You Should Know This About Your Header panel

A header panel is basically a frame which is located at the leading edge of your vehicle. It is present jive before the hood and above the bumper. The purpose of this frame is to keep all your vehicle’s critical exterior components in place, these include headlights and grille. In some vehicles you may find that the header panels are just pieces of sheet metal which are mounted above the grille and headlights to separate the hood and grille. The other commonly used name for the header panel is headlight mounting panel, since the headlights and the grille are mounted in it. It can be made of various materials ranging from sheet metal, fiberglass, or plastic.

As understood the header panel is the first-most components of your vehicle, it’s important to also acknowledge that it is susceptible to all kinds of damage. These can vary from scratches, dents, and even worse if the vehicle has met with a frontal collision. In such scenarios it’s best to replace it, in this article you will know more about header panels and even how to install them.

If you look closely you will be able to figure out the exact location of the header panels. They are the framework prices on your vehicle, which aren’t visible easily. They run from left to right, right across the front end of your vehicle and are covered fully with other components which they house. Depending on the year and model of the vehicle you may see that older cars and trucks have header as part of the visible front-end sheet metal. In other vehicles, they may only serve as horizontal filler panels between grille and hood.

It is understood that the front end of the vehicle is susceptible to more damage. No matter what may be the design or layout the header panels will need replacement after frontal collision. In fact, even minor side sweep or a corner impact can bend the header significantly. A fault header will not be able to perform its job and hence cause issues. Straightening it is an option, but since their design is complex even experienced body shop pros may not be able to do it properly. In such a case it’s important to go for replacement. If it is not straightened to its right shape lining up the headlamps will become tricky and there may even be gaps visible between headlight assemblies, grilles, hood panels, and front bumper areas.

One must remember that even though the header panels are positioned right in the front and are strong so that they can do their job, they are not immune to corrosion. Rust may form on them, even though not as quickly as on fenders, rocker panels, and quarter panels. This can happen if a previous damage wasn’t repaired properly, or due to exposure to road salt spray collecting in pockets that can't be accessed with soap and water.

You can make out if your header panel needs a change if you are able to spot simple symptoms. These could simply be that your lights and grille are out of alignment. You are having to arrange your headlights to point in the right direction because they have become loose. A fender bender has happened. These will all be good reasons to replace the header panel.

There are a number of skilled auto mechanics who have a goal of opening their own car repair shop at some point in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient as well as profit making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are a number of tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Header Panel may include:

• Wrench
• Socket Set
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• New header panel
• Specific vehicle manual
• Protective equipment (gloves, closed-toe shoes, safety glasses)

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Header Panel

Various Manufacturers Header Panel

More than any other kind of failure in a car, there's almost nothing that's quite as heart-breaking as a completely damaged Header Panel. Now when we talk about the replacement cost, it might vary a lot even on the same car depending upon its performance, labor cost, brand etc. Prices for the header panel may range anywhere between $50 to $120 plus.

Having a faulty header panel can cause a lot of issues. It is important to refer to the manual of your vehicle. At times you may have to remove remove the parking light assemblies, bumper, battery, and windshield wash container etc. as well as the headlights and grille. Here are the steps that are common for all vehicles:

Step 1 - Preparation of the vehicle

Find a solid levelled ground to park your vehicle and engage the parking brake. Disconnect the battery negative terminal cable first before moving on to step 2. 

Step 2 - Removal of the grille

Prop up the hood properly and locate the screws which secure the grille to the header panel. Once you have found them, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove all the screws. Be careful and place the screws in a safe place so that you don’t lose them. Now you can take the grille off safely.

Step 3 - Taking out the headlights

Grab the flathead screwdriver, and disengage/ remove the plastic clips which hold the headlamp housing to its mounting bracket. After doing that, swiftly pull the headlamp assembly from the bracket. If you find any retaining screws, you can simply remove them with the help of a Phillips screwdriver. You will find a set of electrical plugs behind each headlamp. These will have to be disconnected in order to be able to completely remove the headlamps. Be careful while pulling off these plugs, be firm but gentle.

Step 4 - Removing the old panel

Now you are ready to remove the damaged header panel. Using the socket wrench loosen and remove all the bolts which are keeping the header panel assembly in its place. Get a good grip and take off the panel from the vehicle.

Step 5 - Installation of the new panel

Now take the new replacement header panel and put it in the right place. Secure it with the retaining bolts. These bolts may come with the new replacement that you have purchased, however if you have not received them you can simply use the old bolts. But ensure that the old bolts are not rusted and the threads are all intact.

Step 6 - Put the headlight assembly and the grille back

Retrace the rest of the steps and reinstall both headlights and secure them in place. Install the grille as well, once both are installed you can close the hood of the vehicle.

Even though time consuming the header panel replacement is not very complicated. It is important to ensure that the reinstallation of the lights and grille are perfect. Everything should be aligned correctly; this will show that the installation has happened correctly