Rebuild vs Scrap?

Hello TW!

I was recently in an crash, and wanted some opinions on what to do with my truck. I took it to an auto body shop, and they wanted more than the truck was worth to fix it. After looking at the quote, I started thinking it might be a fun project to try and put it back together myself.

The major issues;
Front bumper & grill
Radiator support & Radiator
Hood & both front fenders
Airbag

I'm not a super mechanically inclined guy, but I feel that the scope of work is feasible. Am I being overly optimistic? Should I part the truck out and get a newer model. Any and all advice is welcome.

thanks!

 

There may be more to it than you're expecting. Take a look underneath at each frame rail, if they are not kinked (which would require relacement), then they are likely shoved back some. This would require a frame machine to repair. You'll likely need to replace the radiator, fan assembly and the a/c condensor. Other than that, the rest is just bolt on body panels and painting.

 

Also, I would have a dealership handle the airbags as most shops around here do that anyway. Also, I'm guessing your seatbelt pretensioners deployed (the belts don't retract any more) they will need replacement as well.

Both mounts for the lower tie bar on the frame are torn. Some manufactures do not sell those separate from the front frame rail sections.. that is not cheap.

 

Thanks danbow,

I would get the air bag and seat belts replaced by a professional.

The mounts on the frame rail are both torn, but the rest of the rail appears straight. I know some welders, or is that a no no when it comes to auto repair?

Based on your comments it sounds like I'm in over my head.

 

The Frame rail is the safety item, not the mount for the lower tie bar. I have seen some instances where you can get just the mount and weld it to the frame rail... the mounts on your truck look bad enough that I wouldn't just repair the one's you have. The issue may be that the mounts are not sold separately from the frame rails. I'll check and get back on that.....

 

Ok, you can get those mounts separately
R side part# 51701-35150
L side part# 51702-35130

58.84 each

I would still have a shop set-up and measure to confirm the frame rails aren't back a little bit.
Check the gaps between the doors and the fenders also, If the gaps are tight this could indicate that the frame has some damage.

Honestly, that is going to be a lot of money just on parts.... I'd probalby let it go, either that or it would make a good one to convert into a trail rig.

 

Fix it yourself. If you have someone with a welder and other tools, you can make the brackets for cheap.
Use a friends truck for measurements. If the gaps between the doors & fenders are good, more than likely you're good.
Be sure to check everything.
Before working on the airbags, disconnect the battery.

Good luck.

 

I found a place that sells the brackets for 48.62 a piece. All you have to do is cut the old one off and weld new one on. The rest is just bolt on parts. Radiator and ac condenser and what not are easily attainable. I just went through this and only spent $500. Which at that point is cheaper than most insurance deductibles. Rock auto will be your best friend