Sadly, I ran into a road rager yesterday who brake checked me and I couldn't avoid the collision. There's front-end driver-side damage to my Acty, which I'm very bummed about -- the bumper and driver side door are partly crumpled. I had the van towed to a local body shop, but they said they don't work on this kind of vehicle. Any suggestions for me? If you've had crash damage in your kei, were you able to get it worked on, and if so, what kind of place would do it? I suspect it might end up being totaled because of the low vehicle value and cost of getting parts, but would love to hear about your experience. I'm in Seattle, but any leads appreciated, thanks.
I agree, your only option may be to scrap it and get another one unless the sentimental value far outweighs the monetary value and you have funds to burn.
If you are dealing with insurance, they will totaled it out without a thought. Most insurers will sell the totaled vehicle back to you for a few hundred bucks and it will get salvage title. You can then see who will fix it for how much. Don't go to places that specialize in fixing fender bender type accidents. You need to find a custom body shop. Ask around at car meets for recommendations. Looks at the cars with the best body work at a show or C&C and ask the owner who did the work.
There are some Kei junk yards where you may be able to score a door and front bumper. The bumper also may also be able to be plastic welded back together if you find someone to do it, Then the question is can the front be pulled out and is there any damage to the components in the front under the dash. I agree that the ins co is most likely going to total it, but you may be able to buy it back and repair as discussed.
There's a guy on YouTube (JMT Sales Ohio) who has access to a huge KEI truck boneyard that I think is located somewhere in KY. He has a handful of videos that show him at this location, and from the drone footage, it appears that they have every conceivable make and model of parted-out trucks and vans. You may be able to reach out to him with your parts list and have them pulled?
