My X Took a Hit

[XTP_Dyer]

Hey guys,

I have this post on ClubXterra as well, but don't seem to be getting any feedback so I figured I would throw it up on here as well.

So after surviving a few days of the "snowpocalypse" in Nashville, I was defeated today. Coming down a steep hill (that I've been down 5+ times the last few days) I lightly slid into the side of a jeep. He wasn't paying attention and backed sideways into the street and since I was going down a hill of ice, there was no way to stop (was going 3-5mph). Minor damage to my front bumper and passenger fender..however, some genius guy in an Altima came down at a much higher speed about 20 seconds later and hit an explorer, bounced off, and slammed into my rear end which then forced me even harder into the jeep. My rear bumper will need to be replaced along with the rear hatch being repainted. Ughhhh. My X has been a champ in this weather..but it isn't dummy proof in regards to other drivers. Patiently awaiting to see what insurance says. Fortunately, the owner of the expedition saw it all and he happens to work claims for my insurance company so he did all the talking with the police and said I will be fine as far as the blame game goes. Fingers crossed on that one. Luckily, everyone has insurance and nobody was hurt.

QUESTION: To anyone who has been in an accident that involved their bumpers, what sort of return did you get? While it isn't my main focus, I suppose I should take this situation for what it is and see if I can't manage to squeeze a steel bumper out of this whole ordeal somewhere. What sort of steps should I take as far as replacing the fender+having it painted/the hatch being repaired and repainted. I'm looking to maximize any money that I can toward the bumpers if possible...Would insurance cut me a check for not only the bumpers but the fenders as well? I don't know how all this works, but I assume it would be a lot cheaper for me to try and find a part out of another black X as opposed to paying a massive chunk for them to buy me a new fender AND repaint it. Thoughts? This is my first time having to sort this type of situation so I'm looking for others who have had a similar experience.

P.S. Sorry, I'm extremely long winded. Thanks in advance!

Here is the damage -

ALSO: Mods - If this is in the wrong section, I apologize. I tried posting this the same as a previous "wreck" post that I found via a Google search.

 

[Muadeeb]

As far as insurance goes, they typically only replace with stock items. I got rear ended once and got screwed on the bumper, as they found a replacement somewhere for $25. Wound up taking it off and beating the tar out of it with a sledge hammer. Of course, my X doesn't have a lien on it, so I can do whatever with the insurance monies. For the fender, if you're going to try and fix it yourself, I'd suggest getting a black one from a junk yard. Body work takes a certain finesse that I don't have. As far as painting, if you get a different color fender, you're looking at around $50 to paint it yourself. Sand it down to bare metal, prime, paint, clear.

You're not at fault, so no money out on your part, and with the amount of damage and body work needing to be done, I'd probably let a shop take care of it.

 

[TheFauxFox]

But if you want to go with the DIY route, there happens to be a '03 at the Pull A Part in Nashville. I don't know what color it is, though. ~$40 before tax for the fender, +$2 entry (or free the first time with membership). If it wasn't supposed to rain this weekend, I'd help you pull one while I'm in town.

The past two times I've gone to that particular PaP and they've had an Xterra, its had its interior panels and trim pieces taken. Normally, there would still be fenders and a rear hatch... and the trucks there have been black both times.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I appreciate the prompt responses!

Let me restate what I meant by taking the check - You're saying you got some cheap bumper while I've heard of others get enough to replace with a steel bumper (who knows what I'll end up with). As far as the fender and hatch go, I just know that I've had to have a hood repainted under insurance and I think they cut my a check for $400-$500 if I remember correctly, and I had it done by a cheaper shop (we knew the guy). This was handled back when I was 16 so my parents handled most, which is why I'm a little uncertain as to how this will work. Obviously professional paint is expensive, this is why I was wondering if I could take the check, grab a pull apart fender (if I get lucky) and use the extra money for different things on the vehicle. That's the piece that I'm wondering about.

 

[Muadeeb]

If you don't have a lien on the vehicle, they should cut you, the owner, a check for what the adjuster says needs to be done. Labor is at 'market rate' and parts are the cheapest that their system can find. If you do have a lien (still making payments), then they are _supposed_ to write the check to the shop that does the work.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Luckily I have the vehicle paid and clear. Okay, so if they're picking cheapest parts, how do all these people claim to get enough to replace with steel bumpers instead? Am I missing a key point here? Seems to be some extra money that I'm not seeing.

 

[Muadeeb]

I got unlucky on mine. It depends on what's available when they do their search. Also, since you'll get a check for labor, you can turn that into parts money.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Right, I hear ya. When looking to replace parts, do they look at used pieces such as pull apart or are they required to look to new parts?

 

[Muadeeb]

I don't know the real answer for that. With vehicles as old as ours, junk yard parts are more likely than not.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Right. Well all the info you did have is much appreciated! This is two days after the wreck so hopefully things will get finished and I'll be able to get the vehicle inspected next week. Fingers crossed.

 

[drbandkgb]

There are some Body shops that will figure in the cost of a good aftermarket bumper.. inSAIN makes a great one..
I would talk it over with one and see what they tell you.. In most cases the Cost of a aftermarket is near the same as factory..

I wouldnt expect tire carrier or anything but you may be able to get a good steel bumper

And come on XN is the place to be CX.. well its dead

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I agree, TJ seems to be the only active member (for the most part).

I definitely didn't expect to get one with a tire carrier, but I did find one with a hitch and recovery point for around 275.00 which seemed like a possibility. I suppose I'll do a little bit more research so that IF I'm fortunate enough to get a decent quote, I'm prepared.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I drive up to Louisville, KY every other weekend and just now realized RLC is located there...Might be someone worth contacting if I do manage to get a decent quote.

Drb - I've heard the name plenty of times, would this be a good option to pursue? From what I can tell after a quick overview, they only have a front bumper option for the 1.5 gen X. Think they would either have a design laying around or be willing to make a rear bumper by request? I've never contacted them, so I don't really know how they do with requests that are not already offered.

 

[TheFauxFox]

I drive up to Louisville, KY every other weekend and just now realized RLC is located there...Might be someone worth contacting if I do manage to get a decent quote.

Drb - I've heard the name plenty of times, would this be a good option to pursue? From what I can tell after a quick overview, they only have a front bumper option for the 1.5 gen X. Think they would either have a design laying around or be willing to make a rear bumper by request? I've never contacted them, so I don't really know how they do with requests that are not already offered.

As you mentioned, RLC is in Louisville and he has very competitive prices. James at RLC has already produced a rear bumper for your generation and an example can be seen over on caseycamby's build thread.

If you happen to get a number soon, P&P still has a group buy going through the end of the month (8 days) .

Insain Fab's GB just ended, but I bet if you ask super nicely, they might be able to slide you in. botto has one and pictures (and info) can be seen here on this thread.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Thanks, man! I'll look into all those and do some comparing. From what I can tell from research, all three have a solid response time, lots of flexibility/options, and nice pricing. Appreciate the info.

 

[metzican]

I did not have a lean on my vehicle when I got rear ended. Basically I had a mechanic fix on the the issues on that side, then I took the body damage money with labor and ran. The way I see it, I will damage the body off-roading more then they did. Everything still worked good and I was not worried about a few scratches here and there along with a few minor dents. Now if you are going to have everything fixed. Basically you will be left with the money it takes to replace the rear bumper prob 30min-1hr and the cost of a rear bumper. So it would be up to you if you want to invest in a steel bumper or just have them replace the old one.

 

[Prime]

I'm not sure how or if the laws vary in TN, but, in VA we have the right to demand OE parts for insurance repairs. Which means the insurance company has to pay OE prices. Because of that, you can often get more money for parts and have them cut a check to you directly for parts and labor so you can do what you please.

Also, when I had a flooded vehicle that was only damaged and not totaled, Geico paid for all of the aftermarket parts that were bad including my stereo.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Metzican - I'm contemplating the same way. The dent spot that needs paint on my rear hatch could just be bedlined as it's on that hump and I was already planning on doing so..

Prime - I have never heard that, but I did a little searching after I saw your post and found this..is it saying that it only applies to what is now a 2015 and 2014 model, or is that referring to the year of the part in relation to the year of the vehicle?

 

[drbandkgb]

Yeah James with RLC offers a rear bumper.. Im not sure why its not on his page..
ID call him and explain the deal to him.. I bet he may offer some insight on it..

 

[drbandkgb]

Also I bet you could get one of these guys to send you a invoice for a bumper.. Take that to your insurance and go from there.. I just wouldn't sell it as "Off-Road" bumper

 

[XTP_Dyer]

From what I can see, I think that I'll go with James if insurance works out. Time, price, and quality all sound to be top notch. I'll give him a call whenever I hear back from insurance next week. Thanks!

 

[Prime]

Metzican - I'm contemplating the same way. The dent spot that needs paint on my rear hatch could just be bedlined as it's on that hump and I was already planning on doing so..

Prime - I have never heard that, but I did a little searching after I saw your post and found this..is it saying that it only applies to what is now a 2015 and 2014 model, or is that referring to the year of the part in relation to the year of the vehicle?

Yeah. It looks like TN has limitations on OE parts. But yeah, that's what I was talking about.

 

[metzican]

I'm not sure how or if the laws vary in TN, but, in VA we have the right to demand OE parts for insurance repairs. Which means the insurance company has to pay OE prices. Because of that, you can often get more money for parts and have them cut a check to you directly for parts and labor so you can do what you please.

Also, when I had a flooded vehicle that was only damaged and not totaled, Geico paid for all of the aftermarket parts that were bad including my stereo.

My sliders got scratched up. They were all brand new Just put on right before the rock challenge. Well new scratches on the top anyways. So they went to P&P sight realized they had to buy two and paid me for the cost of new sliders. They also did the same with my Rigid backup light as it got scratched to. Any aftermarket stuff they replaced at that cost. The only part I could not justify if necessary would be my front bumper as that was a custom thing and is not sold. Thank gobble for the interweb.

 

[Jack Stilts]

You can't go wrong with James at RLC. Everyone who has one is extremely happy with theirs, and he's a great guy to work with.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Patiently awaiting a return for my request of the report...Then, it's off to get an estimate sometime this week. I'll update this as things progress. Thanks for all the info, guys.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I spoke with the adjuster today. She was in favor of my story and felt like things should go in our favor, but the next few days will consist of my insurance company trying to gather statements from everyone while talking to the other companies to try and settle things. In the mean time, they told me to go on and go get an estimate done. I'll take it to the same place my family has been going for years, due to the fact that they do a very highly quality job. Depending on what they estimate the costs at, I'll either go with them or check a few other places out.

Depending on how they value the fender and hatch, I'm tempted to just bedliner the "hump" on the hatch where the dent is and take that money and put it toward a bumper..As for the fender, I'm tempted to take that money (it will have to be replaced and then painted) and buy one from a part out and use that money toward a bumper as well. This will be much easier once some numbers are put in front of me. Again, thank you for all the help thus far. I'll update things once I get an estimate.

 

[xterraminator]

I would not worry, just keep it as is. MY truck looks worse than that. War wounds on an offroad truck make it devirginized. Its a truck!!!

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I would not worry, just keep it as is. MY truck looks worse than that. War wounds on an offroad truck make it devirginized. Its a truck!!!

That's sort of where I'm at haha. If the x at the pull a part in Nashville is black, I'll snag a fender for 40, which I'll do. I'm fully convinced on painting the hatch bump with bedliner and taking that. This week will be interesting.

 

[TheFauxFox]

If the x at the pull a part in Nashville is black, I'll snag a fender for 40, which I'll do.

My source tells me the truck is white... :shucks:

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Oh boo. Saved me a trip, I was heading that way at around 5. There's a guy selling his X for 1150 near Nashville and it's black..I'm waiting on a response on if he's willing to start parting it.

 

[NismoFire]

There was one floating around CL in Lebanon last summer that was either black or dark blue, and I don't remember which off the top of my head.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I've looked over Craigslist for most all of the areas within a couple miles and haven't had any luck yet. Even if I can't find something immediately, I'll still take the money and be patient. It isn't a terrible bend...I'll drive around with it for a couple months if it means a few hundred dollars to put toward a bumper.

 

[XTP_Dyer]

UPDATE: I went and got the estimate done on the X today. I will say that I was surprised at how much it was. I've spent most of the day figuring in costs of some things that I will handle myself and what things I will have to have them do. That being said, I should have some money left over to play with a little. Given all the help provided by you all, I will continue to update this post until the processes closes out. Hopefully this will serve as help to someone else.

Patiently awaiting an email response from a certain someone...

 

[XTP_Dyer]

Well, I heard back from James at RLC this morning. He answered all questions, but unfortunately, he's backed up until June.....so now it's back to the drawing board for bumpers.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Well, I heard back from James at RLC this morning. He answered all questions, but unfortunately, he's backed up until June.....so now it's back to the drawing board for bumpers.

P&P still has 2 days remaining on a rear bumper group buy.

 

[lbishop]

P&P is actual extending that bumper group buy. They got covered up in slider orders and didn't get the bumpers up on the website. Close date is tbd

 

[XTP_Dyer]

I looked at the group buy as that's where I was planning on going next. I PMed them two days ago asking about the rear bumper with the tire carrier and haven't heard back. I can't find any pictures of the rear bumper WITH the carrier. Am I overlooking it?

 

[XTP_Dyer]

P&P responded via the GB thread with a picture of the rear bumper with the carrier. Looks like a good quality bumper, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I didn't like the way the tire sat straight up and out as opposed to InSain and RLC where the wheel tilts inward. I think I've found where I'm going to have my rear built. Now to sort out deposits and get the ball rolling!

 

[drbandkgb]

P&P responded via the GB thread with a picture of the rear bumper with the carrier. Looks like a good quality bumper, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I didn't like the way the tire sat straight up and out as opposed to InSain and RLC where the wheel tilts inward. I think I've found where I'm going to have my rear built. Now to sort out deposits and get the ball rolling!

I bet if you ask really nice they would angle it for ya... Mac is pretty easy to work with..
Corey with inSAIN is pretty easy to work with too..


Hope you get just what you want

 

[TheFauxFox]

... Mac is pretty easy to work with..

2x This. My two purchases through Mac have been great!