minor front end damage. how do i start?

[Quaxel]

Hello, thanks a million for reading! i have a bit of an issue... i just bought a beater 2g eclipse for a summer project im just getting into cars and have no experience fixing damage. its not too bad. each headlight has a support beam that goes over it, the passenger side beam was bent upward in a crash

so it went from this shape: -

to this shape:^

im posting pictures as well, but hopefully that gives you an idea where to look for the damage.

So i was thinking try pounding it down with a hammer, then welding some metal on their for reinforcement? or maybe i should just cut off both ends and weld in a new beam(bridging the gap i cut)
im just not sure how to go about this.

The bend currently stops the hood from closing all the way, and i plan on fixing it when i replace the headlight which is held together by tape.

So my question is what would you do? feel free to add to my ideas or suggest different ones! thanks!
-Axel

 

[supermario300hp]

Ok first things first. you have to pull everything off. to see what kinda damage there is that you cant see. Pull the bumper headlights bumper supports and radiator support. go to the junkyard and you can get all that stuff for under 100 bucks. replace and your done. theres no reason to try and repair that stuff its and pain and it never looks the same.Also the fenders can be found cheap either at the junkyard or on ebay.just my .02

 

[98mitsgs]

While you're at it, you could swap those 2ga stuff for 2gb. Looks tons better imo.

 

[1995 brian]

Start by taking the bumper off and replace the headlight that is busted like said above.

 

[goodbuds]

look at my pics i had same issue. take your time, get a dead blow and a strong piece of wood, go to town and replace with 2gb

 

[Quaxel]

Ok first things first. you have to pull everything off. to see what kinda damage there is that you cant see. Pull the bumper headlights bumper supports and radiator support. go to the junkyard and you can get all that stuff for under 100 bucks. replace and your done. theres no reason to try and repair that stuff its and pain and it never looks the same.Also the fenders can be found cheap either at the junkyard or on ebay.just my .02

Thanks guys, i think il try what taking it apart to see what else is there like mario said. then head to the junk yard and replace it all. just seems like a more permanent solution