Wrecked Front End Help

So this happened on my way home yesterday. I'm obviously not to happy about it because I love my truck, and was hoping for some input before the insurance adjuster comes to examine the damage. I'm really hoping it's not totaled and would like any feedback on past experiences with damage similar to this and opinions on if the damage is fixable.

Not really worried about the body damage at this point, but more the bent radiator core support and front frame damage to the passenger side. I can't get the hood up at the moment, but it looks like the radiator is cracked and leaking and I was able to start the engine soon after the accident to move to the shoulder.

Do you think it will be totaled and do you have any pointers in talking them out of that? I'd like to keep the truck if at all possible, but I am not sure what the adjuster will say about it. Any suggestions and opinions on what I should do is greatly appreciated. I will give an update after meeting with the adjuster.

 

Both fenders, hood, full paint job, radiator support, A/C lines and condenser, looks like a body mounting torn. Your truck is going to be totaled, otherwise looks like 4000-5000 to fix. If you have the space, time, and means, might be able to get more from parting it out on here. Dont let your insurance company take it, either tow it to a friendly shop for an estimate or store it at your place. Your shop then can add storage fees to the estimate.

 

With it being first gen and having frame damage I think it looks totaled.Doubt they will spend the money on a new frame.Sucks on a nice truck.

 

Your fault?Looks like a rear end job.

 

Dont answer that on a public forum.

Your truck looks exactly like mine, such a shame. Let us know if we can get some small parts off it. I would really like the instrument cluster.

 

They will total it for frame damage. Frame damage or deployed airbags is guaranteed total. It all is fixable though if you are really determined to keep it. Seeing as you live in Cali, Tacomas are everywhere. You could probably get a check from your insurance guys and go find another in no time at all. Make sure to keep your tires though! Those look fairly new still.

 

Worse case scenario, take the total money, buy it back and rebuild it. My buddy did that with his Mach1 mustang and got way more than he could have sold it for. He then fixed it and sunk money into the high HP stuff he wanted. Knowing if he sold it he would take a hit on the asking price, but he already got paid full market for it. Its almost like getting one and a half time the money for it.

 

With the frame damaged, I predict total. Sorry.

 

4000-5000! I rebuilt a whole truck from the ground up for that or less. This is an easy fix for someone who rebuild them. It's hardly hit.

 

Its salvaged bro, it will never be the same. Its cherry was smashed open like Bill Cosby's prom date.

 

To people that don't know anything about it. You guys see one little piece os bent metal and the whole truck is junk. With enough time it can be better then it ever was.

 

In Muslim countries, it would be stoned to death.

 

I had a similar wreck. Insurance did not total it. Repairs were just over 5k. I opted to have them fix it at Brighton collision center. The alignment can tabs were even trashed. They welded on some TC ones for me. On the one side anyways. I did the other side myself but they did offer to do it for an additional $400. Tons of stuff on mine was replaced. Including a whole new front clip/radiator support. Lower control arm. Fender and flare. Washer reservoir. Bumper. Grille. Mine may not have been as serious as yours though. It all comes down to what the adjuster says. Then go from there. I was fortunate to have a friend whom works for my insurance company and was the adjuster that handled it. So I was confident it'd be taken care of properly...

But, I would guess that they might lean towards a total in your case. Seeing as that bumper gusset (or whatever you call it) has been torn from the frame. That might be a little harder to fix and I doubt the adjuster will opt to have that fabricated back in place. If that's the case. Hard to say. I doubt the frame itself was affected.. If so (totaled), take the money and run. get you a better one.

 

Here's a pic of mine when I wrecked it. And a list of repairs. Can't remember if that's everything. But as you can see it doesn't APPEAR to be that bad at all. But it in fact had much more damage than I thought it would. My bumper and tire took the brunt of the hit. Thus why the cam tabs were bent flat from the wheel being pushed in. So you can expect yours to be a lot more than mine. I think if I had any more damage, they would've totaled her. So I feel imho, that the adjuster is going to say it's not worth it. Maybe you'll get lucky. But now that I compare yours and mine... I kinda doubt it. Sorry bud. It's a totally shitty and depressing ordeal and in my case got dragged out for months with insurance as well as the at fault ticket that I wrongfully received. Which I fought and won btw. If you did receieve a ticket, wrongfully, I'd research into all the laws and rules of the road and take in as much as you can and be prepared for court. I typed up a two page statement early on. Edited it over time for things I forgot to mention, as well as some of the rules of the road. Which of course the judge knows, but it shows them you have done your homework and are committed to defending yourself.. anyways.. good luck bud. Everything will work out in the end. That's what insurance is for. It's hard letting your baby go if you have to, but it's a joy to go shopping for a new toy If all else fails. Just be patient. Take your time. Get more opinions after hearing what the adjuster has to say. Then go one step at a time.

 

Going to be a lot of work. I'd say its a total but you never know

 

Part it out! Its a Socal car, that frame is worth gold to some of our Northeastern members.

@wattmelch , can i buy the cluster and bed?

 

Update?

 

Sorry I've been MIA, but here's an update...insurance appraised the damage and estimated $6300 of damage, so its a total loss. Their 2nd offer for a settlement if they take possession is $9700 and if I retain the vehicle I'll get $8300. So I'd only be out $1400 if I buy back the truck, which makes it a tough decision on whether I'm going to retain the vehicle or let insurance take it. The problem is I currently don't have the time and the space locally to let the truck sit somewhere while I repair it or part it out (most likely would repair if I kept it), so that is making me lean towards taking the money and running, but its also very hard to get rid of a good condition and well maintained truck I've been driving for 10 years for only $1400 more in my pocket.

Opinions?

 

Idk man. I would just start fresh on another one. If you have access to another ride, save up while you can and take your time finding the right one. Nice tacos pop up once in a while. keep your eyes peeled. Especially on the forum. Chances are if it's from a member here, they've taken good care of it. Or find one with a single owner like the old farts have. They are GOLD. Just need the usual maintenance, and services like timing belt water pump, then yer good. If you can't wait, I say get a beater car, and save up and continue the search.

On a side note, my friend whom is the adjuster, stopped by and I talked to him a little more about my truck when he handled my repairs. He said that I was on the verge and anyone else might have totaled it. He kinda convinced his boss that it could be fixed. He said it all comes down to a judgement call on how much he thinks it will take, as well as accounting for anything that he might not have noticed upon the initial inspection. Like if the shop had started repairs and discovered there were even more complications, then that would factor in as well. So if they thought it would take say, 4k to repair, when their "limit" is say 5k, and they discovered another 2k in repairs after starting on it, then that would be bad for them. So it all comes down to the adjusters judgement call, and those "risk factors".

 

just take the insurance money and get another vehicle. my reasoning behind this is that if you keep it and get money for it, your truck will be salvaged, and worth half of what it is now. say you fix it and it costs almost all that they gave you, day later you get in another accident. you're only getting maybe 4.5k for it. wouldn't be worth it IMO.

and taking into account you don't have the space for it, yeah. let it go try and find another truck for 1500 less than what the insurance will give you so you can put some nice little upgrades.