2020 Tacoma Sport Rebuild

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2020 Toyota Tacoma Sport V6 with the Premium & Technology Package, 6.2 foot bed that I've recently purchased from a car auction for a truck that came from the insurance company. The truck was in a front end accident and is currently in rough condition, but in my eyes worth fixing and putting time into. At this time it looks like the truck has all new body panels with matching paint, although may need a new bumper and the interior is almost immaculate. Should mention that it runs and drives, suspension looks decent. The damage doesn't look like the damage has affected the cab or bed of the truck.

Now to explain what's wrong with it, the truck has serious frame damage on the crumple zone and is severely cracked at one both the left and right; I believe this piece of frame needs to be straightened, welded etc.. It looks like the insurance company has already attempted this to some extent. The other option is doing a frame replacement, but right now frames are very hard to come by, if any at all. I'm working to locate one and have it shipped to New York as the dealer doesn't have any. Additionally, there are several pieces not included with the truck which is the entire radiator assembly, the top camera on the truck (The one that enables safety features), some hood sensor, air intake bottom section where it bolts on is broken, headlight and fog light harnesses are either damaged or missing. battery and battery harness. The bumper may also have to be replaced as it's cracked in one section. One seatbelt is broken, I'm not sure if the airbags are existent now in the cab, missing the floor mats, and 2 lug nuts on each wheel.

Could someone explain or direct me to a good process in checking the airbag status etc.. I'm not sure of a safe way to do this, but will continue researching.

Does anyone have a picture of their engine bay or where to get some solid diagrams? This is my first post on the forums.

I'd love to see if anyone's been in this situation, I'm sure a lot of this is common knowledge for many of this thread and appreciation any feedback. I'm no mechanic, but am fairly inclined and work in technical field. This is a project rather than something I plan to drive daily etc. I'd love to answer any questions or go into more detail if you'd like to know more. I plan on continuing this thread and sharing progress on my journey with this taco.

TLDR: Guy bought auction car, found out that he's in for an expensive project and is asking for guidance

 

Find another one that has been hit in the back.

 

I'm no body shop expert by any means, but from what I've read Toyota does not recommend straightening or repairing 3rd gen frames. A full replace is what is required, and because of the long wait for frames insurance companies are totaling vehicles that under other circumstances would have been repaired. If you decide to straighten/weld the frame and repair it I wouldn't sell the truck to anyone as you will be taking on a decent chunk of liability.

 

Completely agree... Frame should be replaced. Sounds like a huge project, especially with all missing part/components. Sounds like previous owner was on over their heads. New owner maybe as well. Not going to be a cheap date.

 

I'm curious what you paid for this truck. I mean, would the time/labor/parts be worth it to put it back together? Remember, when/if you do rebuild it, it will have a salvage title attached to it. That means the value is diminished greatly.

What I'm asking is: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

 

Did the guy pay 10k or less for the totalled taco ?

 

You may have to weigh parting it out vs. repair cost.

 

Maybe you can find a replacement frame in the junkyard that is in better condition.

 

OP how much did you pay?

 

I am very intrigued. Wish I had the time, skills, and extra cash to do a project like this. Keep us updated!

 

Welcome to the forum

You might find this thread interesting:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/copart-bent-frame-replacement.780135/

 

I ended up paying $23,267.00 from the auction including sale price, auction fees and 3rd party fees. I then spent $2,000.00 to have it shipped to me so I'm out $25,267.00 before putting any money or labor into it.

I've done a lot of the math on new parts and components, but never posted it as I was discouraged from the cost etc.. With all of the components excluding air bags and the frame I would be paying $2032.65 before shipping for all new parts. I'm still not sure whether the skirt needs to be replaced, but this is something I'm working through.

Frames are definitely a difficult conversation because I'm looking at 2019 and above due to recalls etc.. I almost purchased one for $2,000.00 , but it was a recall frame based on a VIN lookup through the dealer. As well airbags, I'm unsure how I'll end up sourcing those, the dealer has nothing in stock. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear! As far as labor, I'm not able to do it myself due to lack of space, but have found a shop that's willing to do the labor for $3,000.00 - $4,000.

At this point I see that this will far exceed my budget for the project which was 10k. I'm not sure whether to go along with it, but I'm going to give it a shot with due diligence at least.

 

Ouch! Hate to say it, but that looks like it wasn't a wise move. Last fall I bought a '20 OF DC with 53k miles and clean title for just under what it is going to cost you.

 

Wish you well with your project.

 

part out

 

Wow that’s a lot of money for a totalled truck. What parts are 2.3k? Toyota prices their parts stupidly high… and if the insurance totalled it, it must have had a minimum of 15-20k in damages ? How are you getting it down so cheap ?

that said I would probably send it through the same auction again, take the loss and the lesson. You will no way in hell fix a truck with blown bags for under 10k if you do it right