So hit a concrete light post with drivers side front.
Body shop now informs me that the truck (2014 Silverado 4x4) will need the frame replaced.
For those that do this kind of work how screwed am I?
Assuming that it will not be the same as before.
Does the shop doing the work have a huge influence on how well its done?
Anything I should know or watch for to make sure it gets done correctly?

quote:

Originally posted by McGregor:
Does the shop doing the work have a huge influence on how well its done?

Absolutely. There are OK, Good, and Excellent shops and the same goes for the autobody techs at each shop.

Grew up with a Dad in autobody and my first 3 cars were projects so I have a little hands-on experience.

My brother had the Frame replaced on his Toyota Tacoma pickup due to a warranty/recall due to frame rust. He basically ended up with a new truck, with perfect alignment! There were several things that got replace as a result: suspension components, brake lines, fuel lines, brackets, etc that could not be salvaged/swapped to the new frame as well. Honestly, I was amazed they didn't just replace the truck, and it certainly wasn't a cost effective repair for Toyota!

As long as it's all covered / NOT going to total your vehicle, this should work in your favor and be a VERY Nice update to your 2014 Chevy Silverado 4x4!

I had the frame on my F350 replaced with 6,500 miles and 6 months old. It has 125,000 miles and 6 years old, with no problems related to the replacement. A guy ran a stop sign and got me just in front of the front tire. The total cost of repairs including a rental truck was $22,000 5 and a half years ago. The frame was $3,000 of that with another $2,000 in parts and the rest was labor and paint.

McGregor, is this covered by insurance, and they're not totaling it? I don't know if a job like this would cost more than the value of the truck.

Insurance company is involved in the repair, just heard today from the body shop. Have yet to contact the insurance company about this complication.
Will be talking to the body shop later today to find out more info then contact insurance.

A 2014 is in a gray area for this kind of work. If the bodywork is pristine underneath with no rust, the insurance may go ahead with it. If not, there will be major problems with getting the cab and bed off, and that's just for starters. Wait and see what the insurance says. They might total it.

I imagine they would total an 8 year old truck before putting a frame in it.

Used or new frame? Ask questions, if the insurance company or body shop say “like kind and quality” that means you are getting a used frame.

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
I imagine they would total an 8 year old truck before putting a frame in it.

That’s what I was thinking. I know used trucks are bringing good money, but dang. Changing a frame isn’t like getting new hub caps. I would think the labor costs would be way up there.

Talked to body shop manager this afternoon, he told me they would have adjusted estimate to insurance co. tomorrow. Also told me a new frame replacement could run up to 20K. Could be toss up whether to total it or not.
Will be waiting on insurance decision after tomorrow. Don't know what to expect

Had two frames on two different Toyotas replaced. Very good experience on both occasions. While it's off you might look at replacing some parts that might need replacing. Like struts, leaf springs etcc.

Cab and bed aren't that hard to swap, it's the electrical and plumbing, where to disconnect, and what under the hood is attached to the frame - the entire drive train.

Im surprised it was considered. That would usually be a total unless on a very new truck.

One consideration - are they lifting off the bed and cab, and just driving a used frame with engine under it?

Id be surprised if they don't total it too.

Can you imagine the lead time to get a frame? Storage fees on the truck, rental car cost?

Hell even if they don't total it, the OP might be better off to pocket the cash, scrap the rest and go pickup something used.

Ford V8s in pickups blow out spark plugs and the remedy is new heads. To replace the heads they pull the cab. If pulling the cab to replace heads is a habit, then replacing a frame shouldn't be that bad. I'll surmise they do it faster than the book rate and it's a money maker if they are good and experienced.

If they replace the frame and do it properly it should be just fine. However, that is a HUGE job that is very expensive and the insurance company is going to most likely total the truck out.

I've got pictures of when they did mine. They stored the cab on a lift with the engine and transmission on a dolly under it. Two more service bays were tied up as well. One for the frame and one for the parts.