2010 is not a virgin anymore...

[Wertles]

So I'm getting reimbursed from the other drivers insurance without any hassle. I have ordered a new bumper and hitch combo from Reunel. It was much better priced than I thought. Now looking for a tailgate. Body shop said it would fix it over replacing it but I thought if I could find a nice used shell I'd be better off just painting that over bond and fiberglass. My search so far has come up empty. How are the primed shells off of eBay? I think I remember someone saying they weren't oem quality. I'm just wondering if they will hold up for the next 3 years or so.

 

[Troubleshooter]

First, I'm glad to hear that you weren't seriously injured.



My recommendation on a new bumper would be something with neon lights and incorporating a bale spike like this: Bale Spike | Bale Handling | Browns Agricultural



While you're at it, get some new rims too: #ad
That should get the other driver's attention!



Perhaps I'm misreading the VIN / photo discussion, but it would seem to me that the photos would be necessary to document the condition of your vehicle (tire tread remaining, etc) as well as any mods that you have made, in order to better recover your losses if the vehicle is totaled out.



Regards!

 

[HBarlow]

I don't know the source of eBay tailgates but I would be suspicious as you are.

Years ago I crunched a tailgate on a '94 Furd F-250HD and bought one of the cheap knock off tailgates. It turned out to be flimsy pos that would bend under the weight of a normal size man if it was down and someone sat on it like a seat.

Beware!

 

[Missouri Mule]

I was rear ended Monday 25th going home from work by a young man in a small SUV. Felt a thud ( My Mom did not appreciate my French) got out thinking I just lost my bumber (after I put the parking brake on). Walked to the back of the truck and to my surprise the bumber was Ok. Looked at the front of his vehilcle. He had the impression of my reciever right above his bumber. Told him no problem got back in and drove home.

 

[Wertles]

Years ago I crunched a tailgate on a '94 Furd F-250HD and bought one of the cheap knock off tailgates. It turned out to be flimsy pos that would bend under the weight of a normal size man if it was down and someone sat on it like a seat.



Beware!

That's what I expected for 150 dollars. Sometimes you just get pleasantly surprised and find out something is just as good/better than oem and cheaper. NOT going to put a tin can tailgate so the search continues. I would go the fifth wheel tailgate route but those louvers just don't keep the snow out in the winter very well.

 

[Beast2B]

Truck is back, without a rear bumper until the Reunel is done in a couple weeks (the truck is sitting in the driveway waiting... ). $2900 total to insurance. The estimate was for the stock bumper/hitch and both sides of the bed repaired and recleared. The body shop cashed me out on the factory bumper and hitch which is going toward the Reunel. I opted to just touch up the right bedside since the ding is under the bumper anyway and put some of that money towards painting the tonneau cover white. I came away with ~$200 in my pocket after it's all said and done, so I'm a happy camper.

BTW, the vibration wasn't an issue. I had the truck put on the frame rack and it was perfect. Turns out the road I was on is rutted enough that I felt the chattering at 15mph! I am usually going 30-35mph and not hyper-sensitive when I drive it, so that's good news.

 

[MisterBean]

Awesome!!!

That's AWESOME, Galen!!! I'm happy for you that everything worked out for the best!!!



Mark

 

[Regcabguy]

I need to get a decent bumper on mine. SoCal traffic is fairly nuts and it would be fine to be on the giving end. Lots of expensive components up front especially. I saw a new Top Gun bumper installed on a '95 today and it definitely looks like it'd take mine out easily.

 

[Wertles]

Nice! I also ordered a Ruenel and looking at about a month wait. I'll get my truck fixed at that time.