Rear-ended: Frame to be replaced

btj_z71 · February 4, 2016

Hi All,

I was rear ended yesterday and had the estimate completed today. Due to the frame being bent as a result of the collision, the frame must be replaced, along with the other damage. Has anyone had any experience with their frame being replaced before?

I am concerned because they will have to basically take the truck apart and then put it back together again. With all that work, there seems to be a lot of room for error in the repair process.

I bought my truck from Carmax less than two weeks ago and then this happens. I bought a 2014 Silverado Crew Cab Short Bed LTZ Z71 with 10k miles.

GeorgiaBII · February 4, 2016

It'll be ok. Just have a good shop do the work.

Mike-1000 · February 4, 2016

I guess it must be cheaper than totaling the truck. I think one of the Asian manufacturers were replacing frames on rusty trucks for a while so it's doable. I agree...look for a good shop.

Mike

btj_z71 · February 4, 2016

My insurance company suggested that I use one of their recommended shops, one of which was Joe Hudson Collision Center. It's a chain shop here in Alabama but has done good work on our other vehicles in the past. The estimate was just over $8k.

Just doing research online and found a good amount of posts regarding just what you mentioned on the Tacomas, but had a hard time finding anything on GM trucks.

Any idea how this will affect the manufacturer's warranty? Are there any warning signs I should look out for after the repair is done?

muddkatt · February 4, 2016

Just a couple of suggestions for you:

1. check on "diminished value", since the truck will be listed as major frame damage on a carfax. Alabama does allow for that to be claimed

2. Pick your own repair facility. The preferred shops are an THEIR list for a reason...they bow down to the insurance company.

3. Once the truck is repaired....trade it in that day. I say this because down the road if a problem arises, you will have to spend time and possibly your money to deal with it. What happens if the transmission go out in a few thousand miles? GM is going to blame the wreck...and can you really blame them?

If you are dead set on keeping the truck, insist that a GM dealer does the work.

Back in a Bowtie · February 4, 2016

i would also use this as an opportunity to paint the frame (if you want to keep the truck of course).

redwngr · February 4, 2016

In a shop with the correct equipment, frame replacement is not as big a deal as you are thinking.

btj_z71 · February 5, 2016

Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate your time for responding to my post. If I can remember, I'll post back here with any issues I experience and provide information on the repair process for reference for others. Looks like it could be March before they get started on the repair.

crafferty · February 5, 2016

My insurance company suggested that I use one of their recommended shops, one of which was Joe Hudson Collision Center. It's a chain shop here in Alabama but has done good work on our other vehicles in the past. The estimate was just over $8k.

Just doing research online and found a good amount of posts regarding just what you mentioned on the Tacomas, but had a hard time finding anything on GM trucks.

Any idea how this will affect the manufacturer's warranty? Are there any warning signs I should look out for after the repair is done?

I find it hard to believe that the estimate for replacing the frame and other parts is only $8,000.

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Skeeter McSkeet · February 5, 2016

A guy at work busted his front driver control arm on a well casing. I think it was the control arm, whatever it was it was welded to the frame and the only fix was to replace the entire frame. The shop took pictures step by step as they tore it down and built it back. I wouldn't worry about it as long as you have a good shop. That was several months ago and he hasn't had any issues yet. I know he was really nervous about it going into it

-Skeet

btj_z71 · March 24, 2016

Hi All,

Got my truck back today. It drives great and I have not noticed any noises or other issues. The drive from shop back to my house is about 65 miles and during the drive everything felt normal! I dropped the truck off on Monday 3/14 so the repair took about 9 days. Total cost ended up being $9,000.

jamin87ss · March 24, 2016

Wow 9k huh that's seems really cheap

pickmeup · March 25, 2016

Good friend of mine had his Tundra frame replaced on recall and his dealership did a good job. He had no issues and drove the truck for many miles . Toyota dealerships got good at it and iy did not take them very long but can't remember exact time.