How hard is it to fix A-pillar damage???????????????

[85crownHPP]

A tree limb smacked my dad's '00 Vic right on the A-pillar, cracked the windshield and broke the window glass, so I'm sure it kinked the window frame of the door too.
His insurance wants to total it, not sure yet if it's because it's 'unfixable' or just would cost more than the assessed value of the car.
I haven't seen it, but it couldn't be too terrible, he drove it home after and to the body shop.

He'd probably 'give' it to me if I asked, I guess I'd have to 'buy' it back from the insurance company? How does that even work??

I have a buddy that does backyard body work, I have no problem swapping a door, and my shop uses an independant windshield guy that's dirt cheap (and very skilled).

The car is otherwise in fantastic shape and has been well maintained, intake manifold / ball joints / any & all other typical needs have been covered. New tires, recent tune up, all that good stuff

My brain is tingling so much that I worry I may be overlooking something that might change my mind... what say ye mangs????

[Mainemantom]

Can you provide us with pictures ? Include a side shot of the pillar. I have seen a few pillars replaced before on totals. I don't think insurance companies want to fool with putting a vehicle back on the road with one replaced. Might not need to replace it though.

[85crownHPP]

Will do, I'm going to try to track it down after work. My dad's out of town (his other car is a '91 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz ) But if I can't get in touch with him by then, I'm sure it's in one of the two major local body shops' parking lots...

[jaywish]

In pics please show if roof is also damaged.

Pretty much any minor damage will total a 90.

Getting the car from the insurance company is usually easy. It may be a bit more paperwork and possibly an inspection depending on your state.

[Tiggie]

No buy back needed. He still has the title so it's still his. Tell the insurance company you want to keep it. They'll just take scrap price out of the pay check. Did it with my 88 with Allstate.

[Rodentkiller]

I suggest you try and prove that the car is worth more than "scrap" value such as get sale ads for the same car in the same condishion and demand "replacement value because "scrap" value and sale value are completly different.

[85crownHPP]

GGggrrr... my dad said the 'second opinion' shop (he really likes the car) thinks it may not be totalled.... I cruised by the place but it must be inside, I didn't see it in the lot.
This may be a good thing, it may have been a bigger bite than I can chew at this time. I've already loaded enough onto my free-time plate, and any significant car-time should go to the 85...