how to build out a wrecked Tacoma

Hi, I am new here, I've seen a few post over the years but have finally decided to ask my own question.
I have a 2009 Tacoma 4x4 regualr cab, I4 2.7L and all that. This last week I swerved to me a deer and a decent speed and went into a ditch and mess the truck up pretty decently. (i should have hit the deer.) I got the result form the insurance claim and I am being told its a loss, its being quoted and close to 10 grand in repairs. I got the paperwork showing what needs fixed, I priced the parts and i can repair the truck for maybe 2 grand, the truck is still driveable.

For me to make it road worthy is maybe 800 bucks, new windshield, new headlights, repair the tire, cut the fenders so the wheels clear. so Im taking the insurance buy out and keeping the truck and taking a settlement for way more than I need. My issue is i want this truck to be rock solid and ive not really done much or know much about upgrading these vehicles.

To be honest I kinda like the whole prerunner vibe as in baja prerunner, I just like the looks and the fact they are solid.

I guess my question is what can I do and where can I look to start the process of getting my truck more toward my fancy while fixing all the issues and staying in budget.

as of now the issues are-
front fenders need replaces
front fender flairs need replaced
front bumper needs replaced
front grill needs replaced
needs a new hood
needs a new windshield
both front headlight assemblies need replaces
potential right front suspension damage
front right tire needs to be set on the bead
potential radiator damage
potential minor frame damage

the truck has no leaks and still runs like the day it was bought.

I will post a picture of the damage when I can get to my computer.

thanks in advance,
KTMrdr617

 

You can find a lot of that stuff on Craigslist or from the aftermarket. I dont know where you live but I just saw this today.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pts/6059192402.html

 

If you keep it and rebuild it yourself, there is chance it won't be branded with salvage title, since it never left your possession.

Frame work is not that spendy compared to monthly car payments.

All my Toyota trucks were wrecks that I rebuild and drive myself.

First step would be to have a frame guy look it over and tell him you will pay for work yourself. They won't get it done as fast as if it was insurance work, but they will give you a decent price if you pay cash and tell them you are not in huge hurry.

Hint: the longer it takes them, the cheaper the price. I've never had to pay the full price of the initial quote, because i let them take as long as they needed.

 

Most of this damage seems pretty superficial and labor rates are jacking up the repair price. However as someone with less than optimal experience, the "potential frame damage" would have me worried. I would address this FIRST before purchasing any parts. After the frame issue has been resolved I would then check out local junk yards for a complete front end. Invest in a good repair manual, and take the parts off the junk yard trucks personally (if they allow) so you can reverse engineer how they go back on your truck.

As for the windshield, I would find a good local glass company and offer them cash. This usually results in a discount because most of their windshield replacement is handled through insurance. (At least up North this is the case)

Either way, good luck.