Carnage Report - Got hit this morning.

You gotta be shitting me?... really!?

 

Yes, the object is to "make whole" and if your 5 years old body parts are bent, the replace them with unbent 5 year old body parts. Usually, by the time they are installed and painted to match you can't tell the difference.

Body parts if not rusted or bent, with intact paint are basically as good as new.

Howard

 

I'd much rather have correct, factory used parts than new aftermarket crap parts.

 

No matter how perfect they do repairing it if it is ultimately repaired just knowing how much of the truck is getting repainted and worked on - I will be trading it in or selling it. It's a sad time - Loved this truck, lots of good times.

Should find out more tomorrow if they manage to get it on the frame machine.

I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks all for sharing good information.

 

Write off.

Get new taco!

 

Well the corner to corner (where the outer bed bolts go) are 106cm from front left to rear right, and front right to rear left. It was a quick measurement they got it on jack stands and took the bed off - tomorrow they dig in.

-So at least it looks square in the dimension (they will do the actual measuring tomorrow) the thing im worried about is the frame rail being twisted from the angle of impact onto the rear axle being able to lever the frame where the spring attaches (spring hanger is bent)

The other tire is ruined so that is at least 2 tires, and one wheel:

So for those keeping score at home:
It needs 2 new tires, 1 new wheel at least have to inspect the other. e brake cable and brake lines - so thats gotta take the 7k estimate up to 8k and they haven't even started really looking yet.

Not sure yet about the front leaf hangers but the left rear is definitely bent, the right side also looks slightly tweaked but it could be the angle of the rear axle throwing it off.

They arn't sure if they can order a new spring hanger or if they can rebend it - not keen on that idea - metal has memory.

More pictures to come.

 

New photos showing my 4 wheel steering modification.

 

I'm curious about how they will handle the mounts. Looks fixable but I agree with you, it would be hard to continue to own/drive this truck after two accidents. Mine's been in four minor benders but nothing THIS bad.... None my fault, just always seem to be in the wrong spot, much like you.

Glad you are OK. Truck can be replaced, you.... not so much!

 

Don't forget to mention diminished value because this will show up on the carfox/autocheck and trade in value is hurt drastically.

 

Subd for outcome..

 

sub, good luck

 

Diminished Value is nearly impossible to get. I had someone run into a rare somewhat modern car (only 690 produced) and was told on that vehicle it would have been tough. Was told by friend that it would have cost me WAY more in time and frustration than I could have gotten in value. It was a few years ago, but I think he said I could fight for 6-8 months and get 1-2k for it at best.

To the OP: I felt the same as you, I just couldnt keep the car after someone popped her cherry like that.

Also to the OP. Let the whole process run through before starting any repairs. If they start to put money in it, then find more stuff, it will be even harder to get it totaled. Also, you might want to consider collecting the check for the repairs (when a final number is reached), and selling the truck in the damaged condition. You might find a wheeler, or a body shop that will pay good money for it and you could end up with more money in your pocket than if you get it repaired, then try to sell it with a damaged history.

 

It is difficult, But several members on here have successfully collected diminished value.

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/how-to-make-a-diminished-value-claim-cm174744#.UWUWt6KceSo

http://www.ican2000.com/dvfaqs.html

 

If you are going through the third party's insurance, then you have a better chance of getting Diminished Value rather than going through your own insurance (which usually has the exclusion buried in the policy jacket). The best time to ask is once the repairs are completed. Any time before, they will deny it and ask you to request it afterwards, hoping you'd forget it. They will do their own internal appraisal to review it or you can hire your own appraiser if you want and send it to them as proof.

 

So rear leaf spring hanger is bent - shop doesn't want to bend it back for obvious reasons - their insurance wants to replace just the part. The shop doesn't think you can replace just the part - and their insurance is thinking about looking for a junked truck to pull the part off of. I don't think I'm cool with that. Waiting to hear if they finally make the call on replacing the frame (pushing it to be totaled) or trying the other route. At that point should I just call my insurance and have then step in?

 

The best best get it totaled write off.. the ins company is trying walk around it. I would call in your own ins company.

 

Sounds like they are definitely trying to screw you over. Getting a part from a junk yard, no!

 

It is unlikely they will be able to get that part from a junkyard...since Taco are often totaled due to the part being damaged and the "rebuilders" probably buy every one they can find, as soon as they can find it to support their work. Who do you think will repair the truck if it gets totaled? the rebuilders, and they will wash the title and produce a clean, low mileage used truck.

Howard

 

Part 14 is bent, they called toyota and cant get a good part # / order a new one. the frame where it attaches (riveted) is also bent they said.

I'm trying to track down as much info as possible as - if its considered part of the frame then replacing the frame should be in order (yes). At least that is what would make me happy. they are waiting to hear from state farm - I'm giving them today to start playing ball - tomorrow I swap in my insurance to run the show.

today makes 2 weeks, the truck is sitting only partially disassembled - They know not to do anything beyond (or order parts) until I'm satisfied we are going down the right path.

 

toyodiy.com does not list a part number for it. I take this to mean that Toyota does not sell it as a seperate part.

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_U_2006_TOYOTA_TACOMA_GRN245L-PRADKA_5151.5.htm