My 40 was hit tonite

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thetoyotaman

thetoyotaman

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My 1982 FJ40 was hit tonite in the front drivers corner while parked. The front bumper was bent back, the front quarter panel and light damaged and the cruiser was moved about 2 feet or so. I heard the crash and it was loud. The wheels were straight when parked, but after the accident they were turned all the way. A little dark and cold for a close inspection.

This board is full of great support. Any recommendations about inspecting the vehicle and things to be aware of when speaking with a claims adjuster?

Any advice greatly appreciated!
 
Thanks. I couldn't believe it when it happened especially being parked.
 
1) claims adjusters aren't there to help you, they'll screw their grandmother to save a buck.
2) know everything that's wrong before you go in.
3) have before pictures if at all possible.
4) they may even try to blame you for having parked it illegally, in a bad spot, or because your lights wern't on :D

Glad you're ok, and he damage is minor. Steering linkages, springs, axle, etc could be bent. (as well as the obvious stuff)
 
So, was able to take a few night time shots. I'm wondering about hidden damage.
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The rim is likely bent, the grill, fender supports, + ??
 
Did both wheels turn the same? Other than that it looks like you lost a bezel, signal and fender. I dont consider that bumper a loss.
 
Last edited:
It was a hit and run by a RAV4 backing up. No worries though, cops got her. The more I think about it, I think the 36" Buckshots actually stopped the RAV4 from further damage.
 
Take it to your local cruiser expert, if you have one around, for an accurate assement of damage and an estimate to repair. Use that info to get a fair amount for the damage done or just have the shop do the work. Carefull though, I had a similar situation with a CJ7 where they tried to total it for $2000.
 
I'm wondering if I should not move it until the insurance adjuster looks at it or does that matter?
 
I would recommend finding a garage where you can defrost and melt all the snow off first, then take a flashlight and a camera and a tape measure and go over everything. Make sure you take some diagonal measurements of the frame. As small a hit as it may seem, the frame of a 40 has a bend under the door, I had mine 'diamonded' there. Find level floor and measure to make sure the front corner isn't pushed back and up. Use a level.
Find any good pics of your truck showing how straight and true it was, so you have back up to verify any bends.
Good luck, J
 
Book value is only $1500-2000 right... So they could well try to right it off for a bumper and the fender.

Be prepared for the stupidity.
 
thetoyotaman said:
It was a hit and run by a RAV4 backing up. No worries though, cops got her. The more I think about it, I think the 36" Buckshots actually stopped the RAV4 from further damage.
Click to expand...

Did she back up at 60mph? Holy hell! Did she have insurance?

Now for the more important question......

Do you wheel it? :idea: If so, get some money from the insurance co for mods, bend the bumper back and straighten the fender as best you can. Maybe you splurge for a new signal light but I'm sure you can find someone here selling some....same for the fender if you want to take it that far. :D

Of course make sure the wheel isn't damaged and the frame isn't tweaked or anything like that too. :grinpimp:
 
I don't know of a dedicated cruiser shop here, but I do have a friend who is a tech at the local Toyota dealership. I need to look into who has the best shop around to check the frame for straightness.
 
Take pictures (from a distance) before you move it that way they cant bitch.

D
 
Went to the parts department and they are showing no availability of a chrome bumper, drivers fender, or turn signal. They couldn't come up with a part # for the bumper. Anyone know what it is?

I thought I had seen somewhere on mud but couldn't find it that there is a BJ4X part# for a fender that is still available too.

Are there any options for the turn signal for my year? Whats the difference between the 82 turn signal thats not available and the 75 that's available?

Thanks again for all the help.
 
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