Is this do-able?

[MadMazda]

Hi guys, Im a new guy!... Ok, so basically a few months ago, I was T-boned at a stop sign. Long story short, she ran it, dented my passenger side cab and door, ripped off her front end and killed her engine. Maaco estimated 1,500 dollars to repair my truck, and the girls father just wrote me a check for that amount as to keep insurance out of it. Now I have options... I could...

A.) Get the truck fixed somewhere other than Maaco for cheaper

B.) Ignore the dent as it barely touches door (passenger) and I am pushing 115K miles

C.) Get "creative" and look for a 4 door ranger or Mazda (the body lines match up with either) and do a Cab swap, as I would LOVE to upgrade to a four door but can't afford the new truck... (First Year college student) A Cab at my local U-pull yard is $175 and $65 per door, use my existing cab for the interior and dash etc.... then I would get it all sprayed to match... I would do the work primarily myself with my dad's and roomate's help. except paint....

Anyway, Before I try to dive into something like this, I want your guy's input on what kind of job it would be. Would it be worth it? I love the extended cab, but it has very limited use for much because of the hard climb to get back there. Not to mention if i need to put anything, even groceries back there, I have to put them up front then squeeze them through between the diver and passenger seats. Any other ideas are welcome, but please, no "Sell your Mazda and get the truck you want" posts. With my budget and the value of my truck, it can't be done, trust me I looked into it. Basically I will drive this truck untill the wheels fall off... of corse only after I have done everything possible to keep them on.

 

[kossdust]

Yes it is doable but I think there are some issues with swapping out the cab (title). It is a lot of work to do. Why not look for a truck with a blown motor with 4 doors then swap in your motor and tranny?

 

[MrE_Powers]

it would be better if there were pics, and you stated any welding ability.

 

[metalmacguyver]

I would have gotten a second estimate before taking that check......

Post some pics of the damage so we can better assess your situation.

 

[MadMazda]

I got three estimates, one from a local shop that said 1,200, another from another local that said 1,300, and Maaco that said 1,500. The guy gave me 1,600 and told me to take my family to a nice dinner. I have no welding ability/experience, so yeah... And for finding a truck with blown motor, I would have no problem with... In fact, I like it... where could I look for that? A JY truck would be all to hell and not many people sell vehicles on autotrader with blown motors... I appreciate the input guys!

Edit: Oh yeah, and I will get some pics up soon!

 

[feellnfroggy]

Have you cashed the check yet?

 

[kossdust]

check craigslist start looking. Yours still runs so you can wait as long as you don't spend the money between now and then. Call local places and tell them what you are looking for look in the newspaper. I know a few people on here have a few posted.

 

[dogboy]

Have you cashed the check yet?

That is what I was going to ask...

Personally, I would have only taken cash! That would be REALLY bad if you went to the bank, and the guy gave you a bad check!

 

[MadMazda]

Lol, keep in mind guys that this was about 6 months ago, the check cleared, the guy lived across the street anyway and I had a few classes with the girl. There was no reason not to trust him, not to mention if he had given us a bad check, legally he would be still responsible for the damages (the police had to come because her car was immobile). ANYWAY... anyone here looking to sell a 4 door with no engine?

 

[Shran]

Lol, keep in mind guys that this was about 6 months ago, the check cleared, the guy lived across the street anyway and I had a few classes with the girl. There was no reason not to trust him, not to mention if he had given us a bad check, legally he would be still responsible for the damages (the police had to come because her car was immobile). ANYWAY... anyone here looking to sell a 4 door with no engine?

Did you get anything out of her besides a check? She damaged your truck...that is worth a least a bj....

 

[MadMazda]

Lol, unfortunately no, but good call! Why didn't i bring that up first thing as I got out of the truck after the accident!? "Oh my god! Are you okay!? Well you just hit me, which means... well you owe me at least a BJ..."

Any other input on how difficult and time consuming a cab swap would be?

 

[Shran]

It is more time consuming than doing an engine swap, since you have remove the whole front clip and everything attached to it, then everything attached to the cab, then get it off the frame. You will have a frame, drivetrain, and box left over. Then swap the new cab and front clip on, and hook everything back up. As far as hard, it shouldn't be too bad as long as you've got tools (some kind of lift to get the cab off and back on)

 

[MadMazda]

I've got the tools... and as for a lift for the cab... well, I'll get by with a little help from my friends. At this point I guess I will just go with what become available. I will update you guys with pics as I make headway!