Advice Needed: When Should You Replace Parts or Part with It?

One of our forum members recently sustained damage to his Silverado. Is it time to trade it in, or is it fixable? 

Accidents, for lack of a better word, suck. They are a force that often come out of nowhere and wreak havoc on our lives, and our rides. And anyone who has had their ride trashed in an accident that wasn’t their fault can appreciate the level of frustration that comes along with it. A member of the Chevrolet Forums is trying to figure out his options, following a blow that left his 2001 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD fairly beat-up.

Member Bruce Howard shared his story and subsequent quandary on a thread in the forums.

So I just bought a 2001 Silverado 2500 HD extended cab a month ago. I put a $1000 into getting it on the road. Drove it for a week and got T-boned by a Dodge Ram. $8k in damages so far. So, depending on what the adjuster says, I want to keep it.

I went to a Chevy dealership [and the] parts guy said I can use the doors from a ’99 new body to an 2007. Is that true?

Does anybody have a truck that they are parting out? And how much do you think I can fix it back for? Right now I don’t care if colors match.

It’s a hard choice to make, what would you do?

Veteran of the forums, member Mountainmanjoe joined in the discussion and added his two cents.

Wait and see what the adjuster says; but it looks like your pillar was hit, as well as some body seams. Just guessing but the transport authority won’t consider that safe. If it’s an option you might need to swap the whole body.

We’re hoping that Howard’s insurance comes through with enough to get his Silverado back in shape, and on the road. But when it comes to car insurance, forgive us if we’re just a little cynical.

So, let us–and Howard–know what you think. Let’s help out our fellow Chevy fan! Have you been through a similar situation, and if so, what did you do? If you want to recommend any resources, offer sound advice, or just want give Howard some much needed moral support; head over to the thread in the forums and help our Silverado-less friend out!

Photos: Chevrolet Forums/Bruce Howard; General Motors

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.