Talked to the body shop advisor on Friday.

Surprise, Surprise, they have been unable to locate an undamaged $1500 used frame to replace the one that is kinked under my wife's ml. (What made them think that the frame would be clean under another totaled ML is beyond me)

A new frame from the dealer is $5150. Labor to install is $3000. Talked to the adjuster. He is now stuck. He has already authorized and paid for $4000 in work on the truck. (The rear hatch and bumper skin have been through the paint shop and are ready to be installed.)

The adjuster told me the car was not safe with the old frame but if he has to buy a new one from the dealer I believe he will be very close to the tipping point on totaling the car.

The truck is sitting in the body shop up in the air on a rack with the rear axle, exhaust, and spare tire carrier sitting in a pile on the other side of the shop.

I think it needs to be totaled but the adjuster has a problem with the money already paid versus the additional money to buy me out.

The body shop could put it back to gether and it would look as good as new.

I wonder if the insurance company could sell it as a "damaged" car that looks perfect?

Any thoughts on helping my adjuster come to the right solution /-BUYING ME OUT?