Thread: value of wrecked streetrod pickup?

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What you can't see in the picture is that both framerails are bent about 40 degrees to the left at about the point where the idler arm and stabilizer bar bolt up. This is behind the crossmember that the radiator sits on. The parts list of bent sheetmetal and structures (not including the chassis) totals $2058 from LMC. Two body shops have said that they can fix the frame, but I don't think I'm out of line to want it replaced, which the shops aren't interested in getting involved with.
I think the most amicable solution is going to be the insurance paying me full value minus salvage (without tainting my title) and I will personally spend the hundreds of hours necessary to put the thing back together properly with all straight, new stuff. This way I will not have to do battle over inadequate repairs done by bad-attitude, slam-it-out professionals that are being micro-managed on this job by an insurance company guy that is bent on doing it cheap. The insurance company's obligation to provide a rental car will be done when they cut a check, which could make it the cheaper way to go for them.
I have to allow them the opportunity to repair, and I will..... on my terms and by contract!