Either way, I will wait until this winter to fix it, whether to just fix the new damage or take care of some small rust problems before they get worse, also. The insurance adjuster said if I get the truck fixed 6 months from now and the body shop sees it needs more work and money than expected they will send a check to The body shop.

 

Sounds like a decent insurance company. At least they say they want to do the right thing.

 

I think you would be better off having it fixed now by the guy you know and gave you a good price. Then if he gets into it and finds more damage that what was expected you will still be able to go back to the ins and have them add additional dollars to the claim. They have said the current damage is worth the $1100 if you can have him do it for $600 you have the difference for your other needs that are not part of the damage.

 

I got my check today for the damages... $1100.80.

I will probably get it fixed in November after mowing season and before the snow flies....

Now to decide if I should have him fix the rust bubbles at the bottom of both doors and the lip of the hood? I'll have to ask him how much for all of that? He charged me $2000 to repaint my 54 F-100 including the bed and fixing rust on rear fenders. For a cab, doors and hood it may be under $1100....

 

If you don't get it done now, when would you?
He has it there and you have a little extra money available. At a minimum you need to have the rust issues fixed on the damaged door.

Boy, the cost of the work on the 54 seems very reasonable. I need to get estimates on my truck....oh, it will be a couple of years though....Don't be like me. Get it done!