My 40 was hit tonite

[thetoyotaman]

I've read your thread. You have a very nice 40.

So, the appraisal company has put everything on the estimate now except for the steering/suspension issues. They want to have a shop quote to outline this. Why is it that a body shop can write an estimate for body work but are completely helpless when it comes to mechanical issues like the steering/suspension?

 

[bkfj40]

I wouldn't want a body shop messing with my steering. Do you have any specialty cruiser shops around you?

 

[thetoyotaman]

Well, I ended up going to a tire shop that does steering/suspension as well and got an estimate from them. Let's just say I already know what's wrong and had to give them a cruiser education. As soon as I can get these supplements straightened out then it's off to get the frame checked.

Does anybody know anything about frame machines? How big a deal is it if the frame machine is computerized and doesn't have my 40 in it and they measure it out the old fashioned way?

 

[thetoyotaman]

So, body shop is booked until March. Will hopefully get it on the frame machine then to get checked.

 

[HvyJet]

That doesnt look bad

Doesnt look bad to me in your pictures. I was hit from behind at a light in my 78 years ago and almost fainted when I stepped out of the truck to survey the damage. What I saw was a Prelude with the hood wrinkled in two so much I could not see the driver. My first thought was holy cow my Landy is totaled.

Well the driver fell asleep on the off ramp and smacked me about 30 mph in the RH rear tail light and reflector area. The tail light was smashed and the frame around it was curved under along with the reflector being bent. As for the body, believe it or not, there was paint scrapped away in the radius of the body just above the tail light and that was it.

I ended up at the dealership for all of the work and cannot tell where it was ever hit. As for the Prelude, I gave her a ride home since hers was on the back of a tow truck to be totaled.

I seriously doubt from your pictures you have more than body damage, these are really tough,,,,,,-remember why we bought them?

I would do no less than OEM on everything and let the dealership or who ever they recommend for the work. Looks like a nice truck and would not be right bolting on some Taiwanese items if oem is availble.

As for value just refer USAA to the recent Barrett Jackson auction!

Lastly, really would like to hear how USAA does...I ve been USAA for over 20 years and hardly a complaint I have heard.

 

[thetoyotaman]

I don't think its that bad either. I do think the frame is slightly tweaked. After getting it checked, then its time to decide about what to replace the bumper with and whether to fix or replace the fender. I'm still wondering about those Japanese replacement turn signals v. Toyota, if there is any real differences.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Speaking of Fenders, does anyone know if there were different part#'s for the drivers side fender over the years? My particular year is discontinued. I know there are aftermarket options too, but want to double check this as well. Thanks.

 

[SteveH]

A decent frame shop will not need a computer to fix an FJ40. I had a shop do my FJ45 and I even gave them dimensioned drawings from a Toyota manual, and they just did it their way, and it turned out great. But, you need to ask around at some hot rod and alignment shops and get consensus on who is the best frame shop in your area.

 

[thetoyotaman]

I have an appt next month with a shop that is in very high regard here. They were telling me about a 1929 hot rod they straightened the frame on recently. I was thinking the same thing about providing those FSM drawings.