I recently came across a fantastic deal on a 2022 Tesla Model 3 that had been in a minor accident. The car had about 6,000 miles on it and had sustained damage to the headlight, front driver’s side fender, and front bumper. Despite the damage, I saw the potential in this vehicle and decided to take on the challenge of restoring it to its former glory.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that every single airbag in the car had been deployed, including both the driver’s side and passenger side airbags. The windshield was also cracked, which is a common issue with Tesla vehicles that have been in accidents. I knew that I would have to invest some time and money into replacing these components, but I was up for the challenge.
I started by removing the damaged fender and assessing the extent of the damage. I quickly realized that I would need to replace the control arm on the driver’s side, as it had broken in the accident. I wasted no time in ordering the necessary parts and getting to work on the repairs.
One of the most challenging aspects of this project was dealing with the car’s 16-volt lithium-ion battery, which is designed to cut off energy from the main battery pack in the event of a crash. I had to replace the pyro fuse, which controls the flow of energy to the car, and ensure that the battery was functioning properly.
I also had to address the issue of the airbag computer, which stores crucial crash data and must be reprogrammed or replaced after an accident. This was a complex task that required careful attention to detail, but I was determined to get it right.
As I delved deeper into the restoration process, I encountered a few unexpected challenges, such as the lack of a key for the car when it arrived. I had to come up with a creative solution to move the car without a key, but I eventually managed to get it sorted out.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, I remained committed to restoring this Tesla Model 3 to its former glory. I sourced affordable replacement parts, such as a new headlight, fender, and bumper, and worked diligently to repair and replace the damaged components.
In the end, I managed to complete the restoration project within my budget and timeline. The car now looks as good as new, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I learned a lot throughout this process and gained valuable experience in working on Tesla vehicles.
If you’re considering buying a salvage Tesla and embarking on a restoration project, I would highly recommend it. While it can be challenging at times, the satisfaction of bringing a damaged car back to life is truly rewarding. Just be prepared for some unexpected twists and turns along the way, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice when needed.
Overall, my experience with the 2022 Tesla Model 3 restoration project was a positive one, and I look forward to taking on more projects like this in the future. If you have any questions or want to share your own restoration stories, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
