Not good. The low balled the trucks value at $1500, I fought them up to $2,000 and took a check for $2150. This is more than enough to get it fixed but that is with me doing most of the work, my neighbor who owns a body shop, etc. I basically needed a fender, bumper and grille surround.

In CA they are allowed to base the value on 3 things: 1) similar vehicles within a 90 mile radius 2) Similar vehicles sold in a 90 mile radius and 3) A licensed dealer 'estimate' of the value. I could not find any 78' 4x2 Lariats within a 1000 mile radius let alone 90 that were in similar shape. I found a few show quality trucks and a ton of beaters. They went with the dealer estimate which was one for $1500 and one for $2500. I am supposed to goto the DMV and license it as a salvage title, but I have not gotten any notices from them. It sucks. I don't mind the title deal as it's a family truck and won't ever be sold, but just dealing with the insurance companies who set out to screw you. They under value and over estate the repair costs so they can 'total' the truck. BTW, their estimate to repair my truck was $2700.

I got a bumper from LMC $200, Fender off of craigslists $80, and am debating on the grille suround. I have gotten two used ones, but they are not in the shape I like-pitted, dented. I hate spending $600 for a good one, but I may. My buddy will paint the fender for somewhere around $300-500.

I forgot to add, I only had liability and theft on my truck. If I had collision, my insurance company would have fought for me, since I didn't, they said your on your own.

 

That blows, I hate it for you.

 

Yeah, That's what I was talking about. My brother's father in law works at a collision repair shop. They always charge ridiculous sums for any job, I mean you should get a "happy ending" for the amounts they charge. They never bang out dents, they only replace panels. They do darn good paint jobs, but that's easy when you have the facilities they have. Gravy work.

 

Thats too bad, and such a sweet looking truck too! So what did the other driver have to say for him, or herself? Oh, let me guess talking, or texting on the cell phone?.............

I know no one thought to tell you this, but when you deal with the insurance company, "stand your ground!".

 

These guys are right when they say youre probably in for a fight. Since its not "you're" insurance company , rather someone elses, they will try and total your truck based basically on its age. To them, its just another worthless old jalopy truck and they could care less.
But since in reality its such a nice truck, and such an older one at that, find a reputable restoration shop, or a body shop that frequently works on older vehicles. Older trucks are much different than newer ones, and chances are that a shop that always does newer cars won't be prepared to give you the results you are after. As for replacement parts, Dennis Carpenter has the best ones because they bought up the original tooling from Ford when Ford discontinued the parts. That is also why NOT to go to a Ford dealer- they are used to new cars, not old ones. Ford doesn't even make the parts to fix it anymore. You have to get used parts or aftermarket ones.
Something else to consider, is going to a restoration shop to get what I beleive is called a "pre accident evaluation". They can look at it and give you a written document of what the value of the vehicle was before it was wrecked. It may cost you some cash to get done, but well worth it if the insurance co. trys to total your vehicle. Its a good weapon to help you fight with.
Also dont forget that most body shops now use base coat/ clearcoat 2 stage paints, and if yours is original paint it is just a single stage paint. Make sure they use the right type of paint to match the rest of the truck. If base/clear is used it will probably be alot glossy-er and deeper looking than the original finish on the rest of the truck, and therefore will not match.
Once you and the insurance company agree on a price, make sure they write the check out to YOU ONLY, and not to the body shop. This way you can take it to any shop you want, AND the shop doesn't get paid until after your satisfied with the work. Some ins. companys cut the check to both you and the body shops names, but then your stuck with what you get - "So what if your not not happy with the work we did to the truck, we already got paid for the job, so its done." Also don't let them force you to get a reconstructed title, because that will destroy the resale value of the truck. If they consider it total'ed, they may brand the title. Its a tough ride and I wish you the best, but DO NOT LET THEM TAKE THE TRUCK! Do not let them total it, and get someone YOU want to fix it, not their guy. Stay strong and keep your head up. Hopefully things will work out for the best. Best of luck to you.

 

Here is my opinion. Yes, you are probably headed for a 'Fight' with the insurance. The age of the vehicle alone will be very tough to overcome. I have a very good friend as an insurance adjuster and here is what I have learned from him. Don't get belligerent with the adjuster. If you give him a hard time, he'll give you a hard time right back and he will have a much bigger stick. He can be your best friend or worst enemy. A lot of times, they are handcuffed by the law, but they do have some leeway. You want him/her on your side. Present a sensible case, have paper work to back up your statements, don't be unreasonable and keep your cool. Tell them what you would like to see happen (truck repaired, maintain clean title, etc) without the drama. Remember, they have a lot more money and lawyers for days.
One other thing to remember, a vehicles value is not determined by what you think its worth or how much work you put into it, it's what the other person would be willing to pay for it. When those numbers don't match, sometimes that's a hard pill to swallow. Based on the numbers alone, 80% of these trucks shouldn't be on the road. We do what we do with these trucks because we love them, not because it make a lot of financial sense. I hope I didn't offend anyone, just my opinion. I love my truck, I love working on my truck. But I have no delusions about what would happen if it was involved in an accident.

 

Good points made here. The first thing is find out if your insurance company will be fighting for you. Number two is you don't have to take it to 'their' shop for repairs OR an estimate. No matter how much they want you to, it's called 'steering' and is illegal.

 

They tried to screw me on this one,but they had another thing coming.It was one hell of a battle(8 months worth),but a least I came out on the winning side with just a few battle scares.Don't let them beat you down!
netsnapshot.com: az-zbum's album Zer - Sam

 

Bro I am surprised you lived! I hope you got some pain and suffering. I would assume they totaled that baby.

 

Yes they did,just about everything was bent or broke.Oh yea, seat belts do save lives.I am a pirme example of that.It good to be alive.... Good luck with it all

 

Unfortunatly this is all too common treatment from insurance companies. The only protection we can give ourselves is have a certified appraiser inspect and value the vehilce before we have an incedent. They tried to write mine off many years ago after it was broken into and had the stereo stolen, The stereo was worth 3 grand and the truck they said was worth 1500 tops,and it was mint.
As for your truck, find a shop that speacializes in older repairs. It makes a huge difference in quality of work. These guys do it for the love of old vehicles more than the money, at least that's my feeling. I'm rebuilding a 71 Dodge (for a customer, I don't own Dodges) and I'm really having fun again, and most of us work this way. A regular shop is just in a rush to make money and don't appreciate old vehilcles.
Well good luck with yours.