My 40 was hit tonite

[thetoyotaman]

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!

 

[DAD2SIX]

I would check the steering linkage tierods ect to see if they where bent. Check for a bent wheel as well.
Sorry to hear that it got hit. Good luck

 

[thetoyotaman]

Thanks. I couldn't believe it when it happened especially being parked.

 

[bikersmurf]

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

Glad you're ok, and he damage is minor. Steering linkages, springs, axle, etc could be bent. (as well as the obvious stuff)

 

[Pearly]

Don't accept their first offer, either! They will usually go in low, so be prepared to haggle!

 

[thetoyotaman]

So, was able to take a few night time shots. I'm wondering about hidden damage.

 

[bikersmurf]

The rim is likely bent, the grill, fender supports, + ??

 

[hairy_apple]

Ouch. It takes a lot to do that to a cruiser... they are pretty stout. Did the person that hit it take off?

Sorry to see that, that sucks. I would be PISSED as hell.

 

[platypusREX]

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.

 

[thetoyotaman]

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.

 

[Mopdog]

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.

 

[Poser]

Get the snow off of it.

Get it inside someplace and LOOK IT OVER WELL.

 

[thetoyotaman]

I'm wondering if I should not move it until the insurance adjuster looks at it or does that matter?

 

[cruiserpilot]

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

 

[bikersmurf]

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.

 

[Bang Bang]

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.

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

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

Do you wheel it? 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.

Of course make sure the wheel isn't damaged and the frame isn't tweaked or anything like that too.

 

[D'Animal]

I second that you should take it to someone who knows LandCruisers.

In addition to the obvious, ask them to make sure the axle housing is not bent.

 

[thetoyotaman]

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.

 

[darwink1]

Take pictures (from a distance) before you move it that way they cant bitch.

D

 

[thetoyotaman]

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.