New frame vs used frame

[STEVE-O]

The problem is that the frame is a bit torn & it has been damaged in the past as well. Damn people don't know how to drive these days! I'll put some pics up tomorrow...damn rain won't let up!

 

[Tahoewhat]

Same spot it was damaged in. Changing out the frame is not a easy job. Im sure you know that, but. A good shop can fix it, if not too bad. The frame is weaker back there already if its been hit and now hit again, but its up to you. I'll wait for pics.

 

[STEVE-O]

Just got home so here's the pics...

Left



Right

 

[Tahoewhat]

Do you have a trailer hitch? Im going to say yes and that is where the frame bent. Looks worse than just the outside pic. I dont know what to say about that now. Frame changing is alot of work, you could take to frame shop and see how bad it is once they pull it out. Were you just going ahead and changing the frame? If so, i would go used, not sure how much new is, but imagine its pretty penny.

 

[Jay]

A shop that's very experienced in frame work can fix that. Simple straightening won't do it though... the metal has already been stressed too much (yielding) and will never be as strong.

With careful work the shop could lift the rear of the body off, cut off the damaged parts, source a frame in a salvage yard that doesn't have rear damage, and cut and graft in the new rails. Reinforcement by laminating plates on both sides is a good idea since all that welding will weaken the immediate area around the beads from the heat.

But, you can get a good frame in a salvage yard for under $1500. The problem is unless you do the work yourself the labor costs will be enormous to change everything over. Expect 2 days from most average shops to do this amount of work.

I know you have an emotional tie with the truck, but, honestly, if the insurance is giving you a good deal of money for the truck, take it and go find another one.

 

[STEVE-O]

A shop that's very experienced in frame work can fix that. Simple straightening won't do it though... the metal has already been stressed too much (yielding) and will never be as strong.

With careful work the shop could lift the rear of the body off, cut off the damaged parts, source a frame in a salvage yard that doesn't have rear damage, and cut and graft in the new rails. Reinforcement by laminating plates on both sides is a good idea since all that welding will weaken the immediate area around the beads from the heat.

But, you can get a good frame in a salvage yard for under $1500. The problem is unless you do the work yourself the labor costs will be enormous to change everything over. Expect 2 days from most average shops to do this amount of work.

I know you have an emotional tie with the truck, but, honestly, if the insurance is giving you a good deal of money for the truck, take it and go find another one.

The accident happened back in September of 2010 so the insurance part is long gone. They eventually gave me a much better deal than if they took it. Not worried about the labor cost because I can get a deal with a friend.

---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 PM ----------

Do you have a trailer hitch? Im going to say yes and that is where the frame bent. Looks worse than just the outside pic. I dont know what to say about that now. Frame changing is alot of work, you could take to frame shop and see how bad it is once they pull it out. Were you just going ahead and changing the frame? If so, i would go used, not sure how much new is, but imagine its pretty penny.

Just like Jay suggested I have been told to have the frame sectioned but I am not a huge fan of "mickey mouse work". That's when I decided to just change out the frame.