I'm Torn Between Spending $16K to Repair My Beloved First Chevy Silverado After a Deer Collision, or Bringing It Home to Salvage Valuable Parts and Give It New Life

This evening, I was scrolling through the “Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500” group on Facebook and came across a post by Harmon Drexler. Harmon is uncertain whether to spend at least $16K repairing his beloved first truck, parting it out, or simply leaving it after it was damaged in a deer collision. The truck was his pride and joy, and he's seriously considering retrieving it to salvage usable parts or possibly restore it. He's looking for courteous advice on understanding the potential challenges and rewards of repairing or parting it out.

Harmon says, “I want to get this truck back to retrieve many usable parts that I could either sell or keep, but I'm also considering repairing it instead. The last estimate I received for repairs was at least $16,000. What should I do, should I try to get it back to fix it, part it out, or just leave it be? This was the first truck I ever bought, and I truly loved it; it was my pride and joy until a deer collision occurred. Please be courteous with your responses and respectful to others. I'm simply seeking guidance to better understand the amount of work and potential headaches involved in either repairing or parting it out.”

Expert Insight on Repairing vs. Parting Out a Damaged Silverado

Jeff Janicki, an experienced mechanic and truck enthusiast, weighed in on the topic, offering a balanced perspective: “The decision to repair or part out a vehicle like this depends on a few key factors, frame damage, repair costs versus resale value, and your attachment to the truck. If the frame is compromised beyond reasonable repair, parting it out might be the better option. However, if most of the damage is limited to bolt-on components, a dedicated truck owner with the right tools and knowledge could restore it for far less than a shop estimate. I’ve seen people successfully revive worse trucks, but it requires time, effort, and some level of expertise.”

Community Reactions: What Other Truck Owners Say

Harmon's dilemma resonated deeply with fellow truck owners, many of whom shared their own experiences and advice.

Dawnya shared her personal story, saying, “I feel your pain! An uninsured Ford Edge ran a red light and took out our truck. It’s my husband's pride and joy, holding far more sentimental value than its book price because it was my grandfather's last truck. Last April, my brand-new Jeep saved it during a tornado when our camper nearly crushed it. My husband had just invested about $4,000 into rebuilding it and performing an AFM delete. Thankfully, it still starts and runs, and the airbags didn’t deploy, though the frame is bent past the wheels. My husband and son do auto body work, so they plan to repair it, but I'm still angry with the driver who hit it.”

Mike suggested taking a financial approach: “Contact Copart to determine the salvage value. Parting it out yourself would be a lengthy and challenging process. Once you've established the salvage value, you'll be better positioned to decide if repairing it makes sense.”

Ron provided a more hands-on perspective: “Based on these two pictures, I'd suggest fixing it. Most of the work involves removing the bent and broken parts and replacing them with new or good used ones. If there's frame damage, that's a bigger issue depending on how severe it is. I repaired a Nissan SUV that had collided with a golf cart, replacing the core support, which required drilling out many spot welds and rewelding, as well as the hood and passenger fender. Depending on your mechanical abilities and access to tools, from what I can see, your truck can be repaired and enjoyed for many more years. The only uncertainty is the airbag, which will need replacing, but I'm not completely sure what's involved with that. Good luck.”

My Opinion: What I Would Do in This Situation

If I were in Harmon's shoes, I would take a step back and analyze the situation with both logic and emotion. On one hand, I completely understand the deep sentimental attachment one can have to their first truck, there’s something special about the vehicle that carried you through milestones, road trips, and tough times. But at the same time, sinking $16,000 into a repair that may not even fully restore the truck to its former condition is a hard pill to swallow. Personally, I would consider whether I have the tools, resources, and time to do some of the work myself. If I could manage to cut down repair costs significantly by sourcing used parts and doing some of the labor, then fixing it might be a viable option. However, if the truck is truly beyond a reasonable repair, especially if the frame is severely compromised, then I’d lean toward parting it out and making the best of a tough situation. There’s also an interesting middle ground to consider: salvaging key parts, selling the rest, and using that money to buy another Silverado that I can make my own. That way, the spirit of my first truck could live on in a new project without the massive financial burden of a full restoration.

Important Considerations When Making Your Decision

If you're facing a decision similar to Harmon’s, here are a few key considerations:

1. Extent of Damage: If the frame is severely bent, repairing the truck might not be worth the cost and effort.
2. Repair Costs vs. Truck Value: Spending $16,000 on repairs may exceed the truck’s market value.
3. DIY Ability and Resources: If you have access to tools, expertise, and time, you might be able to restore the truck yourself at a fraction of the cost.
4. Emotional Value: If the truck holds significant sentimental value, restoration may be worth it regardless of cost.
5. Resale and Salvage Value: Research what you could earn by parting it out versus what it’s worth if fully repaired.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons from This Experience

Situations like Harmon’s highlight the deep connection many truck owners have with their vehicles. Trucks often hold sentimental value that far outweighs their monetary worth. When faced with tough decisions like this, it's essential to weigh both financial and emotional factors. Whether you choose to repair or part out a beloved vehicle, the goal should be to make the most out of the situation, ensuring that the truck’s legacy continues in one way or another.

For those interested in learning more about how modern Chevrolet Silverados are evolving, check out this deep dive into the Silverado EV’s hidden gems and challenges.

Additionally, if you’re wondering about the real-world driving experience of the 2024 Silverado, don’t miss this article on handling the truck in bad snow conditions.

For those who have experienced unexpected reliability issues, this piece about a Silverado that struggled at just 594 miles might be eye-opening.

Furthermore, anyone concerned about transmission reliability should read this account of a Silverado with shifting problems.

And finally, for a look at one of the scariest Silverado brake failures, this story about brakes failing at 65 mph in rush-hour traffic is a must-read.

Engage With Us

Have you ever faced a similar dilemma with a damaged vehicle? Did you choose to repair it, part it out, or move on? Please share your experiences and advice in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.