swap shop questions

[ramsalot]

Hi all,



I have a question regarding diesel swapping. Does anyone know a good shop (in the northwest) or anywhere for that matter. I am looking to find out what it will take to duplicate a vehicle we just lost. (Long story short: A F. . ing log truck rear ended my brothers 68 GMC. The driver didn’t even have time to brake and was traveling at approx 55mph and my brother was rolling behind someone turning into a driveway (5mph). Total loss of the truck (grace of GOD he wasn’t killed) The truck was very cool, 68 GMC long box 2wd with a Detroit 453NT (turbocharged) and a Clark 5 speed.



Sooo, does anyone know of a shop that can give me an estimate on the cost of a swap like this. I’m looking to establish market value or something like that.



Thanks a bunch.



Andrew



P. S. Any tips on dealing with the insurance adjuster?

:-{}

 

[Paychk]

P. S. Any tips on dealing with the insurance adjuster?

:-{}

Depending on how long you've known your writing agent, they can help mediate on your behalf, especially if you've been with them a long time.

 

[jlast]

accident

I was in somewhat in the same boat with an accident. That was not my fault. I had a custom built drivetrain (by me), in a truck. Basically the insurance came to me and talked about giving me close to Kelly Blue book value! which was something around $4000! After a independent adjuster came and looked at the truck.



I told them that I would not settle for that, I ended up getting TWO apprasials for the truck, one was a local restoration guy that deals in the exact model and type my truck was, the other was a large nationally known dealer that specializes in the type of truck I had. One apprasial cost me $150 the other was free, both were accepted at the insurance. Apprasials for my truck was $6500 to $7500. I settled for $5700 with buy back of my truck. I only had just over $4500 in it, got everything I had money in back and was unharmed, all I lost was the front hood, frame, radiator, passenger fender. I am currently rebuilding it.



I imagine you might deal with the same thing as far as a older truck, custom drivetrain. I suggest the same route as I took, find some people to apprasie it. Ask around, to find someone that deals for diesel conversions to right up prices for a conversion, aprrasial for the truck only, show as many recipts, time spent working on it times the average rate, and aftermarket parts, etc... I have three or four files for my one truck. Write up anything worth money or you spent money on the truck, tires, rims, custom driveshafts, radio, shocks,etc. . I just went to the local 4x4 shop and had them write my truck up with what it had on it, the priced everything new and gave me the sheet.

When I got it appraised I had three pages of just aftermarket parts, or anything I spent money on to give to the apprasiers, PLUS the recipts I did have for all the engine work, etc...



The insurance company will try to settle for the lest amount possible of course, just stand tall and tell them NO, until your satisfied. I always hear that they dont like when you suggest that you might have to talk with your lawyer to get it settled. My insurance agent told me the best words of advice about settleing on my truck :



IF they dont offer what you want take the lesser amount, but when it comes time to settle on the pain and suffering settlement you remember that amount of money you lost and mulitply it a couple of times, add it to what ever you injuries and such are worth, and in the end you will be happy! and with the last laugh.





I suggest taking pics and send them to other people to see if they can help with apprasials, before and after the accident. I sent about ten pics to the person the apprasied mine. Get online to popular dealers in that vehicle, the should be able to appraise just the truck without the dirvetrain, then someone else to appraise the drivetrain, or maybe someone to do the whole thing. I am sure you had to purchase some restoration parts for the truck so anyone that sells parts might also deal in them and could help you out.



I dig up some old chevy truck links to see if I can pass some along in a bit, but this thing just got way to long.



This mess is still recent event for me as I wrecked mine less then 10 months ago, settled the truck in a month, had to wait 3 more weeks for the dang check. was out of work for 2. 5 months.



jlast



let me know what else you might need, I got tons of stuff, suggestions, etc. . that might help

 

[tgbol]

A friend had a car that was souped up pretty good and fairly low mileage. When a drunk took it out the insurance company wasn't going to pay what it was worth. He told then the insurance company "you replace it". His wife took out an ad in the local paper to sell a car pretty similar to his and at the price he wanted. He took the paper to the insurance adjuster who called the number in the paper. The car " had been sold and I got my price" The insurance company cut him a check for what he wanted.

 

[ramsalot]

Thanks guys!!



Ill keep this thred updated and any other input would be very much appreciated. I think I am going to get an education.



Andrew

 

[Sled Puller]

Enterprise Engine or Blue Chip Diesel should be able to help on that type of deal.