Mudflap
01-18-2003, 07:24
Many of you may remember that back in November, on a dark and stormy night, my 2001 DMax was hit by a six cylinder engine block that some s**thead had apparently dropped off of a truck. The impact wasted the main front cross member by the left front suspension mountings and split the front punkin open. The dealer wanted to put in a new frame, the insurance company demanded that the old frame be repaired (cut and paste). The dealer refused stating that the repair wouldn't be safe and I refused to have the work done anywhere else.
To shorten a long story, the insurance company finally relented after two wasted weeks and we went with the new frame. This meant that the truck had to be completely disassembled and rebuilt. Trust me, there is nothing quite so disturbing as seeing parts of your DMax spread out over two buildings.
All of the work was done or overseen by one very finicky man who wanted it done right and I didn't pester him. I now have my hand built truck back after almost 7 weeks with no squeaks or rattles and it seems to track better than it did before. It is notable that the rear brake rotors were badly pitted and in generally worse shape than the fronts after 51,000 miles (I have ordered new Bendix stuff). Also, the brake bleed screws were just about welded to the calipers with rust, you may want to check yours.
There are dealers out there who will fight for their customers, Banks Chevrolet in Champion, Ohio ranks high on that list. As for insurance companies......
To shorten a long story, the insurance company finally relented after two wasted weeks and we went with the new frame. This meant that the truck had to be completely disassembled and rebuilt. Trust me, there is nothing quite so disturbing as seeing parts of your DMax spread out over two buildings.
All of the work was done or overseen by one very finicky man who wanted it done right and I didn't pester him. I now have my hand built truck back after almost 7 weeks with no squeaks or rattles and it seems to track better than it did before. It is notable that the rear brake rotors were badly pitted and in generally worse shape than the fronts after 51,000 miles (I have ordered new Bendix stuff). Also, the brake bleed screws were just about welded to the calipers with rust, you may want to check yours.
There are dealers out there who will fight for their customers, Banks Chevrolet in Champion, Ohio ranks high on that list. As for insurance companies......