Hit a deer last night with my '00 Ranger. Since I only had liability insurance all repairs will be up to me.

Here's pictures of the damage.
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resi...JVQCZiPJc7qWhY

Right now body shop is in the $3,100 - $3,400 price range depending on if they blend the paint between the hood and fenders.

Looking at LMC Truck, I'm at $1,050 in parts:
Hood (aluminum), Hinges, Latch Radiator support, Grill reinforcement panel, Grill, Various fasteners, Ford emblem, Headlight & Park light assemblies, Headlight adjuster, Condenser, Radiator, Plus paint and hidden stuff that I can't see.

Fenders and bumper are good, and don't need replacement.

Question. Is the radiator support a bolt in unit, or is there cutting/welding to replace it?

Truck is approaching 164,000 miles.

Thanks for any info/advice

 

You can remove the radiator support. When guys want you upgrade to the 04+ style grill and hood they have to change the radiator support to the 04+ that way everything bolts in correctly

 

Have you thought about finding parts at a local junkyard?

Around here they are all over, and cheaper than new pieces. Just a thought.

 

Thanks, might make it easier for me.

Last time I was in a yard near me, there was nothing good enough to use.

 

I could not display the picture, so am commenting 'in general'. Used or boneyard or recycled parts cost about half the price of new. With 164k on the clock, is it worth putting new fenders, hood, etc on? Here, you can find a complete Ranger for $1200 to $5000 in a quick perusal of craigslist. To me it doesn't make sense to put that much money into a vehicle that old.
Limiting my search to 2000 model year, I got 51 vehicles for sale. There's a lot to choose from, and you might be better off selling yours and buying another. Or buy one and use it for parts. You might even get the paint to match. Removing the model year limit, searching for Ford Ranger, I got 428 entries. There are a lot out there...
tom

 

WOW! It doesn't seem like a deer could do that much damage! If it was mine, I would look for a similar year Ranger with a good body but a blown engine. I think changing an engine would be easier/cheaper than putting body parts on. I am not a body man but changing the radiator support looks like it could be a challenge.

 

OUCH! deer are everywhere in my neck of the woods, gotta be careful out there this time of year.

 

Do you by any chance have a comprehensive insurance that covers glass breakage, fire, theft etc? If so, that coverage often times will pay for damages done when striking a wild animal.

 

Dan, We were only carrying Liability. I know that wasn't a good choice by us...

Anyway, truck is going to the body shop because I do want/need it back on the road. I just don't have enough hours in a day and skills to fix it myself.