Destroyed At 3:00am last night my truck was destroyed by a hit and run driver. It was parked at my house when I heard the crash, I jumped out of bed and got the plate # from this douche bag who is now in custody, with a hit and run charge and DUI. I should I approach his insurance co. I would like to keep the truck but, I'm not sure if it's repairable. Should I ask his ins co to find me another one. Will a body shop fix this or is it to old? Any suggestions. http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/ranger6/IMG_2717.jpg
The Insurance Co will Total it..... due to the fact the parts are not readily available, they might give you $500 bucks... but don't quote me.... If his insurance wants off easy that's what they will do. but! IMO Yes pursue the insurance Company if they do total it you can buy it back from them with a salvage title as the registered Owner.. Dude It looks like Crap but you can fix it. If you have the welding skills or friends that do. you will have to replace all those Parts... but it can be done they are just Hard to find.. But with a little diligence you can find them...
I think the frame is straight. I went to the dudes house looking for information but he was in jail. His little brother gave some information. The driver called me an hour ago saying we should talk about it. I told him the only thing we're talking about his insurance information or it's small claims court for him. He wasn't to happy and hung up. Must be the hangover and the slap on his windshield from his head. I went to the tow yard and took photos of his vehicle as well. We see how this turns out.
what about your insurance Company? I bet like me you only had liability insurance right... So unless he has insurance your probably azzed out. but if he has insurance your company should be able to chase him down. but there again you still need his insurance info so they have someone to contact. Did you call the cops and get a police report?
MAN.... that sucks. Let me know what you end up doing. I know we have a couple trucks down here at a pick n pull. Atleast he didnt mess up those new wheels n tires!
Yes they caught him. He has insurance. And yes two rims have damage. I will purchase another out of my own pocket and buy this one back from the insurance co. Then remove the parts I want and scrap the rest or you guys can have it. The drivers side lwr A arm is broken off, which probably means the frame is bent and I'm not sure how to tell if it is.
Ouch! That whole situation just blows... One beautiful truck wasted... But hey, if you get it back and want to part it out, Let me know. There may be a few things I'll pick up from you! (like the windshield and seal! and I'm sure I can buy a few odds and ends off of it!)
Wow Matt, this is truly depressing. My only advise is if you have an insane infatuation with the trucks, then consider doing your own work on the truck, paying a shop would be insanely expensive. As far as the frame you'll have to get measurements of a square frame and compare them to your frame measurements. Parts are scarce for those truck, which makes them expensive. Another option is to take the insurance money and buy yourself a newer generation truck. More parts available. DON'T accept insurance first offer unless you feel your getting paid back for truck and wheels cost, the truck wasn't in showroom condition so you do have to be flexible (1000.00 +) Continue to hang out on the forum people are posting craiglists finds and ebay finds outside your immediate area so you may find a deal that way. If you like conspiracy theories, I think your neighbor was jealous and got a friend drunk so he would smash into your truck. IDK could've happen. Real bummer though EDIT: DELTA 91/2 weeks is selling a 70 something truck, in fact, 2
Hey Matt I agree with Mike... Try and do your own work.....If you was closer to my place I would lend a hand in helping you bring it back..I have a lca and whole frame section if you wanted to cut it and splice it in... If you were to decide to Z the frame so it laied out that would be a good time to replace that section of frame.. Anyway Good Luck with what ever you decide.
FYI, I may have a lead on a 78 truck w/bad engine. I'll let you know price and if I can get any pictures! I'll also keep an eye out, as a few people here know I'm fairly good at finding stuff on the cheap.
What do you think: $ 300, it has a 20 r block with a 5spd, 4:10 open diff, has an extra hood and doors. Battery mount in bed, 6 point cage tied to the frame.
Let me know where it is or photos. I can swap out my motor and 5spd. There's a nice 84 on Craigslist on Whidbey for $1300. I'm not waiting for Ins $. I'm just waiting for them to see if I want to buy mine back and for how much $. I would think if I told them to replace mine it would be $1500-2000. Buy it back for $200 When you tell an insurance co to replace it, it's something they will play hardball about.