Maybe another dead BEE

Brownie2820 · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2018 8:16 am Post subject: Maybe another dead BEE

Had a farm (big) tractor try to run over it!!! Waiting on insurance to see if totaled or not. Apparently the only real problem is the CAB. All else is easy (per adjuster) but CAB damage probably cannot be fixed. I'm sick at thought of losing it and what do I do with it then. Put new fender/door / box side and it would be fine EXCEPT for the CAB behind the door. Great drivetrain and all else is very good.

Da Beest · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 5:59 am Post subject:

I know the feeling brother. Crying or Very sad

Just looking at the photos it does at least look repairable. All the best to ya my friend and keep us posted

zuke · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 11:03 am Post subject:

Insurance might not be willing to fix it but that doesn't mean you can't, If they total it, ask about buying it back, and then look for a totaled ram for a donor cab....

lscmark · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:09 pm Post subject:

find an old school body man who fixes cars, unlike the newer replace parts type places-that cab could be fixed-a good bodyman could splice in a pillar in a few hours, keep looking for a different shop

Brownie2820 · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 8:16 am Post subject: Follow up

Insurance contacted me yesterday - offer of $4700 and totaled!

I said fine if they would provide me with the Bee's the found to establish the value of my truck (**160,000 miles but good shape).

They called back 30 minutes later with a offer of $ 8700. Wouldn't admit it but I think they finally went to THIS site and found NEW information. NOT just a run of the mill 2014 RAM!!!

After a little haggling I agreed to $7500 and I keep the Bee! (value as salvage and deductible taken out of $8700). Basically I paid little less than $1,000 to keep the BEE.

NOW WHAT DO I DO?????

Hate the idea of payments
Not sure best way to fix / sell the BEE
Maybe keep the BEE and buy another
(would have lots of good replacement parts)
Would make a great starter truck for youngster willing to do work themselves.

Thoughts??????

Posted this so you all might have more info re: value of your BEE's!!

Bee Keeper · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 12:34 pm Post subject:

Hate to here this brother, but you may just be able to fix it for $7500.00 Wink

zuke · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 11:45 am Post subject:

It comes down to your own handiness and what you're willing to do for work on it now.

Keeping in mind, it is going to have a salvage title now, so it will never be worth much if you fix it, so if you fix it, do so planning to keep it forever for yourself, or to give away to someone close to you someday.

Now, if it were my truck, first I'd check in with some of the local collision shops to see what they would charge to fix it, make it clear it's not an insurance job, That allows them to use used parts, rather than the new spec'd mopar parts insurance usually requires, and they genarally charge less to a private individual the insurance companies.

If they can't get it done for less than you want to pay (I'd say $5000) Then I'd start looking for a used cab or truck, and swap out the cab myself (This is a lot of work, by the way, But you won't be in a hurry, right?) And then get the damage to the bed fixed and get the whole thing profressionally painted.

Brownie2820 · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:37 am Post subject: last update

Checked with DMV / Secretary of State (TITLE) and law / policy says "over 6 years old DO NOT submit title to change to Salvage" UNDER 6 years old you must change it. Don't understand but it's good for me.

Checked the door and it opens and closed like original, no binding!!! Trying to get new skin on door - Window is fine, power lock is fine, seals good, etc.

Checked insurance and they will continue my policy - minus comprehensive (full collision coverage) so I'm insured and legal to keep driving.

Gotta say, Insurance has been really fair to me (I'm one of the biggest complainers of Insurance industry)

Planning to keep BEE, fix door, drive it for now, although I'm looking for new truck anyway, and maybe sell the bee down the road. Grandson wants it but his dad says NO, not 4x4 and winter roads for a beginner are a little tough.

Whatever, thanks for all the input and have a great day!!!!!!!

Bee Keeper · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:18 am Post subject:

Great news! You just may come out ahead on this deal. Wink

Da Beest · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2018 3:24 pm Post subject:

That's awesome Brownie, wish you all the best and keep us updated on your progress

Brownie2820 · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:24 am Post subject: hallelujah

Hallelujah, my truck has risen from the ashes.

Just got it back for the doctor/body shop and it's all better. Great job.

Now I need to get the box done and it all new metal!

Thanks for the words of support. Insurance was fair, body shop was fair, Bee looks good and I'm happy. What do ya want out of life.

zuke · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2018 8:54 am Post subject: Re: hallelujah

Buzzit · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2018 6:31 pm Post subject:

Awesome! Glad you worked it out and kept it.

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