Wrecked Gator. Rebuild thread.

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crazyman

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A customer of mine bought a 2011 John Deere Gator that was wrecked and he wants me to fix it. Alcohol was involved. Not in the purchase, but in the wreck.. LOL.



Another reason not to drink and drive, folks. Both people were ejected as they weren't wearing seatbelts....

The teardown..





The drivers side is pushed back almost a foot. Next stop, frame machine at a body shop. The engine knocks because it ran upside down with no oil at the pickup for too long. New crank and bearings, as undersized rod bearings are not yet available.


It's an incredible machine, though.. 4 wheel disk brakes, 4 wheel independant suspension. 812cc 3 cylinder twincam 12 valve. Fuel injected, heated oxygen sensor, catalytic converter. 53mph top speed. $18k new. It'll probably take $1500 in hard parts to fix, plus my labor, and the body shop's labor to straighten the frame.

To the original owner, it is a total loss... $18k plus medical bills. No coverage on the Gator. Do Not drink and drive.
 
OzFab

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Hmm, 4 piece wishbone, that's a new one :D

As this is my trade, I know you've got your work cut out for you; have fun & good luck :thumbsup:
 
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mckutzy

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I would say you might also get some kind of liability insurance or a waiver for the repairs.

Sadly these days if you arent an authorized dealer/mechanic ect.( I am not too sure if You are, You didnt say, Pardon me if you are though) there might be some problem if some time down the line or by whatever means something may come back onto you, especially if this was caused by a drunk driver.
 
OzFab

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If the rules over there are the same as here (which they're probably not), The damage will be recorded on a database so that, if anyone tries to insure it in the future, the insurance company inspectors will go over it with a fine toothed comb.

As mentioned by the OP, a local body shop will be straightening the frame so it should end up pretty straight (cars are built to tolerances of + or - 2mm), then it's simply a matter of bolting on new parts.
 
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crazyman

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I'm about a half hour from pulling the crankshaft, but it'll be tomorrow. The pan, rear seal plate, and front oil pump assembly is unbolted.

Tomorrow I hafta pop the RTV, and unbolt rods and mains, and it's an open book.

Oh, he spent $2100 in parts, probably some little stuff left like decals.... The roll cage was $500.

It's a chinese Chery engine for all that are interested. They make cars, trucks, and vans in china. From what I've seen, it appears to be very good quality. Better than a suzuki 3 cylinder in '93 installed in metros, cultus's, and swifts. Cast iron block, even. Kinda sucks to see such good quality from china.

 
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crazyman

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Got word from my customer that the body shop said the frame is within inches.. They are just waiting on specs from the deere factory to get it perfect.
 
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crazyman

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The gator just got back today. I will snap a daylight picture tomorrow. Straight and ready to bolt the body back together, but I still have to swap the crank before it runs.
 
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crazyman

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Yes, the wheel is back about 3/4 of an inch. It's hard to see in person, but boy, does a camera sure pick it up. The body shop did a crappy job, but at least it resembles a gator again.
 
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