Body Damage

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Jun 5, 2006 | 02:23 PM

mech63b

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Body Damage

The other day while I was at wal-mart someone butt-head hit my truck and took off while I was in side. I have 98 Ranger Reg. Cab short bed. Who ever hit my truck hit it right below the driver's side taillight. So does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to straighten out the dent or should I just invest in a bed that is in good shape from a junk yard and pain it to match??

Jun 5, 2006 | 03:42 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

Got a pic? Hard to respond without seeing it. Replacing the entire bed would be an extreme option unless it was just flat out hammered.

Jun 5, 2006 | 04:23 PM

RangerPilot

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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)

Exactly. We need a picture to really provide any useful advice on what's damaged, what to check, what to fix and what to replace.

RP
Zach

Park in the back...hiking sucks but I've started doing it. Too many idiots out there.

Jun 5, 2006 | 10:59 PM

mech63b

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I will take some pictures and post them tommorrrow

Jun 6, 2006 | 01:20 PM

PW01

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Having it fixed at a body shop would probably be cheaper than replacing the bed.

Jun 6, 2006 | 01:43 PM

RangerPilot

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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PW01

Having it fixed at a body shop would probably be cheaper than replacing the bed.

I split with you on this. If the bed is the ONLY problem (which that being said, it probably isn't), a matching one from a boneyard would be a bolt in deal, a couple of people could do it in an afternoon. Beer + friends = fixed Ranger.

You get into other parts being bad. Say the fender was hit below the taillight, needed to be replaced. Plus the taillight, if the bumper and tailgate was messed up (both of which could require realignment when reinstalled), then it becomes less hassle to have a body shop fix and repaint everything.

RP
Zach

Jun 6, 2006 | 03:52 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

Accidents like this are what uninsured motorist insurance is for; it's typically part of your liability insurance and is commonly purchased with your liability at the same time. The deductible in this case could be a tad higher since the accident was cause by what is known in the insurance industry as a phantom vehicle (an unidentified hit and run driver + motor vehicle damaged your owned and unattended vehicle). Call your insurance agent and have a chat. Been there, done that almost 20 years ago and to the tune of something like three grand IIRC. This incident should not raise your rates, unless you develop a habit of claims of this nature (and most people don't, so you needn't worry).

Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Jun 6, 2006 at 04:02 PM.