Hello -- This is my first post...Thanks in advance
The '85 GMC Sierra Classic (8 FT BED)I bought new -- 102K miles, original paint, perfect interior - got hit on the left side of the bed, squarely on the gascap door, a glancing blow. Truck is fully drivable: only (bad) exterior sheetmetal damage to the fender panel and VERY little distortion on the inside of the bed. Insurance company did not total the truck and estimated $2100 damage. They bluebooked it at $2750, pre-crash.
Of course, there are no new OEM replacement panels to be had that I know of. I have the following questions:
1) I understand that some of the aftermarket body panels are poor quality. Has anyone replaced the bed side of their truck with a chevyduty panel? How did it turn out?
2) Does anyone know of a good body shop in the Oakland/SF bay area?
3) I know this is subjective: Fix or sell? Any guess as to value of the truck at present?
I've had such a great time with this vehicle, I'd really like to fix it to keep, epecially in light of the price of a new truck. Any suggestions/input would be appreciated.
THANKS
The '85 GMC Sierra Classic (8 FT BED)I bought new -- 102K miles, original paint, perfect interior - got hit on the left side of the bed, squarely on the gascap door, a glancing blow. Truck is fully drivable: only (bad) exterior sheetmetal damage to the fender panel and VERY little distortion on the inside of the bed. Insurance company did not total the truck and estimated $2100 damage. They bluebooked it at $2750, pre-crash.
Of course, there are no new OEM replacement panels to be had that I know of. I have the following questions:
1) I understand that some of the aftermarket body panels are poor quality. Has anyone replaced the bed side of their truck with a chevyduty panel? How did it turn out?
2) Does anyone know of a good body shop in the Oakland/SF bay area?
3) I know this is subjective: Fix or sell? Any guess as to value of the truck at present?
I've had such a great time with this vehicle, I'd really like to fix it to keep, epecially in light of the price of a new truck. Any suggestions/input would be appreciated.
THANKS