Repair the salvage Taco or give it up??

A

AnamolyDetected

07 Taco 4x2, 50k Miles
Hello fellow Taco enthusiasts! I am in need of a bit of advice. A good friend of mine "had" a 2007 Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab with only 50k miles on it. It was in literally show-room condition, and had been driven like a grandma would.

Sadly for him, someone ran a red light leaving a parking lot..and smashed into his front right wheel. It was a smaller car, but my friend was going about 50mph..so, the impact was enough to bend the wheel out of position. The insurance company is totaling his vehicle and giving him $19,200. Seems like a good deal for him..but wondering if I could turn it into a good deal for me too! hahaha.

I am thinking about acquiring the salvage title and truck from him in the hopes of fixing it for drastically less than the collision company's quote (which I have a copy of). Salvage value $3,861.

I think my main question is..does it REALLY need a new frame?? -That is the main expense in this quote..and the sole reason it is "not worth fixing"

I understand that without looking under the car I cant be 100% certain how bent it is, but I did briefly look at the truck..and to me, it doesn't look like the damage is terribly extensive. The truck took 90% of the impact at like a 60-70 degree angle right in front of..and then into the wheel/tire. The bumper cover broke, and the rear of the wheel well and fender is a bit damaged, just enough to not let the passenger door open/close. No radiator dmg, no hood dmg, no door dmg.

The collision center calls it a "diamond condition" for the frame..but I know frame straightening technology has gotten a lot better..what with all the fancy computers and lazers.. You guys think there is any hope?? Because..a local junkyard has the whole upper/lower ctrl arms, knuckle, wheel bearing, etc that I would need for pretty cheap. And, I have a different friend who can put it all on for some comradery and plenty of beers. But, replacing the whole frame is a different story... XD

Maybe I can turn this back into an 07 Taco that drives like new for around or under $7k!? ...who's with me!?! hahaha. But seriously, anyone wanna take a blind guess of if it will be possible to straighten this frame? Also, if I take some pictures from underneath...a good frame person should be able to tell if he can do it..yeah? Or shall I call and try to have someone from the shop come to the yard where the truck is and look for himself?

Thanks for any and all advice!! Hoping to become a fellow Tacoma owner soon :eek:
 
Frame straightening is common practice now. Be warned that salvaged vehicles can be harder and more expensive to insure. Personally I would never fix a salvaged vehicle to drive on the street but I would turn one into a race vehicle.
 
Bent frame is still a weaker frame even if you do manage to straighten it. It would never be as strong as it was originally. If it was a 4x4 you could salvage as a trail beater but being a 4x2 as whipper stated a race vehicle only, would not even attempt driving it as a daily driver. However, if you were to find a second '05~08 with a good frame but say a mangled body, you could use it for parts.
 
Also you said the rear door won't open? That would mean that the body is twisted some, I don't think it would be worth fixing as a dd. like may others have said it would only be good as a race or pre runner truck
 
Ok, thanks for the input everyone.

I would only be using the truck for work which is driving around on highways and residential roads..satellite installation type stuff. IF the frame could be bent back..is the amount of integrity lost going to make a noticeable difference in these operating conditions? I won't be going for maximum g's around corners xD Also, what about frame re-inforcement in the area? -I have heard of places that can do that also. Is it really a terrible idea??

But, if everyone thinks that is a bad idea..I will look around for a good used frame. There should be a lot around the Denver area. But, any ideas on finding someone to do a frame swap for a really good price? Cuz, it will cost around 2g in labor I'm guessing? Otherwise, it sounds like I will be doomed to keep driving a Dodge van instead :(

Oh, and..it is the front passenger door that is misaligned because of the damage to the rear of the wheel well. The "rear door" -OffroadTaco4x4? Access cab door? That one is in perfect working condition and cosmetics :D I think the frame is more bent than twisted..but, I'm no collision specialist :p

Anyways, thanks for the input guys!
 
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Oh sorry I mis understood what you said. The best option would be swapping to another used frame, but your right that is pretty expensive. I don't think it would hurt to try to get some quotes to repair the trucks frame as it is.
 
I would walk away; however, if you do move forward with the purchase I would suggest you document all the repairs and have receipts to prove what was done to the vehicle so if and when you decide to sale the truck on down the line..
 
at one point this truck was salvaged and was brought back to life, and now its better than OEM....all depends on what you plan on using the truck for and how much $$$ you want to put into it....on a side note....if you wanna make some quick cash, we do give out a finders fee when anyone finds a future project for us...if you don't buy it and want to make some quick spending cash, put us in contact with your friend, we are interested in it:thumbsup:

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Just to finish the thread...

I took pictures of the underside and went to 3 body shops that told me I should put a different frame on. I don't know anyone who would swap frames for me..so I'd have to pay full labor at a shop..So, for me, that is a deal breaker. And, my friend was anxious to get his check... Sorry I couldn't try to save it for anyone else.

Thanks again everyone for the input and advice!
Guess I will keep on the hunt, eventually I will find a great deal on a Tacoma..haha.
 
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