Purchased a 3rd Gen From Copart...It had the original owners info. So I called him.

I’ll make a video for you. It took about two hours. Hopefully you got small hands.

Edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvFbGDXdLR8

 

You don't have kids who like to lay on their backs and kick things? Just take the headliner out first, and ensure they don't slip and hit the windshield.

Looks like more of a flop than a roll. Where'd he crash? Off 29?

DMV doesn't know what's not in the computer, if you doubt that walk into one and strike up a conversation with an employee. If it was CA plated and salvaged they'll have papers on it.

 

I don’t see that working. I don’t think there is really any way to wash a title effectively. All those transactions, the wreck, the changes in ownership, even an airbag deployment are recorded and captured by a carfax report. If the title history in any state noted a salvage and then it went through another state’s registration to theoretically remove that notation, it would still exist elsewhere in the VIN history. Prior to carfax and interconnected data bases it might have worked, not any longer. At some point it would be fraudulent, even if it weren’t for the purpose of a sale. If it affected insurance rates, the attempt to wash the title might be insurance fraud.

As far as the roof, if it were mine, I would metal work the roof back to straight or real close, and Line-X it. It would cost much less than paint and you could get it coated in a day. Don’t Bondo it. Bodywork is done in metal, body filler is used for finish work. If I were going to go with Line-X, I would metal work it straight and not finish it to the level I would for paint. Take the Line-X out to the drip channel edge and you have good body lines to coat it to. It will look good and the UV stable coating will last. And, because you’ll have the head liner out, you could dyna mat the underside at the same time. Now your truck is quieter, looks sweet, and no one has to know its little secret.

 

I have no idea where he crashed but somewhere on the way to palm springs? It was definitely a CA car. Are you saying they might be able to share the details of the incident or what?

I appreciate the insight. For the time being, I am just adding a Prinsu roof rack over the dents so it won't be as visible. Roof damage is the least of my concerns. Perhaps if I decide to sell the Tacoma down the road, we'll cross the repair bridge once we get there. Seems like you know your stuff. Appreciate it.

 

Update: I swapped the OEM wheels with my 2nd gen tacoma and I really like the look. Sitting on 31's on stock lift.

 

Update 2: I also took the 2nd gen side steps and moved them to my 3rd gen. I love the way it looks. It was the same exact mount so no drilling necessary.

 

Looks good Mr Shrimp, great price, and having a 6 thousand mile Tacoma to drive for a long time to savor the victory, Priceless. At least 26 grand worth of priceless.

 

Thank you! Post registration and all fees, taxes, etc... in CA it was 32 out the door. I'm not complaining for a 21 with 5k miles.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvFbGDXdLR8 if you haven't seen the edited post.

 

Awesome! Thanks I think I'll need to see the clips behind the junk to really have a good grasp on what needs to happen there but this helps a ton. Advanced Auto just emailed that its shipped so hopefully I can give this a go soon.

 

How much was the harness? I bought mine directly from Toyota for 160.

 

pssssshhhaaaa...that'll buff right out

 

Update 3:

• After attempting to register it - got referred to CHP (salvaged inspection). Passed the inspection.
• Went to the dmv and got my plates.
• Title coming in the mail in two weeks.

I'm so happy there was not any surprises.

 

Awesome find and nice work bringing it back, looks like you got yourself a keeper.

 

Update:

Added some headlamps, baja designs fog lights, prinsu roof rack and a lightbar. So far so good.

 

I think i remember seeing this post on Reddit? You've done an awesome job getting this thing looking pretty

 

This is taking a huge risk for the future. So you’re at ~$33k right now with the potential for surprise internal damage later (frame, suspension, engine). Seems like everything you’ve fixed so far has been visible. After rolling it onto its roof, I guarantee something you can’t see is damaged.

I don’t know, sounds risky and that’s a good chuck of change to save a few thousand knowing that it’d be difficult to sell the truck if you ever had to. And something doesn’t pass the smell test: it’s was rolled onto its roof but the side mirrors were undamaged? How does one roll a truck at “slow” speed?

 

See pics post#1.

 

You ended up getting a clean title on this salvage? I would sell it pretty quick after you get the title. Pocket the profits.

 

I actually ended up replacing the side mirror. There's minor scratches on the body from the tip over but I have no freaking idea how everything came out the way it did. The roof did not sustain any structural damage. It's dented but covered with the Prinsu rack. It's inevitable that it'll get scratched so I didn't bother having it repaired. Few dents don't hurt me.

Salvaged unfortunately. I plan on keeping this thing given that its a 21 with 6k miles now. I always wanted a truck and don't see myself getting anything else to be honest. I can sell it for a problem without a doubt however I'd be back to square one.

Thanks for looking out!