what's under the dash

So I posted a different thread in the general discussion forum about a branch hitting my first gen tacoma while I was driving it. Luckily it sounds like my insurance is going to pay to have everything repaired (probably) and one of my biggest concerns is all of the components underneath the front panel/dashboard. The branch basically struck the bottom of the windshield, right on top of the dash, with a ton of force. The stereo screen, the cup holders, and the fuse box cover flew off. Obviously I'm worried things are broken in there and I want to know everything that lives there so I can ask questions and make sure everything's working. Obviously there's the speedometer and the rest of the display panel, air bags, heater core, stereo, a lot of cables, and the fuse box. What else could have been damaged by the hit? It's a 97 3.4l 4x4 standard transmission DLX. Thanks

 

Wow!

Miles on truck?

Is the dash top broken?

Is the passenger door damaged?

It appears the driver A pillar is bent, or am I seeing that wrong?

 

250k miles. I did not see any damage to the top of the dash but the windshield is smashed on top of it making it difficult to see. Not to mention the cab is full of glass and not a place I felt like being. Currently the truck is at a shop. That pillar is definitely bent and I think the passenger door is alright but I'm not sure.

 

The A pillar position is important for the glass to fit and seal correctly. And not particularly easy to do being attached to the roof.

Almost 30 yrs old , the mileage, the damage makes me (sadly for you) see it being totaled.

 

The bent pillar makes it a moot point, it's totaled, to repair that properly would be too expensive.

 

What is the estimate for proper repair
Is it more than $10k

 

Can't say but it will likely be excessive. Probably better to replace the cab if you go that deep into fixing it.

 

Make sure they pull the dash and wipe the broken glass out of the vents. Prob need to take all of the duct work apart.

They won't know the damage unless they do a complete teardown. Everything broken needs to come off. If you are interested I can take a look at the estimate and the teardown photos. I've been in the industry for 20yrs.

Chances are it's going to total, just because of the age. It's doesn't seem to be major damage, just alot of stuff to take apart and parts add up.

 

what is the ACV for this tacoma?
i recently ran the #s on a 97 tacoma at JD power book value tables and this taco could very well have an ACV in the mid to High Teens?
then the adjuster takes that and applies some percentage to ACV and compares the repair estimate to determine if it is a complete total loss?

 

In the past I have negotiated a fair market ACV for totaled vehicles that were very exceptional prior to getting hit. It takes time. I negotiated with an insurance company for 6 months once until they just gave up and cut me the check I wanted. Claims adjusters really want to settle quickly but if you don't need a replacement vehicle (or the cash) you can use time as leverage. Just my experience.