Wrecked truck Build thread and new member introduction

[Bansheeman6100]

Hey everyone, been trolling around for a few days since I got my most recent project, and figured it was time to just join up. I sold my cummins a few years back, and have been missing having a truck since, so I recently started looking for Cummins. Between the absurd premium on trucks lately, and me being generally cheap, ive been cruising around copart for wrecks to fix up. But when I came across this 1500, I had to snatch it up.

2020 Bighorn, 23k miles, 4x4, 5.7, sliding rear window

And, thats it, pretty base model overall. Now, onto the damage. It took a decent hit in the front, but its surprisingly not bad at all. The horn punched I to the condenser a little, but didn't puncture. Nothing else mechanical seems to have been effected. No CELs, no airbag deployment, straight body lines and drives down the highway straight. The passenger fender will need some tweaking, but overall I think I got a killer deal at $18k with a clean title

Now, a list of parts ove already ordered:
-front and rear steel replacement bumpers
-Sport hood (with the front vents and cowl)
-Paint matched grille and top trim
-Radiator support
-Vland LED headlights
-Coolant reservoir
-Assorted plastic brackets/trim
-18x9, 0 offset American Racing 209's in bronze

Eventually I will look at leveling the front, possibly something for the rear even. But let me know what yall think! My father has this same truck but with the 3.6, so I know the truck fairly well and have a reference point as well which is nice

 

[Moosefire66]

Good luck with it! Keep us posted on it's progress!

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Kaderast]

Sounds like a fun project. Kudos to you for snagging a wrecked truck cheap and putting in the work to make it whole again.

 

[Moosefire66]

Hell, if you really wanted to save some money, just leave it alone and drive it. Assuming the doors open without problems, no problems with the radiator etc. I wouldn't mind driving that truck the way it sits. Maybe jump on the hood first but....

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Tapatalk

 

[bigdodge]

imo, that core support looks to be an issue

 

[d19r93]

I agree with bigdodge, the core support is definitely an area of concern. Looks like an all-around solid truck/deal, but hopefully the lower rails aren't toast.

 

[mikeru82]

imo, that core support looks to be an issue

You'll need to either straighten that one or replace it. Otherwise the new hood won't latch.
Right fender is also damaged. You'll also want to replace any bumper mounting brackets because those are bent as well. I'm all for projects like this. I've done a few myself, on mostly older cars and trucks. Have tons of fun!

 

[Bansheeman6100]

Ok, let's address a few things:

-i did order the core/radiator support, its toast lol
-the passenger support that the core connects to is bent, and will be straightened. You can see the radiator is tilted back a tad
-lower rails seem completely fine, will know more once I get it on a rack to confirm
-the passenger fenders are on backorder, so im gonna try and pop this one out and run it for awhile as is. Its not terrible

I love these projects too! Last one I did was a Focus RS, and that was a *****, but super fun when done.

 

[bigdodge]

don't forget wrecking yards

 

[Bansheeman6100]

don't forget wrecking yards

Damn near impossible to find what I need at a yard, ive been looking. Most of what I need is damaged, or severely overpriced

 

[Glscrambled]

I’m fixing a 2021 1500 crew cab longhorn/bighorn sport that took a hit to the front. We have fixed probably 25 of the last generation rams over the last few years but damn is this thing giving us a run for our money. Parts are either impossible to find, on back order at the dealer or just a fortune. Mine needed a front driver suspension (upper and lower control arm, spindle, hub, axle, shock assembly) and we just found out the steering rack is shot too. So there’s another 1700 bucks… I’m going to hope My body man can salvage the hood for me and maybe even get away with fixing the front fender…. I bought a new bumper, the TRX style grille, a set of off road package front shock assemblies, and blackout headlights from members on here. I’m also going to black out all the badges since the front will be all blacked out…. Having fun with it so far and will have a pretty premium looking truck for a fraction of the price when it’s done…