Sigh... Buddy backed into my truck

While watching a show at a buddies house, I hear the sound of plastic breaking outside. I walk out and my buddy had backed his wrangler into the front of my truck. Being the good friend he is, he will pay for everything no problem. I'm not angry, but a bit sad to have yet another thing on my to do list. Not to mention, the grill may never go back together again the right way.

Not sure if I should get an estimate for a shop to perform or just price out everything and do the work myself at this point. I can't see anything damaged that looks that difficult to fit back up with the right parts being replaced. Hood needs to be replaced and painted ( not by me).

Should I take this opportunity to go with a plate bumper so this never happens again? Recommendations?








bumper pushed into hose


http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/Erwin197/library/Tacoma bumper impact

 

Grill is easy to replace, as oof the bumper that's up to you if I could i would go plate bumper.

 

my grandpa came to visit me one day and swipped my driver side front and rear door with his buick regal. my car at the time was a little honda so it wasnt hard finding doors for it but dam was i heated. still love my grandpa though

 

I am glad the grill is only $40 bucks. Any thoughts on those small painted metal strips below the lights? Can I just bend it back if I need to?
The grill on the earlier trucks is my favorite feature by far. Sad to see it messed up.

 

The grill fillers are only about 10-15 bucks on Amazon.com, but the have to be painted ro.match your truck.

 

Grill $37
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1279009,parttype,1384

Bumper filler $4 each side.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1279009,parttype,736

New chrome bumper $60
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1279009,parttype,1340

Good time to go plate bumper though!

 

Good time to make a satoshi too

 

I get lots of parts from.rockauto, shipping kills the deal on big thins like bumpers. Still might be the best price but I would look around.

 

dang, i didnt know the chrome part was so cheap

plate grill........hmmm

 

Check out your local recycling yards. You might get lucky and find the same color hood.

http://www.pickapartva.com/

edit;

I see Wheeler "pick a part" has a hood for a '96. Have to call for price.
No idea what color.

 

Looks like front of my truck from hitting all these deer around here. Plate bumpers a lot heavier than stock. Need good front suspension for no effect in my opinion.

 

Ill check it out.

 

I have stock springs on Bilstein 1500s. I had OME 882s but they were so stiff that 200lbs up front would not move the truck. The ride was awful. I was debating what springs to go with in the future. I could always move the stock ones up a notch to compensate temporarily.

 

From what I have read a lot of members pair 881s with 5100s

 

Get a plate bumper, then tell your buddy to try it again lol

 

Bummer! It was an accident, if you're his buddy then I'd buy the parts and do the work myself and save him the $$. If he's your buddy, he will help you do the work. Problem solved and we all have a cold one at the end of the day.

 

I strenuously recommend ditching your "friend". A true friend would never damage a Tacoma that didn't have his own name on the title. It's a fact.

On a more serious note. Damage doesn't look too bad. I'd replace the shit I could (after he purchased it with his cash) with his help while we enjoyed a beer.

Sorry for ya buddy. It sounds like you're someone who has some reason in their head shown by not blowing a gasket over something minor. Good luck.

 

that sucks man,

would you take this opportunity to upgrade to a custom grille perhaps or a painted bumper?

 

Yeah I have been reading some posts on springs as of late. As i understand it the 882 springs are really not recommended for what I used them for.