Finally got the right hand wing off having cut through the aluminum sheet that was acting as the side wall of the engine bay. This allowed me to remove the nose. This has allowed a better view of the damage to the suspension upper member. Although the weld has held, the box section has bowed quite considerably under the force of the impact. It may also have distorted the engine mounting point.
Removed the suspension bump stop and the wing support bracket that went up to support the wing at the torpedo sidelight.
Started removal of the front axle assembly, with the easily accessible right hand side first. Removed the bolts attaching the anti-roll bar to the forward support member. These attach to a threaded plate welded to the member. The member is buckled beyond repair and a new one will need to be obtained. The concern here is that LC Developments won't necessarily have the details to create one because it won't be a part used on the new Sierra based cars. Might have to call Colin Puttock for advice.
Removed the M12 nylocked bolt from the lower and the M10 nylocked bolt from the upper end freeing the remains of the right hand front support member.
Removed the M12 nylock and washer attaching the right hand side of the front axle assembly to the chassis diagonal.
The front hoop assembly is supported by the front axle assembly. Started to remove all of the bolts holding this to the axle assembly so that the axle can be removed. Note that the upper hoop attachment that goes through to the wing contains a spacer.Also the lower bolts have locating pins on them.
The steering column will need careful inspection since it has pulled through it's securing plate at the rack end. Couldn't remove the securing plate because one of the bolts isn't accessible with a spanner.
Removed final few bolts on the passengers side. Removed the bolts holding the brake calipers to the hubs and lowered the brake calipers to the floor placing them safely out of the way. Started prizing the right hand side of the axle assembly free from the chassis mounting, but stopped because it was going to require more ignorance that I had the courage to sum up.
Got a closer look at the diagonal chassis member. The bolt holding the upper suspension arm in place has been forced into the chassis member making a severe indentation into it. It is unclear whether this can be patched over, or whether the entire piece will need to be cut out and a completely fresh piece welded into place.