Hey Budd, seen any UFOs?

From : beekeep

Q: the repair estimate is $9055 and that doesnt include possibly replacing the dash until they pull the frame they wont know if the dash will pop back. should i have it repaired or take the total value truck is a 1998 v10 quad cab with only 69k miles. ive also added a bed liner trailer brake controller and a removable gooseneck hitch. im concerned about pulling my horses with this truck. also i could get a newer truck with similar features for around $15k. does totalling a car affect my insurance rates any more than repairing it will repairing it affect the long-term value or reliability help! i doubt you will have a choice to repair or total the insurance company will make that decision! no if you are going to let the insurance company total it and then buy it back to repair i still would take the money. i bought a totaled ford pickup years ago. i did all the repair work myself so i ended up with a pretty nice truck for about 1/2 the value. i drove it for ten years and never did get all the bugs out of it! the frame was supposed to be straight and i even had it checked but it never drove right. if they will give you anything over $10000 two wheel drive for it i would take the money and run! the insurance company will more than likely let you remove the hitch box liner and brake controller. greg .

Replies:

From : budd cochran

i had another thought -- buy a parts 97 ram with good motor and replace your motor and keep all the other good stuff off it -- if you have an acre like i do just push it into the bush and pick what you like when you like 1 hr to the nearest wreckers and you have a self-serve parts depot or have it hauled after. i might keep the old engine anyway in case you feel like tinkering and canibalising in the future when the new old engine dies or i have a perfectly good efi 318 out of a 91 dakota i havent used still in storage id sell for $100 cdn to get it out of the cargo van before spring hubby died change of plans rach hull qc remember me 97 ram 1500 318 v8 cyl #7 misfire problems at idle hold idle above 1000 rpm and no misfire. .