headgasket leaking coolant only to outside, retorque or replace?

[geezer101]

...One time I was in an accident where a person not paying attention pulled in front of me and I T-Bone her volvo. My car was towed to a local body shop for repairs, though I thought. After calling the shop, I found out these idiots had taken all the aftermarket performance stuff off my car before any permission was given to them to even touch the car. The owner said he figured I didn't want the car anymore (which was a bunch of BS), new hood and fender was all it needed. I ended up getting an extra $300 for what they removed and they had to return all the parts they pulled off as well.

Isn't that theft? I would've had cops show up on their doorstep. Unbelievable. Until recently the insurance companies were pulling a brazen scam where they would write down your losses if you were involved in a collision by claiming that just by being on the road you were automatically partly responsible for the accident. I got totalled in a crash that was caused by a driver that failed to give way, drove without due care and as a result I was responsible for 10% of the damage bill on the other drivers car. Even though I saw her coming and was completely unable to avoid getting hit by her, did 2 downshifts and controlled braked at the same time, then countersteered at point of impact so my car would soak as much of the damage as possible - and the entire accident was witnessed by a senior police detective who made a statement that the other driver was completely at fault and the other driver also admitted full responsibility at the scene. Gotta love insurance companies...

[tink]

Holee sheet Brad!!! those types of people realllly astound me - the nerve, just beyond comprehension. It makes me irate when they do stuff to my car in the shop without asking, even checking parts that have nothing at all whatsoever to do with the reason the car's in there. 99-point inspection BS, etc. I learned to ask before handing the keys over the counter if there's ANY reason anyone will need to "test drive" the car. Guy took off one time with it while I was in the waiting room and of course I heard it zoom out of the parking lot & really gave them a piece of my mind. Sometimes it seems like if your car is in their shop they think they can get away with anything! What did that guy think? You wouldn't NOTICE? EGADS!!!! Without permission - makes me think they figured that consumers are plain dumb. Wonder how many people they ripped off w/out even being caught

The only paper I signed was the state accident / incident report. I did consent verbally to being recorded over the phone when asked all the info of who what why where and how. Suffice to say I'm glad to be older when this happened wise enough to say i don't know when I don't know instead of being pressured into speculating and giving opinions mixed in with facts.

The insurance co. lady today said the guy that hit me did admit fault, and today I got a letter from that company division w/a different claim number and yet another person I have to call & talk with about everything all over again. I'm so sick of this hanging over me.

Advance notice: typical 'woman rambling' ahead

TLDR; make it back like it was!

I'd like for them to pay to fix the truck back to how it was, figure out wtf happened to the seat rails to make the seat not slide back all the way now & fix it!!! We tried to fix it but it didn't stay fixed (I hate being the only one that's fits right in the seat right now, other drivers here are TALL), dig in to the wires behind that passenger tail light & fix them since the crushing made a short, and get that most important tailgate undented & to open/shut properly like it was before, get the hump/bump out of the bed from the tailgate being pushed in to it & get the passenger door to open/shut right like before, Simple. I don't even care if they paint it, I'll be happy to paint it, already have a stack of sandpaper sheets and the best palm sander in the world IMHO, plenty of blocks, too. no joke.

I would love to know how fast the guy was going behind me on impact. I'd also like to kiss the guy that put that rear bumper on the truck

They'll probably total it, the family will probably agree, the youngest already asked if they need to drive it away or if I can keep the engine, starter, radiator, alternator, driveshaft, parts list (ha kids these days), & I'm holding off on a 100% opinion until it gets up on a rack & I can see for myself if there really was damage to the backend chassis somewhere or not - it does seem to be a bit loose on the rear end making turns now. Depressing but real. We JUST were down there a few months ago putting in the new Driveshaft ujoints & carrier bearing thingie, the noises went away & there were no more issues back there/down there. I really don't want to think about it. Maybe it just needs newer tires. I need to learn what to look for & see for myself since it's not making any noises, just feeling different... maybe it's ME driving different since now I'm worried someone is going to hit me out of the blue again.

Ugh. and tonight, when totally on a whim I checked under the hood still making sure there are no leaks anywhere before driving to go get the oldest from work, there was oil Oil everywhere. Oil all over everything under the hood. Oil on the inside of the hood even --- someone who was NOT ME forgot to put the oil cap back on when he checked the oil this morning before he drove it today !##*@!^(*& why oh why are people trying to stop me from enjoying this truck I've worked so hard on????????? Oil level remaining was adequate, above the low mark on the stick. Beyond frustrated checked it twice wiping on my shirt to be sure it's clean, screw-it attitude maximum level reached. Asked him if the oil pressure light came on, he said no, ran great. !@#u#k !@#t. Wonder if he even noticed it on. I've seen it on once, I know it works. Bulb not burned out when I had the dash off. Amazed it didn't catch fire. Debating all hoses should be replaced now or not... again... since now instead of being old they're splattered with oil.

interesting note: the OEM oil cap off a stock 1st gen 3kgt NA engine fits way better than the aftermarket oil cap for the g54b.

If I were younger, I'd place myself up for adoption. 3rd worst week in a row this year. Seriously.

[tink]

Isn't that theft? I would've had cops show up on their doorstep. Unbelievable. Until recently the insurance companies were pulling a brazen scam where they would write down your losses if you were involved in a collision by claiming that just by being on the road you were automatically partly responsible for the accident. I got totalled in a crash that was caused by a driver that failed to give way, drove without due care and as a result I was responsible for 10% of the damage bill on the other drivers car. Even though I saw her coming and was completely unable to avoid getting hit by her, did 2 downshifts and controlled braked at the same time, then countersteered at point of impact so my car would soak as much of the damage as possible - and the entire accident was witnessed by a senior police detective who made a statement that the other driver was completely at fault and the other driver also admitted full responsibility at the scene. Gotta love insurance companies...

I've heard of the same set up here as well, simply being on the road = partially at fault, though I'm unsure if that's all states or only some insurance companies, etc. But only the lawyers know for sure it seems even that's up for debate. Curious to see in my case how the insurance company will argue with itself since the same company covers 2 out of the 3 drivers, or maybe 3 out of 3 drivers - time will tell.

That a senior police detective was a witess who gave such a statement wouldn't absolve you is crazy. Insurance company policy should not be above the legal opinions of law enforcement IMHO. My last accident I couldn't get out of the car fast enough to start apologizing & saying it was completely my fault. I felt so bad. Told the police when they showed up it was all my fault, too. Still had to fill out paperwork to show what happened. Seems the insurance company wasn't too thrilled with my immediate admissions, lol. Too bad, it was the truth! That's what we pay insurance premiums for, to cover 'accidents' not to get blamed 10% for actually driving on the road!

What has the world come to. I thought that type of BS was only in the USA... especially for some reason Florida that seems to have the oddest news stories, lol.

[geezer101]

It's insurance companies in general. Insurance company + lawyers = your worst nightmare. Warning - about to go off topic. Seems to me that the absolute worst situation to be caught in is a medical insurance claim rejection. I know this is a bone of contention especially in the US but here in Australia we still have Medicare and we fight hard to keep it. We see how things are going for you guys in the States and the last thing we want to see is a medical system where you get ferried around in an ambulance until you die because you don't have the right to adequate medical attention. This is the sort of shit you see in 3rd world countries

[BradMph]

I have left my oil cap off before, not a pretty site and I felt like a dumb dumb. The mess is exactly that too, a nasty mess. Thank god you had no fire, hot oil can burn also.
Don't back down on your claim Tink, You have the control and the insurance company is 100% capable to give almost any amount to settle the claim. They put the toughest bastards in the positions of claims, but if you show your not some pushover and know your rights, they will bow to you. Remember your receipts if they try to low ball you. Those do matter very much as long as they were recent.
You will get through this and the oil mess and everything will turn out ok.

Sometimes the man upstairs takes a break and the has his fun.


Geezer: If we don't carry insurance or had it by a certain date..."disabled people"...we get penalized by having to pay a fine for as long as it takes. Which I hear is forever. I was naive to the regulations brought on with the new health care system, let alone the disability system and I get to pay some fine too!

[geezer101]

I have left my oil cap off before, not a pretty site and I felt like a dumb dumb. The mess is exactly that too, a nasty mess. Thank god you had no fire, hot oil can burn also.
Don't back down on your claim Tink, You have the control and the insurance company is 100% capable to give almost any amount to settle the claim. They put the toughest bastards in the positions of claims, but if you show your not some pushover and know your rights, they will bow to you. Remember your receipts if they try to low ball you. Those do matter very much as long as they were recent.
You will get through this and the oil mess and everything will turn out ok.

Good advice Brad. You are in the right tink, so stand your ground and don't cave in to the wolves. And as for the oil, no biggie - it'll come off

Geezer: If we don't carry insurance or had it by a certain date..."disabled people"...we get penalized by having to pay a fine for as long as it takes. Which I hear is forever. I was naive to the regulations brought on with the new health care system, let alone the disability system and I get to pay some fine too!

We have a 2 party dominated political system which were once polar opposites. Our liberal party has 5 policies and 5 only - cut public services, raise taxes, victimise minority groups, undermine workers rights, attack welfare recipients and cut deals with big business. Nothing like the people who can afford it the least getting penalised the most

[tink]

1st estimate today, total $2575.83

ugh. including:
labor total $1045.20
tax on labor $87.80

400.00 complete bed assy. mb156624
382.15 shell/tailgate mb156976
174.07 taillamp assy RT mb185536
blah blah
gross parts = $956.22
other parts $10
paint & material 11.4 hrs @32$/hr 364.80

... I have a headache now, for real. I'm going for coffee & aspirin.


May scan in the estimate if anyone curious. typed what stood out at the moment.

The body guy said most places won't even write an estimate out since it looks totaled at first glance that explains the 1st place not bothering to get back to me after repeated attempts on my part. OH well, I get it. Wondering how low the insurance industry thinks the "total" value is

He also said the frame's tweaked now, something to do w/the door not opening/shutting right anymore and the bed being pushed up "that far" quotes. Ugh. That explains why the seat doesn't want to go back all the way anymore at all. Good thing I'm short.

I actually swore outloud on the way home today. Cursed to myself, really loudly. Rarely happens but yep, today did it. Sad day.

[geezer101]

Oh crap tink. If you can find a solid bed from a JY that'll cut down the costs. You can get pairs of new tail light lenses from Thailand for $15 (ebay is your friend) - just need a decent lamp housing. This sucks badly But on the other hand camoit has the entire clean shell and frame from the original camouflaged marauder minus engine/trans up for sale for the price of the replacement tail gate and bed you've been quoted.
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin...8466#post48466
It comes with a tow trailer so all you need is cash, someone who can haul it and you can get wrenching

[tink]

Oh crap tink. If you can find a solid bed from a JY that'll cut down the costs. You can get pairs of new tail light lenses from Thailand for $15 (ebay is your friend) - just need a decent lamp housing. This sucks badly But on the other hand camoit has the entire clean shell and frame from the original camouflaged marauder minus engine/trans up for sale for the price of the replacement tail gate and bed you've been quoted.
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin...8466#post48466
It comes with a tow trailer so all you need is cash, someone who can haul it and you can get wrenching

Well Geezer, you got me thinking though I'm still overwhelmed with what's the best choice to make. I did find a few local-ish options for swapping either in to or out of. Do I switch over body parts, in other words: should I just "let" the ins. co. total the truck I got, buy another one & swap things around? (now I see how some people end up with multiple trucks) OR do I just look for a bed?

I still don't know how hard it is to be able to go from 'salvage' title status here in wa state where it's NOT LEGAL to drive a salvage titled vehicle. Apparently though if it's yours when it's put in to salvage title status you don't have to get it inspected when applying to get it 'out' of the salvage category (illegal to drive) and in to the 'rebuilt' category (legal to drive). I wonder if they'd give me grief at all w/all the damage being cosmetic. Sort of depends on the type of day the person is having too I bet.
So depressed today didn't feel up to calling DMV for clarification and/or fees involved, but read through some laws & pamphlets last night:

See page 3 of 3 (even though there's 4 pages, dumb state docs): http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/docs/...tion_guide.pdf there's a note there that applies to my situation...

Looked for a truck/car online for 24 hrs & didn't see any thing at all that made me say 'wow' except one old ford w/ a straight 6 that almost classifies as a muscle car but ugly as-is. May go to see it, may not. Really like having a truck.

The truck is running perfectly (of course). Still no leaks (of course) since the last bit of work on it. I'm sort of hoping for a problem so I can stop being so mad about having to swap parts/beds.

Actually thought seriously about how hard it would be to swap engines, driveshaft, charging system, misc parts, etc. since mine are sure to be newer then whatever else is out there locally. Found a 2.4 for sale that just needs a new head/rebuilt & sort of got excited about that since it's a 4x4 manual tranny, etc. until realized how hard it would be to swap w/the belt/chain issue and auto/clutch issue. blah. Maybe it's got a good bed and tailgate, dunno yet.

But there are a couple not too far away that have other engines/swaps done already so now I'm just thinking about what minimum $ amount I'll need to get my truck back to where it was pre-wreck, or if I'll just go get a muscle car type thing if I can insure it as a classic w/replacement value insurance vs. driving a 'rebuilt' title truck & getting nothing at all next time some one hits me. Then how will I rebuild it?

on a side note, I know ya'll think women can be weird. Well, guys can be, too. Since I realized I may lose the truck if it goes in to 'not legal to drive' status - and I MUST have a vehicle at ALL times that is driveable, I got seriously deeply depressed. NOW only NOW the boyfriend is saying things like this: "How about this weekend we take off the dash & fix that wire?"

seriously? now? where was that enthusiasm when he thought I would keep it forever? ugh.

on another weird note about men: since I got rear-ended, my kid who drives, now thinks I have no idea how to drive anymore & he drives better than me... so he went out & got himself a car. No joke. Finally. So I'm wondering all I had to do was get hit and I'd stop having to be taxi or loan him my truck? LOL, guys are strange, love ya, but strange.

all-in-all nice side-effects of being hit on the head by a giant truck rear ending me. but weird.

[geezer101]

I think you will be better off finding a dead truck that is (mostly) straight and do a heart transplant. These things get beat on like stray dogs and they seem to come up for sale with bad engines and transmissions. If you're swapping from one truck to the same it's a no brainer. You could throw a BBQ, get some hands in on a friday afternoon and by sunday night have the donor body key start ready (busted knuckles optional). I've done a complete drivetrain and front end assembly swap on an old Mitsubishi Galant wagon in 2 1/2 hours solo without a hoist. Beauty of doing it this way is you get to really know your truck - every nut and bolt (cleaning everything as you go makes it so much nicer to put back together too!) It's really the best way to learn.

Family. I have an endearing view of the people who, despite raising the question of "how the hell are you even related to me?", surround us...

Family is a good enough reason to become a serial killer.

You managed to avoid playing "Alice through the looking glass" with your windshield but had no hope of avoiding getting rear ended, so I wonder how son-of-yours would've fared in the same predicament. And your BF (decode the acronym anyway that suits) has an interesting sense of timing when it comes to helping out with your truck/source of income. Is he gonna roll up the sleeves to help your boy out when he brings home some wreck that makes your truck look "best in show"? Grrr. Good luck finding the path that best presents itself to your situation. Your truck will probably never be as good as pre-collision due to chassis and cab alignment woes but you have the most important part of it running right so it is a viable start.