WRECK - needadvice

[doctorJ]

My 18 year old had his first accident Saturday in the crusier (84FJ60) I am sending him to school with. He was in a left only lane making a left and a 2003 DodgeRam next to him on the left decided to go straight. It looks like the Dodge's wheel ran up the left front hub as there is some metal missing next to the locking ring, and the side of the chrome around the hub is dented. The locking/unlocking mechanism seems to be working. The top of the wheel well is pretty beaten up. Cruiser seems to drive well still till you get over 50 mph and then there is a distinct vibration coming from the front left. Hoping it is just out of alignment.
QUESTION is - who should I take it to for an estimate? The dealer, or a front end shop AND a body shop? What is inside the hub that might need repeair and is that chrome piece even availabel to replace?

thanks

ps - sure glad he was in the beast when it happened.

jay

 

[Doc]

I'd take a minute to call your insurance company. Mine 'strongly suggests" using ceratin body shops locally. If I use them, basically it's no questions asked on any kind of estimate. Somewhere else, it's a bit more paperwork, but nothing major.

Since estimates are free, I'd take it as many places as you have time to. Dealer is a good start if they have an on-site body shop.

 

[cahilc]

Would recommend working with 'one-do-it-all' shop that corresponds with your auto insurance, for simplicity. Still have your guard up.

Call your insurance and obtain a list of shops in your neighborhood with whom they have correspondence and business alliance.

If you are in a metro area obtain a 'consumers report' (Checkbook, Washington Area Checkbook) or equivant and cross reference the shops. Better Business Bureau, number of complaints ?

Make a number one, two, three choice from the list of shops and go for an improptu visit.

Notice the manerisms, courtesy, care of the employee's. Mom & Pop shops are usually better. Father & Son teams are even better if you can find them. If you find a 'generations' shop, Son, Dad, & Grandpa ... Bingo. Family owned shops ... are my choice. Who do you think cares about the outcome of the job ? The dude that gets paid by the hour or the relative who owns the shop ?

Ask them what paint brand they use. Glassurit, Sikkens, PPG(Pittsburg Paint & Glass), or Sherman Williams(no kidding), they will have a preference.

Ask if they can use "Spies Hecker"(sp?) paint. Watch their reply. Best stuff in the industry, IMNSHO. But it is fairly toxic to spray. Best shops use best product.

Ask them if they will oven cure the finish.

Decide now if you want aftermarket parts, used Toyota parts, or new Toyota parts. Let this be know up front and don't waver. Some insurance will require you to pay the difference between aftermarket and used Toyota/new Toyota. Know your answer up front. Let it be know to the body shop before they ask ... you may have to decide to pay the difference ... so be it.

How long are the repairs warantted for ???

Make a decision on a shop and go forward.

Hope this helps,
Cahil