Hood, windshield, and roof damage - hood released on highway - repairable?

Hi all!
Long time lurker first time poster.
2006 SR5 Pre with 181k
Driving highway speeds, hood latch released, hood flew up, shattered the windshield, and bent itself over the roof, denting the roof. Filed a claim through insurance, everything was going smoothly... Until I got a call today that they want to total it.

Insurance appraiser originally estimated about $4k for the total damage and noted the roof as "repair".

Apparently after being looked at by the shop, their estimate is about $8k in damage. Citing the roof damage was worse than what the appraiser noted. I asked if the roof repair was necessary (I really just want to get it back on the road) but was told they would have to replace the roof in order to get the windshield in and that is the cause for the difference in estimates.

Unfortunately I don't have the exact amounts of what a salvage / buyout would be, guessing between $4-$8k

So: is the shop correct? The roof damage seems very cosmetic and is almost impossible to see from the inside. Does it need to be repaired for the windshield to be replaced? Is this something a DIYer could do? I'm fairly mechanically inclined and feel like I could tackle the hood, if I could get the windshield done on my own dime.

I know it's an old truck but I've put a lot of time into it over the years and the truck market is bananas right now, so I'd love to keep it if at all possible.

Very appreciative of any insight, thanks!

 

I can see the large dents in the roof, and the supporting structure must be bent to allow that. And the hood clearly flattened at the front edge when it folded onto the roof.

If the structural integrity of the roof (that funny panel that you want to protect you in a rollover) is too damaged to install a windshield, then something is wrong.

You are always welcome to get a second opinion from another shop but insurance companies have their own standards and you cannot just order them to do what you want.

 

Thanks for your reply! Understood that I can't just tell the insurance company what I want fixed. I know they don't necessarily repair-this-but-not - that during a claim. Just frustrating that the whole truck could be totaled. As for the roof damage, That was sort of what I gathered from my conversation from the collision shop. Person I spoke to said he thought the internal ribs in the roof might be damaged. I'm not sure if they took the liner off to assess internally, or just estimated that from a visual check.

 

Or you could think of the roof damage as a crumple zone that did its job ... took the hit, bent but did not break and kept the hood from collapsing the windshield (which did not shatter onto you!) and cab.

This is not a 2023 truck. While it has sentimental value to you and good resale compared to Civics of the same year, it is old.

Just my humble opinion. I will let others speak more.

 

Obligatory disclaimer that I'm yet another idiot on the internet who's had a few windshields replaced and cut a hole in their roof.

Looking at the last photo, it looks like the roof is slightly peaked (triangle dent in the middle, mismatch on the a-post). Because the windshield is adhered to the vehicle, the opening needs to be near factory specs (call it within 1/2") or the new windshield won't glue in properly and you'll be chasing leaks.

You can certainly buy it back and do the replacement yourself, but I'd expect to have to do some test fitting and metal massaging to get the replacement windshield to seal. You can also get it fairly close and then run additional caulk/sealant to close any gaps. The windshield itself is part of the cab structure so the majority of that bond should be well adhered glass with the usual butyl.

As far as support in a rollover, your roof stiffness is going to be dependent on you A and C posts, then the windshield, then roof itself. You can pop the headliner to see how the structure looks fairly easily (it takes a bit and is irritating, but not complex) - likely not that big a deal. Those internal ribs are formed sheet metal channels adhered to the roof panel (same construction as the hood) and super flexy if the adhesive is shorn... but they also get popped all the time. I'd personally throw a roof rack up there to both cover my cosmetic crimes (bodywork is not my strength) and potentially provide additional structure.

From the photos that looks repairable: it is a significant red flag that the shop who has seen this in person doesn't think it is. I'd consider getting a second estimate or bring 'em lunch and see if you can get a "not repairable without new roof" vs "not repairable to our standards without new roof" differentiation.

If you want to keep it (total and buyback) you'll have 4ish days of DIY; if you let them total it you'll have a down payment on something new.

 

Just to clarify, I do not think I would actually replace the windshield myself. Would leave that up to a shop if I can find one willing to try it. Or Safelite.

I do feel that I could tackle the hood and latch replacement. And roof repairs, if necessary. Not looking for cosmetic perfection.

What's the option for a new roof panel approximately? Is that possible to cut out the existing panel, and Weld in a new one? Just curious if anyone has experience with this and approximate cost. Would not be doing this myself either.