Fender bender

[Seabean]

Well, someone pulled out in front of my son and he hit the car in the rear quarter panel. He has an ARB bumper which pushed back on one side and did some mild body damage, broken head light, and bent bumper.

Being new to the land cruiser world, I was wondering the best course of action and any recommendations for body shops to handle this. I doubt there are new parts for replacements, so do I need to start sourcing used parts? For minor his damage, should expect them to repair it, or ask for an undamaged hood and have it painted.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[offr0adlim0]

Unfortunately the insurance company will more than likely want to total it due to age. With the ARB bumper being the winch version it does not have crumple zones so for it to be bent that close to the body the frame rail is more than likely tweaked as well. Don’t know of any body shops out your way but out here the are a few I would recommend. Has an adjuster come out to take pictures or work up an estimate yet?

 

[Seabean]

Unfortunately the insurance company will more than likely want to total it due to age. With the ARB bumper being the winch version it does not have crumple zones so for it to be bent that close to the body the frame rail is more than likely tweaked as well. Don’t know of any body shops out your way but out here the are a few I would recommend. Has an adjuster come out to take pictures or work up an estimate yet

We haven't spoken to an adjuster yet. I was afraid that the bumper may have hurt the frame rail. That would suck, we were really hoping to get this rig polished up and built up over time. We will see what the adjuster says, and make some decisions. I know my son is going to want to keep the vehicle and try and repair, he loves his truck.

 

[Clutchee]

Ok, my thoughts:
Put chain on edge of arb and pull it out till clears fender.
Then sand and touch up painted areas. Replace the lens and roll out.
Based on age of vehicle and time, fix it easy and let it go.

 

[wngrog]

Clutchee speaks the truth. Winch it straight. Roll on

 

[Bang Bang]

I agree with Clutchee and Nolen. Pull the bumper out, replace the marker light and drive it. If the damage bothers you, there are always folks parting out these rigs. Gather the parts (fender, hood, front valence) and then replace them once you have everything. Going the insurance route may very well lead to a salvage title.

 

[Seabean]

Sounds like handling this ourselves is the best approach. I was hoping that if we sourced the parts ourselves, the insurance money could be used for a new paint job. Although, I have not wanted to do much cosmetic work until he is out of college, I am assuming the next few years may be a little rough on the truck and then when he is out of Oxford, we can begin making it shiny again.

Thanks for the advice