We're talking about two different parts. Core supports are structural, so they won't be plastic. This is the large flat piece of sheet metal that goes from side to side and attaches to the inner fenders. If your radiator was not damaged to the point of leaking or being broken, it is pretty likely the core support can be pulled straight and will not need to be replaced. One thing to be aware of though is there must not be any holes in it that can allow air to bypass the radiator. Removing things that sit in a hole is a common cause of elusive engine overheating problems. If something is removed, or if damage leaves a hole, screw on a thin piece of sheet metal to cover it.
My body-shop skills are limited to helping a friend rebuild smashed one and two-year-old Dodge trucks in his body shop, and that experience is limited to replacing parts. The way I would approach what you're trying to do is to visit a "pick-your-own-parts" salvage yard, and take apart a similar car to see what is involved. You may even end up with the parts you need. Do a search for "Pull-A-Part" and see if they have a yard near you. I've been to 16 of their yards so far. All are very clean and well-organized. Parts are not expensive, and the employees and other customers have always been very friendly. You pay your buck, take your own tools, and you can spend all day there.
Monday, April 17th, 2017 AT 7:59 PM
