Repairable?

[Egress555]

Involved in a accident, at first it just appeared that the factory bumper was bent slightly. When I went to take off bumper it wouldn't budge, had to hook it up with tow strap to pull it off. When I took off bumper noticed that one side of frame at front was slightly lower than other. Looks like it may be off about a half inch. Other side appears to be fine. Already have new steel bumper but I know it will not go on till frame is fixed.

Took it to one shop so far and they said it would probably have to cut and weld new frame part on, but guy didn't seem like he even wanted to do the job.. Looking at where it bent, do you think it is possible for a shop to heat up frame and bend back on a frame machine?

Sponsored

 

[AcesandEights]

Repairable. The pic looks borderline, like it's kinked, but that's probably just perspective, so if it's not kinked, repairable. If it's kinked, it'll tear. If it's an approved repair, to section the frame, repairable.

 

[Egress555]

AcesandEights, I hear you appreciate your reply. Figured I'd ask other Jeepers their opinions that I'm sure know more than I.

 

[Ratbert]

Was the accident your fault? I'm no expert, but seriously consider having it totaled. My experience in that area is that they don't "fix" frames anymore. They replace them.

 

[Vinman]

Was the accident your fault? I'm no expert, but seriously consider having it totaled. My experience in that area is that they don't "fix" frames anymore. They replace them.

How does one go about having it totalled? Up here damage has to be approximately 60-70% of market value before the insurance company will total it.

 

[AcesandEights]

Vehicles are made with "crumple zones", and those are made to be repaired or replaced, both body on frame and unibody. Frame repair is a common and well-accepted repair practice, done all the time. However, if the frame is "kinked" (bent over 90-degrees or bent over on itself), it will tear when pulled. That will require a more extensive repair, but more probably, a replacement of that section. Still, common; although, maybe less common on body-on-frame vehicles.

 

[Egress555]

Really just sounds like I need to find a decent repair frame shop.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Just do yourself a favor and don't tell your insurance company. They like to total loss anything involving frame damage. It's kinda dumb really cuz that is completely repairable!

 

[Ratbert]

How does one go about having it totalled? Up here damage has to be approximately 60-70% of market value before the insurance company will total it.

The shop that was analyzing mine for my insurance company after my wreck declared it totalled. I'm not sure about your situation.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Really just sounds like I need to find a decent repair frame shop.

I know Jeep sells a specific frame repair kit for the front, involves cutting off the ends and replacing that section with new. Someone posted about it before.

 

[2timing]

The frame rail end is replaceable Involves cutting out the old rail which slips into the area around circular tube and welding back in. About a 1000 dollar part and 5-600 labor.

 

[Egress555]

Yeah don't want to involve insurance company unless it gets too high. Anything under $2000 and I'll just pay out of pocket.

 

[AcesandEights]

Is the metal folded over itself, or over 90-degrees?

 

[AlgUSF]

Just do yourself a favor and don't tell your insurance company. They like to total loss anything involving frame damage. It's kinda dumb really cuz that is completely repairable!

The Jeep community is the only one I've ever been involved with that these words would be said. LOL! Don't tell your insurance company because they may total it. 40K Jeep with 40K in mods is a losing proposition to total out. ?

 

[Egress555]

Is the metal folded over itself, or over 90-degrees?

Is does not look like it.

Sponsored