my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I have a situation that I'm not sure how to handle and I am hoping that you guys might have some good advice.

I have a 72 GMC longbed.
I was rear ended at a red light and my insurance company has totaled it.
I know I will never get back the $1500.00 I have put into the in the past year because I have already been down that road with the insurance company.

This is what I have done to it in the last year:
New distributor
alternator
shocks
battery
voltage regulator
window tint
seat re-upholstered
ignition switch
middle u-joint
a-c tubing under dash
a-c vaccum switch
new spark plugs and wires

It has all original trim on it.

Not sure if milage is 135000 or 235000.

So the question is, should i sit on it try to find a buyer who might want
it for parts or as part of a project, or should I take the insurance offer.

Its about a $1000.00 difference between the two.

Runs fine, it was my daily driver.

Thanks,
Mike

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I'd buy it back in a heart beat and repair it. Is the frame bent?

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Does it have frame damage? It honestly looks like it would be an easy fix. I would take the money they give you totaling it out and if it is just damage to the bed find a good shape, used bed and drop it on or somehow fix it up.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Keep it.
Buy a tailgate.
Drive it.
It looks a whole lot better than what I am driving right now.
Sorry about the damage.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Just that? I'd try to fix it. If there is frame damage, it's fixable. I haven't done it but I know men who have.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I don't think there is any frame because I continued to drive it for about a week
afterwards and couldn't tell a difference in the ride.
I have already purchased a replacement for it can't really afford to keep it.
I hate to see it go to a salvage yard though and that is what will happen to it.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Do tou mind if I ask what the insurance co has offered you for it? How much to buy it back? Whatever it is, although i hate to say it, the truck is worth more apart than it is whole. Do you have a place to part it out? That is the most bang for the buck. If you have receipts of those repairs, they cant deny it. Threaten to get a lawyer involved. A lot of the time a threat is all thats needed to make them realize you arent stupid. (Been down this road before.)

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

How bad is the cab damaged? If yes, do the doors open and close with issues and how do the door gaps look?

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Salvage is $2800.
Totaled offer is $3800.


I submitted the receipts butt took a ton off for it being
pro-rated.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Not sure i follow. $2800 you keep truck, $3800 they take it? If so that is a hard decision. As mentioned above, depends on actual damage. If it realy is just the gate and bumpers, you might keep it, fix it and resell it as even repro parts wouldnt be too expensive. Only drawback is you would then have a salvage title. Just take a lot of photos before and during repair to show potential buyers

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I keep $2800 and truck
or $3800 and no truck.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I would take the money and keep the truck, sheesh, I prolly wouldn't even fix it and pay some bills. That thing looks better than what I'm driving.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

It all comes down to you and extent of damage and what you can and are willing to do with it. Since you said you need to get rid of it, my first choice (if damage is as minor as it looks)
would be to take $2800, fix and resell. It just depends on your skill level, time available and work space availability. What condition is the truck in other than accident damage? Any major rust? Looks like original paint. If its solid, I think you could get more than what it wiuld cost to fix if reselling it.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I'd take the $2800 and truck. I would think you could get $1000 or more easily by selling the truck or parts

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I looked at photos closer and see thebed contacted the cab on at least one side and there is evidence of cab corner repair on at least one side. As mentioned above,do door still open OK? Looking more like a part out if not.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Hands down I would keep the truck. If you don't have the time or skills to fix it yourself you could use the cash to have someone else fix it. If need be sell it repaired. Be a shame to see it in a salvage yard, looks like a real nice ride.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

I think I'm just going to take the salvage offer. I hate to see it go but I think I'm ready to just let it go at this point.
Thanks for the advice.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Take the $2800 and the truck IMO

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Without a doubt, keep the truck & 2800.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Wish it was closer...I would buy it off you. It's better than most of the stuff around here!

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Me too. Keep the truck. I see way more than $1000 in parts. Or if you sell it for $1500 as-is you are way ahead.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

+1

Someone will buy it for parts for sure. Hate to see that go to the crusher... Engine, trans and fenders will more than make up your 1000.00

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

man keep it and sell it for a grand to someone that can use it. same money for you! hell id throw a grand at it. cant think that i would be making a trip to texas anytime soon though...

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

Take the money and keep your truck for a grand it looks highly repairable. I was an insurance adjuster for Travelers Ins. for about 6 years.

Re: my 72 GMC was totaled. Not sure what to do.
 

DO NOT!, I REPEAT, DO NOT TAKE THAT TRUCK TO THE SALVAGE YARD!!!!

Sell it to someone here on the board who could really use it! PM me if you do decide to sell!