Not an accessory, need a front bumper...

[RBSOB]

Not happy here, 26 years of accident-free driving ended today when an un-licensed, un-insured 22 year-old turned right, from the left lane, across the front of my 7 foot tall, 7000 lb. '01 Ram. Heck of a blind spot I guess Luckily no one hurt in either vehicle, but my Ram will need a few new "pieces". The Ford van will need much more. Any how, since a front bumper is on the list, and I know many members go with aftermarket replacements, I'm looking for input. I've seen the ARB in the latest TDR Mag and a Denver bumper mounted. Any others out there that fellow members are happy with and any vendor contacts? Does any one know the cost of an OEM bumper vs. some of the aftermarket, I won't get an insurance estimate for repair until 2\27. Also since I am new to this accident/insurance claim thing, is it possible to get an aftermarket replacement or will I have to get OEM if insurance coverage is involved? Thanks TDR Gang, Jim G.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Originally posted by RBSOB

Not happy here, I won't get an insurance estimate for repair until 2\27.

OUCH! 2-27!!!!



Anyways Yep I believe being the truck is under 3 years of age State of ct requires you use OEM if coverage is saught. MAN! Sorry to hear!

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I just had this exact same accident on 1/29 - exactly 15 days after installing my new Buckstop bumper ( http://www.buckstop.biz ). The cavalier that turned in front of me was totalled - and not even a scratch on my truck . You can read details here: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65732

 

[Sregorb]

Check out:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=61851



You might be interested.



ps. any legal action against the uninsured pending? It'd be nice to make that practice (uninsured, unlicensed operation of a vehicle) stop... ...

Brian

 

[Chipstien]

Sorry to hear Jim. I asume you have uninsured motorist? Think you will be SOL on a aftermarket bumper.

 

[jboehm]

replaced my front bumper last summer as a result of a parking lot hit and run. . parts and labor was over 6 bills for OEM (and no, I didn't run it through the ins. co)

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I don't know about the laws in CT and I would have qualified under the 3 year rule anyway but here in Michigan I had no problem with getting the aftermarket bumper. I had an accident back in November (which was my fault - first one in my life). I'm insured through State Farm and I went to their claim center and had them write up a claim and estimate. I told them I would be doing the repairs myself (which I do every time and they have no problem with). They cut me a check for $2600. I farmed out the body work and paint because it's winter and I don't have a good indoor place to mess with the body work (normally I'd do the body work and would just farm out the paint part). I handled the rest of the repair (bumper, headlight, grill, fog lights). In the end I ended up doing the entire repair including the new front and rear bumpers for about $200 over the estimate price (no charge for my labor of course).

 

[VicR]

Just wanted to clarify one point, uninsured motorist (at least in NV) only provides bodily injury coverage if the other driver is not insured or under insured. It does not provide coverage for your vehicle. If you want that, you need to get collision.



I would suggest talking to the body shop and asking them if you can just pay them the extra when they order parts to go with an aftermarket bumper instead of OEM. If your truck is financed, whoever holds the note may have a say in the matter too - if you get the insurance co to just cut you a check you wouldn't want to have to involve the finance co.



These things change on a state by state basis, so I also suggest talking the the claims rep for your insurance company and picking his/her brain about it (or call one in another town if you want to do it informally). Good luck - the insurance lobby has been very successful in making sure the laws do not favor the individual.



-V

 

[RBSOB]

Thanks,guys

Thanks again guys, for the responses. Steve's input is a big help, having experienced the same problem. I am well insured [- $200 deductible ] and intend to replace the bumper myself if my insurance will cut ME a check, then have the other minor work/paint done by local pros, sound familiar Steve? Thanks for the links, Jim G.

 

[Sled Puller]

I just bought a John West Bumper.

Light,(about 100#) but strong, not gaudy, matches the truck very well. Laser Cut 3/16 steel.



Has D-Rings for tow hooks and a centermount Reese hitch.

As soon as I get it painted and installed, I'll post pictures.



You can e-mail the builder for pictures on his truck.

-- email address removed --

 

[mstimac]

I'll second the bumper by John West. I got mine about a year ago after the wife decided to take out the back of a Jeep. I went to an auto paint store and matched up the factory color and spayed it in my garage. Turned out real nice. I would post pictures but spend all my money on Bombs and fishing equipment, someday I'll pick up a digital camera!

 

[BFC]

Last year "we" (read the wife) had somebody back up in the front of the truck. I had no problem getting the body shop to install a Ranch Hand front end. I just paid the difference (75$from the EOM insurance estimate)



A few weeks later some lady was in lala land and decided to remodel her front end with my class five hitch, got a Ranch Hand rear end and the body shop cut ME check for 80$ 'cause it was cheaper than the EOM estimate!



Dunno about your state but here in TX it was real easy to spend the insurance money the way I needed/wanted.



Glenn

 

[Tulsa618]

Say, Jim, 'sorry to hear about your experience. I plan on replacing my Sport bumper with a Ranchhand, so mine will be available soon. Of course, it has the fog lights, and I've put in sight shield inserts to match my grill inserts. I also have the OEM grill and brush gaurd that will go with this bumper. Email me at -- email address removed -- or -- email address removed -- if you'd like me to send some pics. (I'd have already posted them if I'd ever taken the time to figure out how to do so... )

 

[onestackdram]

RBSOB,



I'm sure I'm not the only one on here that has the OEM front bumper in good condition, but I do have mine sitting in the garage and wouldnt have a problem selling it for fairly little $$$$ Its got the chrome plate, but not he fog light insert plastic. But I would imagine that you could get mine, and buy the plastic insert for A LOT less than the cost of buying a brand new one, if thats what your insurance wants you to do. Just PM me if your interested.



Russell

 

[RBSOB]

Good Insurance Settlement

Geico adjuster agreed that I should replace all damaged parts, no repairs, then cut ME the check. I've shopped around and have settled on JWests front bumper for my needs. When all is done, in about 3 weeks, I'll try to get someone to post pics. Thanks for the help TDR. Jim G.