLDR:** The **radiator support** holds the cooling parts and hood latch. We handle **light damage** in-house and explain options when damage goes deeper. The radiator support is the frame across the front of the car that holds the radiator, condenser, hood latch and often the headlights. After a front-end bump or years of rust, it can bend, crack or break. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland assesses the damage, handles light body repairs in-house, and explains your options honestly when the damage is structural. ## What are the signs of radiator support damage? - Hood does not latch or line up after a minor collision - Radiator or condenser sits crooked - Cracks or broken tabs on a plastic support - Rust holes at the lower support on an older vehicle - Headlights aimed off after a front-end bump ## Is it light damage or structural damage? Many supports are plastic or composite with bolt-on brackets. A broken bracket or cracked tab can often be repaired or replaced as a part. A bent metal support that is bolted in can be replaced. We do light body and glass work in-house. When the support is welded to the body and the rails behind it are bent, that is structural collision damage. We are not a full insurance collision center. We assess it, show you what we see, and explain your options honestly. A [crash damage assessment](https://route66autorepairshop.com/auto-body-and-glass-services/crash-damage-assessment) documents it clearly. ## Our radiator support repair process 1. **Assess:** We inspect the support, mounts, hood latch and rails, and photograph the damage. 2. **Check cooling and AC:** The radiator and condenser are checked for leaks from the impact. 3. **Written options:** You get a repair plan for light damage, or an honest explanation of structural options. 4. **Repair and verify:** Approved parts are replaced, the hood and lights are lined up, and the cooling system is tested. ## What's included in radiator support repair - Support, rails and latch inspection with photos - Radiator and condenser leak checks - Replacement support or brackets as quoted - Hood latch and alignment adjustment - Headlight aim check - Cooling system pressure test after repair ## Is it a need-now or need-later repair? **Need now:** - Hood that will not latch securely - Radiator or condenser leaking after impact **Need later:** - Cosmetic cracks with secure mounts - Surface rust without holes ## How pricing and timing work Price depends on the support material and how much must come off, such as the bumper cover, lights and cooling parts. If the AC condenser is opened or replaced, the AC system gets a leak test before any recharge. For latch alignment, see [hood alignment](https://route66autorepairshop.com/auto-body-and-glass-services/hood-alignment). Timing depends on parts availability, and we text you if it will slip. ## Aftercare Open and close the hood a few times to confirm the latch. Check the coolant level cold for a week. If the lights look off at night, bring it back and we will check the aim. For the radiator itself, see [radiator mounting repair](https://route66autorepairshop.com/cooling-heating-ac-services/radiator-mounting-repair). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is it safe to drive with a broken radiator support? If the hood latches and the radiator is secure, a short drive is usually fine. A hood that could open at speed is not safe. ### Do you work with insurance claims? We are not a full insurance collision center. We can assess the damage and document it clearly, and we explain your options honestly. ### Can a plastic radiator support be repaired? Some broken tabs can be fixed, but most plastic supports are replaced as a unit. --- Call (909) 608-7699 or visit https://route66autorepairshop.com/contact for a written estimate.