Glad everyone is okay! Look on the positive side - at least it was just an easily replaceable bumper and fender flair...imagine if it was your front axle/ suspension!

I'm surprised all of you that had JK's don't have to replace your hoods.

 

Sorry bout that

 

Well I'll be... I didn't know you were a JK member! :-) So, did you guys actually drive back without the doors in the pouring rain?

Yeah, the AEV bumper really saved the day. It was a tough decision between the Shrockworks shorty and the AEV, but in the end, I chose the AEV because our local trails have more trees and I figured the AEV would protect the tire much better. That was _such_ a good call. I can't believe it. It folded just perfectly. If it would have been thicker or weaker, the air bags might have gone off, or my knuckle / axle might have snapped. So far everything is working ok. I even took it to my local garage and tore down the tie-rod and drag link to make sure. The tire was a bit chunked, so I did a tire rotation too. Next I have to check the alignment and make sure the camber hasn't changed.

Yeah, I'm pretty happy with all the mods. The winch was used several times, the bumper saved the day, even my cornering lights on the roof rack came in handy when it got really dark.

Same here!

BTW, we went for an estimate with the 'no paint' guys. They can fix the quarter panel, but won't touch the hood. So we can get the hood fixed the usual way (hammers and paint), or change it. Melanie just gave me the "ok" for an AEV hood. We're having it painted flat black. :-D

js.

 

Thanks to everyone for your encouraging words. Here's the break-down so far:

- I'll be replacing the OEM fender flare, but there are a _lot_ of parts that make up that flare. I think it'll end up in the $400 range (including new grill and hood catch). The grill is a little expensive since it comes already painted.

- David from Northridge4x4 is working with AEV to get me _just_ the bumper (no grill, crush cans, bolts, mounts, etc.) so this should save me a few bucks. The AEV bumper is still expensive though...

- The front corner sheet-metal is scheduled to be un-dented on August 6th. It should look like new afterwards (fingers crossed).

- The hood is a little trickier though. The "no paint" body guys didn't want to touch the hood because of the cut-out for the snorkel -- the sheet metal will not react as expected because of the weakness. They guarantee an "as new" look, so I don't blame them for skipping on this one. My alternatives are: Get the hood un-dented and painted by a body shop, or order a new hood, cut it up, transfer all the clips, latches, etc. and get it painted. A new hood is only $220, so I might go with that.

I know, I know, some of you are thinking "go for the AEV!". Well, the AEV is $1000, compares to $220 for the OEM. And I actually _like_ the OEM hood over the AEV one. :-) The AEV will probably allow more water into the engine bay when fording deep water too.

BTW, I'm looking at flat-black to paint the hood. I'm still not sure if I'll do it myself with a paint can, or have it done. :-D

js.

 

That sucks! Good thing you had a full-width bumper.

 

I'm cringing at the site of your poor Jeep

 

man that's tough luck with the tree. sorry about that.

about the hood though, it's your call; but... the AEV is $750 direct from AEV (or are you factoring in shipping?)

----------------
Now playing: Die Form - New Erotica
via FoxyTunes

 

You're right! Hm. Northridge4x4 has it listed for $1000. They include shipping, but $250 for shipping seems a lot... Maybe it's a mistake. I'll shoot David and e-mail...

js.

 

yeah, it comes unpainted which would kill ya....im suprised the OEM hood is that cheap!! id go for it, if the fenders are gonna cost you that much, go for some tube fenders!


are you using insurance at all? they should cover offroad damage.

 

The fender itself isn't too bad, and some parts like the fender well with insulation, would still need to be replaced. The most expensive item is the grille which comes in at around $180. It's already painted, which drives up the price I guess.

I thought about it, and yeah, it would probably be covered, but my wife doesn't like the idea. She prefers using insurance just for the big stuff, and I guess this isn't big enough. :-) Generally insurance companies tend to increase your premiums for a few years after you file a claim. So, I'm not sure how much we'd save in the long run...

js.