Hey thnks for all of your help. They do have to replace the whole bed side and i have some side skirts on it that they have to replace. i guess i will keep you guys posted.

 

From my experieces.... they always low-ball it. They skimp out on stuff any way they can.

I got an estimate on my truck a while back, and after tearing it down myself, I found another $200 in damage. I got quotes for the parts at a dealer, called up my insurance, faxed over the quotes, and they sent me the rest of my money.

All my damage I can/could fix myself. I didn't want to ship my truck out for a few weeks just for a scratched bumper with bent brackets.

 

I would talk to the insurance company and the shop doing the work and see what arrangement they can come to. Fact of the matter you are only responsible for $300 worth of repairs. If it were me I would get the highest estimate I could find and they would pay that. They will make their money back when they raise your rate. Dont just take what they say, that is what they count on. How many times have you successfully lowered your rate by bargaining. They are responsible for the repair cost of your truck less $300.

 

Take the truck to a shop of your choice
This is your right.
Discuss the difference with the shop manager
The shop will contact the ins company if there is any difference
You will have to pay your deduct to the shop
The shop wont do the work if the estimate is too low or if they find any addtl damage
The shop will work on your behalf - if you choose a good shop
Reinspect the work before signing the check over to the shop after the repairs are done.
Any ? - give me a shout.

 

With regards to replacing the bed side, make sure they spot weld it back in like the factory does, FYI there are a little over 100 spot welds for one side of our beds. I counted every one and noitced they missed a few at the rear where the bumper covers the back, there had to remove the bumper to re-do the welds. Some cheap places will just glue the sides on, and it might last a long time too, but it will not fly in my book. Look in the stake pockets to see if there are weld dimples there from spot welding. Ask this question: so if 10 years down the road the pass side of the bed is rusting real bad and the drivers side is not, will you fix it? <-- to see if they will stand behind thier guarenteed forever claim.
Good luck, post some pics of the damage.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198413

 

Every shop i have taken to truck to says that there are now welds since it is s stepside. I hope they are correct or else all of the estimates are wron. Please let me know if there is any weld rewquired for a step side.

 

look in the stake pockets for the dimples

 

side panels of a step side are fiberglass - bolt on
Many shops do glue bed sides on - fleetside type
which I am OK with....hang on here - - I will explain
1 - the bedside is a non structural part which bears no impact on collision strength or impacts being able to load in the bed
2 - when replacing a welded on bedside - in order to replace the welds, the body man drills thru the new panel - fits the panel - then fills the drilled hole with a plug weld - the plug weld in then dressed/smoothed - drilling the panel and weld creates the opportunity for corrosion/rust - when using adhesive there is no opportunity for corrosion
3 - todays 2 part adhesive is super strong and has been tested extensively.
would I use it to glue a apron in - - No , but I would be ok with a bed side

Just throwing that out there
Again - speaking from someone in the industry.

 

Good info thanks