Can a section of the frame be cut out and replaced if bent?

[Stephie LeRoy]

Hi,

We got rear-ended a month ago while waiting to verify the other parties insurance I had a cash estimate drawn up from a collision center we've used before.

One side of the frame is bent, the guy told my wife that there are marks on that part of the frame that can be cut on and replaced.

You ever heard of that?

I asked what would a carfax say and he smiled and said "UUUUHHHHH WELL HA HA HA Not sure". sounds fishy to me. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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[Maximus Gladius]

Get another opinion. I would not have anything cut out on my frame. There’s so much wrong with that.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

 

[bleda2002]

Would turn it in to a salvaged title most likely. I've seen and heard of it being done before where they basically join halves of totaled cars to make a salvaged title car. I can't imagine an insurance will ok that kind of repair unless it's like a frame horn

 

[CrazyCooter]

I have no idea on the JT, but I have found some weld on repair sections and mounts for other vehicles in the past. It it's done right, I don't see how this automatically is a bad thing.

Trick is....will it be done right?

 

[Stephie LeRoy]

I have time on my side. I'm just coming out of the concussion major side effects I'm hoping to get through this without having to lawyer up.

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it

 

[Maximus Gladius]

I think that takes your value$$ that’s WAY UP HERE and drops it WAY DOWN THERE.

 

[CrazyCooter]

I think that takes your value$$ that’s WAY UP HERE and drops it WAY DOWN THERE.

Absolutly go after diminished value after the repair is settled if your state allows that.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

I have time on my side. I'm just coming out of the concussion major side effects I'm hoping to get through this without having to lawyer up.

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it

The other driver is at fault. You shouldn’t be having to pay for a “cash”/half-assed repair. They should be paying for a legit repair or replacing your vehicle. And yes…if vehicle replacement isn’t on the table, they should be cutting you a check for diminished value.

Regarding the concussion…I’d consider hiring an attorney unless there are zero lasting side effects (we went through that with my wife years ago).

 

[Stephie LeRoy]

I'll have some one take a couple of pics, i'm still pretty banged up. Its on the last 12" of the frame it would not bother me as long as it does not effect the resale value, which we all know it will.

 

[PlayfulBird]

zero lasting side effects

Technically everyone is traumatized, even if only a little, and time in recovery, lost income etc.

 

[PlayfulBird]

I'll have some one take a couple of pics, i'm still pretty banged up. Its on the last 12" of the frame it would not bother me as long as it does not effect the resale value, which we all know it will.

Reminds me on the people chopping their beds :D
Honestly though, you never see all the knock on effects unless one gets gritty and also inspects it with laser measurements etc. Just make sure you get what you are owed

 

[Hootbro]

What is the other guy's insurance actually going to pay out for? Sounds like you are looking for cheap way out and making money off the deal.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I would not - parts of that frame are high strength steel. I'd bet a lot of shops would be more like other truck shops - make a piece, weld it in, use fish plates and call it done.
No way! Not this guy. Nope. Once that is done you've totally changed how that frame would behave in another collision, and anyone looking under the truck would likely walk away.
The other problem is - rust. You'd need to make sure that section was very clean inside and treat it to prevent rust. Welding negates most methods of rust prevention used by factories.
Anyway, HSS is a different animal. These frames are different animals.
It's different to weld, it's thinner than that guy is likely used to, and HSS tempers a bit around the weld each time so that weakens the HSS around the weld joint. In other words, you will be weakening the frame.
Not only would it devalue the truck to me - I'd walk very quickly away from it if it was one I was looking at.

Remember, just because you've used a collision center before doesn't make them any good. Doesn't make them experts in HSS repair, fabrication or welding.

I'd try to find a place that sold frame sections for these - that would sure be interesting! I might just look tonight and see if such a thing even exists. Doubtful - welding on a HSS frame is for experts in HSS, not just good welders.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Technically everyone is traumatized, even if only a little, and time in recovery, lost income etc.

Yes, those are standard post-accident issues. I’m talking concussion related symptoms though. For some people, it can take months to recover. Particularly for those that had one or more previous concussions.

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