Wrecked restored charger...

[Calif240]

Like the title says... 69 Charger got hit tonight. Lady ran a red light. Destroyed front of car forward of firewall... Her fault, she ran a red. Looking for any recommendations to ensure I don't screwed on this... Already know to document all improvements to adjuster, but a lot was done by myself, is bodywork and paint... Heartbroken... Appreciate any advice and will try to attach photos.

[Baldwinvette77]

oh god... 

[Fred]

So sorry to hear this. Best of luck with it all.

[rave_12000]

not a whole lot you can do but give your statement truthfully for "at fault" determination.  more difficult part may be determining the cost of repair for insurance.  how do you put a value on a 69 charger grille?

I have a few extra parts laying around...when the time comes.  

sux though.  I feel your pain.  had mine stolen about a month ago.  feels bad.

[JB400]

Sad to hear that.  I guess the question is, are you wanting to try to rebuild the car?  If so, I'd start to figure out what it will cost to fix it by figuring it up yourself.  Talk to places that have a frame puller that can put it back to factory specs.  Also, grab an AMD catalog and start pricing sheet metal.  Once you have an estimate of what it will cost, it'll give you an idea of whether or not the insurance agents are trying to screw you.

I say that as long as the firewall and the a pillars aren't damaged, your car should be repairable.  Frame rails and inner fenders are available reproduction.  Same with the core support.  Several resto shops that deal strictly with mopar have chassis jigs that they can put your car on and get everything squared up right.  If the firewall and a pillars are damaged, you basically have to sacrifice another car to fix yours.

Sorry it had to happen.  Get some quotes and don't just settle for an amount.  They either owe you for fixing this one, or for another car.

One other thing:  SAVE AS MANY PIECES OF THE GRILLE AS YOU CAN.

[myk]

Sad to hear that.   I guess the question is, are you wanting to try to rebuild the car?  If so, I'd start to figure out what it will cost to fix it by figuring it up yourself.  Talk to places that have a frame puller that can put it back to factory specs.  Also, grab an AMD catalog and start pricing sheet metal.  Once you have an estimate of what it will cost, it'll give you an idea of whether or not the insurance agents are trying to screw you or not.

I say that as long as the firewall and the a pillars aren't damaged, your car should be repairable.  Frame rails and inner fenders are available reproduction.  Same with the core support.  Several resto shops that deal strictly with mopar have chassis jigs that they can put your car on and get everything squared up right.  If the firewall and a pillars are damaged, you basically have to sacrifice another car to fix yours.

Sorry it had to happen.  Get some quotes and don't just settle for an amount.  They either owe you for fixing this one, or for another car.

One other thing:  SAVE AS MANY PIECES OF THE GRILLE AS YOU CAN.

Wise words.

'OP I'm sorry to hear about this; I hope that you are physically fine and that the car will soon begin its road to recovery...

[tan top]

  oh crikey     glad your ok  ,   bet she was on the damn phone    ,   sorry to hear about your charger ,

[DC_1]

Something simular happened to this guy last year

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,91812.0.html

[Old Tired Rebel]

Sorry to hear, hope everyone is ok.

[Calif240]

Yeah... I'm fine. Lady who hit me was taken to hospital... She was doing about 55 when she met Detroit steel, so wasn't in a good position. Hoping she's ok... Thanks for the suggestions... All good advice and appreciated... Trying to load photos but having trouble shrinking between my insurance calls and all...

[Dino]

I'm very sorry to hear.  I've repaired many bent front ends on all sorts of cars and trucks so I'll help where I can to get it back on the road.  I'm glad you're okay physically and I hope the lady will be alright, regardless of what she did. 

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Agreed Value Insurance Policies are the way to go... Otherwise, the burden of proof (for value) is on the owner. Good luck 

[Todd Wilson]

Try to document everything about your car and get on the internet and find Chargers comparable to yours for sale and print those out. Might even have some junkers printed as well so show what the values of these cars are.


Todd

[bull]

My advice, don't let her insurance company push you around and cut corners. Get a top notch shop that knows how to fight for you and knows Mopars. I would also recommend you find a restoration shop rather than just a regular body shop. There are some that do both.

These days extensive repairs on Chargers is pretty common.

[Calif240]

Here is the picture. I think the front passenger frame and everything is fine... not so sure about the driver side. Just curious as to what you guys think the car would be valued at and what the damage is? I know these would vary depending on who you talk to, but you guys are much more experienced and knowledgable than I... the car is a 1969, non-numbers matching. It had all new body work and paint (1 yr) all new correct interior, Hotchkis suspension, Moser Dana Rear, fully rewired, basically full restored but not numbers matching.

Appreciate all of you guys taking the time to give the advice... been a bad 24 hours 

[JB400]

Value wise, I say somewhere between $25k and $35k.

Parts list:  Grille
               Grille support
               Left fender, maybe right???
               Hood
               left inner fender
               upper a arm
               Lower control arm
               bumper brackets
               bumper
                valance

At least it can be fixed

[myk]

Who's your insurance provider, 'OP?  Are they taking care of you so far?

[miamivice]

So sorry to see this.   glad you are ok though!

Like myk said, who's your insurance provider? ...if you have collectors car insurance, you should be ok re: value/repairs.

and like Bull said, go to a restoration shop, not just a regular body shop.   

[Calif240]

I've got Grundy collector car insurance. They are supposed to get back to me on Monday. The accident happened on Friday at 6pm, so because their claims experts aren't in until Monday, I won't know.

[Calif240]

OH also... for those of you that follow NBA/sports... The Indiana Pacers starting center Roy Hibbert witnessed the accident and got out to help... kinda funny, but really classy move on his part. Really nice guy. He's on my police report... haha

[469 runner]

I have Grundy Insurance, unfortunately had to file a claim once.  They took very good care of me.  Let me choose the repair shop, and since it was a shop that specialized in restorations I couldn't pin them down to a firm price on fixing the car.  Grundy told the shop to fix it and fix it right.  All was well handled. 

Sorry to see your car.  It will come back and be better than ever.

[cudaken]

 Whole Shit, it knocked off the 01 from the door!

To me, it does not look that bad, but I ran body-shops for 20 years. Well, I should say it looks to be repairable.

Long time ago when our cars really where not worth anything my 68 Road Runner got hit in the same fashion except it was parked. (Mine was still drivable) Took it to the kids insurances appraiser for the claim. They told me Car is worth $500.00, we will give you $300.00 and let you keep it. Fuck them!

Went to North Side Chrysler and paid $100.00 deposit for needed parts (Had no idea how I was going to afford the balances) and went back to them. I had a copy of Traders Times, bill for the parts and my Tech school body shop certificate.

Threw down the Trader Times and said Find me a running 68 Road Runner for $500! (Hemi cars where $2500.00 back then). Then showed him my bill for the parts and my certificate and said "Your choose is to pay me the $1500.00 now or wait till I am done with the repair and I will sue your company for $2500.00!    

Walked out with a check.  

Looking forward to see how the repairs go.

     Cuda Ken

[Calif240]

Haha, thanks Cuda Ken...you're joking about the '01, but it really did knock off the numbers...

I have the car fully orange with the Black R/T stripe and no GL graphics or anything else painted or applied permanently. I have industrial flat magnets that I put on for a week here or there and for Halloween, certain other events, etc. Had them on yesterday with the exception of the battle flag because I didn't want my HR department at work having any reason to say anything...The impact knocked the door magnets off immediately. Both numbers flew about 30 feet off of the car. The magnets are actually a good solution for me because I don't want it always being a General Lee and want it many times just to be an R/T orange Charger.

[oldcarnut]

Had them on yesterday with the exception of the battle flag because I didn't want my HR department at work having any reason to say anything...

I don't quite get that one    Any reason to say what?

[MoparManJim]

At what angel was you hit at? reason I ask is because the bumper is not bent at all but only for the driver side flat side. It's all that is cave/push in.   

Head on hit, would have killed the whole front end, it looks to me like you got nailed while making a turn going left.   

[Calif240]

I was going across an intersection... She hit me going left to right as well as the guy to my side on my left (two lane intersection). She ran a red light, She clipped him first, he got pushed into my door and she went the rest of the way into my fender...

As far as the flag, I'm in management and don't want to give any warehouse worker am easy way to complain to HR, especially when it is easy to remove. I've never had a bad comment and don't worry anywhere else, but when it comes to the job, I figure its easier to just take it off than run any chance that some idiot tries to say I'm offensive or some PC bullshit.

[oldcarnut]

I forgot to add that I feel for ya on the car hit.  Thankfully nothing I've had has been hit while I was running around.  Sometimes I wish somebody had totally done it when I was trying to sell it but at least it seems your ok and no bad injuries.  I hope it works out your way.  Hadn't heard of anyone having their car checked for the "numbers matching" factor and sure wouldn't volunteer it out to the adjuster.

I sorta understand the mgt. position.  I guess somebody will always make something outa something when it suits their cause. The flag's flown at the State Capital but there's more reverse discrimination with affirmative action and prejudiced quotas shown at the work place than the other way around but that's ok with them.   I hope the other GL's here don't have to strip their Chargers to drive to work.

Best of luck with the Charger

[tan top]

 thanks for posting the picture ,    
is the cowl  creased , any creases in the roof ? ,  windshield cracked / or poped out  any ? ,  looks  like the drivers door needs replacing ,  dose it open & close properly ,  what about door gaps ? only from the picture its either open or its popped out

[Calif240]

From what I can tell, there is no damage rear of the firewall except the dented driver door. There are some scratches in the cowl from where the hood folded, but looks like it can be repaired w new paint and very minor body work. All glass seems ok, except possibly the driver door glass.

Figured I'd post the results from insurance and estimates here as information once final...will prob go ahead and research the additional cost to put in an Alterktion now since its the perfect time and mine is a resto-mod without numbers matching drivetrain...

[Brass]

Man, I hate seeing this.  My guess is she was texting.  Still, I hope she's okay - and glad you are.  Hang in there, and good luck with the insurance company.

[myk]

From what I can tell, there is no damage rear of the firewall except the dented driver door. There are some scratches in the cowl from where the hood folded, but looks like it can be repaired w new paint and very minor body work. All glass seems ok, except possibly the driver door glass.

Figured I'd post the results from insurance and estimates here as information once final...will prob go ahead and research the additional cost to put in an Alterktion now since its the perfect time and mine is a resto-mod without numbers matching drivetrain...

I'm curious to see how this will work out with Grundy.  A total losss (God forbid) is an easy situation, as they'd have to pay you on the agreed value.  However I've always wondered about repair work; will they allow you to pick your own shop?  Who seeks out the parts and what type of parts will be used?  Will they go the way of the collision shops and try to push your car out or will they assist in a sincere effort to repair it? 

I hope you have nothing but good news to report tomorrow or soon after...

[MoparManJim]

I'm sorry to hear that about your car man. I hope all works out in your favor. 

[six-tee-nine]

First of all, be glad you are OK. I know that does'nt help much but imagine your wife taking care of your funeral at this moment because you were in a 45 year old car that isnt up to the task of keeping his driver alive as the cars of these days are.
Imagine if that stupid c*nt hit you in your door if you were at the intersection a split second later....

About the car, I hope you are insured and go to a resto shop and have the body checked all over. I guess all the sheetmetal for the complete front clip is avalable from AMD now.
Suspension parts are pretty easy to find. The biggest hassle will be the grill parts as many others have already told you.
Member BOBFIST here has reproduced grill parts and if the insurance pays for them they are not expensive at all...

[bill440rt]

Egads, I hate to see threads like this.
Like others have said, glad to hear you are OK. That is most important. The car can be fixed, and yes it does look repairable. Start researching shops now.
My hunch is that the structural damage did walk past the firewall, I can see the gap is off along the vent window frame to the roof A-pillar. Is the door sitting correctly against the quarter?
In any event, I wish you well for a speedy recovery with your car. Best of luck. 

[Mike DC]

My hunch is that the structural damage did walk past the firewall, I can see the gap is off along the vent window frame to the roof A-pillar. Is the door sitting correctly against the quarter?

I was thinking that initially too.  But then I remembered that this wreck was not a head-on hit like is usually the case with so much frontal damage.  IMHO the floor/undercarriage/firewall might be more likely to show additional damage than the A-pillars on this one.  


At any rate it needs a good shop.  

I would check the unibody alignment, pull it out completely straight, and then start cutting off & replacing the wrinkled metal.  

[bamadukefan02]

My hunch is that the structural damage did walk past the firewall, I can see the gap is off along the vent window frame to the roof A-pillar. Is the door sitting correctly against the quarter?

I was thinking that initially too.  But then I remembered that this wreck was not a head-on hit like is usually the case with so much frontal damage.  IMHO the floor/undercarriage/firewall might be more likely to show additional damage than the A-pillars on this one.   


At any rate it needs a good shop. 

I would check the unibody alignment, pull it out completely straight, and then start cutting off & replacing the wrinkled metal. 

From the pics it looks like the door is out of whack, so maybe things aren't too bad.  Look at the chrome trim along the top of the door, it doesn't appear to line up with the chrome that is past the door jam.

[Calif240]

Yeah... In that picture the door is actually open about 3"... So the alignment looks off. It may actually be ok. I can't find any ripples in the bodywork that would be a result of twisting or frame issues. No window cracks or issues elsewhere. Appraisal starts tomorrow...

[myk]

Yeah... In that picture the door is actually open about 3"... So the alignment looks off. It may actually be ok. I can't find any ripples in the bodywork that would be a result of twisting or frame issues. No window cracks or issues elsewhere. Appraisal starts tomorrow...

Good luck man.  Please keep us in the loop...

[Cooter]

Sorry guy....this is why every time I see ' drive em' comments I want to repost pics like this one...
Hope you either get paid or can fix it.

[myk]

Sorry guy....this is why every time I see ' drive em' comments I want to repost pics like this one...
Hope you either get paid or can fix it.

It's quite the dilemma, for sure.  I'm with the "drive 'em" camp but when I do so it's with a death grip on the steering wheel. 

'OP, any news?

[XS29L9B2]

oh my god    

[myk]

^^^Dude is that your avatar?  You've got to resize that thing. 

'OP any news?

[Calif240]

Yeah, actually just got back some info from shop and insurance yesterday. $17 k to fix. Front left rail is a little bent but not horrible. Door, fender, valance, hood, and bumper are all brand new AMD... The damage got very slightly into right fender, cowl, and quarter, so they'll do body work and repaint. No engine or mechanical damage. It is amazing how well the car took the hit... 50 mph inthe front and really the fender and hood took 90% of the energy.

It'll need a few new suspension pieces, I'm buying Hotchkis A arms and strut rods... I have Hotchkis everywhere else basically, so will go ahead and finish the front. I'll try to get some pics when they get the work started.

[Highbanked Hauler]

  When I was in the body shop(some years ago) you could get the (at fault) company to pay up to the (actual cash value) of your car. I don't know if that is still true or not or if it was a state be state thing.   The good thing about these cars is there is a lot of space for things to move around. 20 minutes with an air ratchet and you have the bolt on parts removed.  I have to agree with Cuda Ken, It doesn't look that severe..

[myk]

$17K?  Is that an alarming amount, or is that considered normal when you take the damage into account? 

[Calif240]

I thought it would be more at first, but after seeing that the K Member and inner fenders really weren't damaged, as well as no engine or mechanical damage, then it took a lot if cost from my estimate. They are using all AMD and have everything listed on the repair sheet and I couldn't find anything missed. I stopped by to point out a few things and they were comfortable w the number. They said nothing needs to be straightened except from left frame rail. Front left suspension components were destroyed.

[myk]

Wow ok, good deal.  Looks like this will all work out for you in the end...

[Calif240]

Just a general update... They got everything all apart and found all parts from suppliers. I had them install Hotchkis A arms since the drivers side was destroyed. They also completely rebuilt the front suspension because they said that all of the rubber was basically shot (which it probably was since I hadnt replaced it). So anyway, they're detailing the engine bay, new steering rods and A arms from Hotchkis (already have the torsion bars, leaf springs, and sway bars). It will now have all new moog rubber up front. Lastly, I've got the 727 over at A&A (right outside of Indy here) and the 440 being built to drop in while everything is out. Basically just went ahead and figured I'd take advantage of a bad situation and drop in a few hundred extra horses over the '73 340 that was in her... I'll try to snap some shots when I stop in the shop again this week.

Terry

[JB400]

Thanks for the update.  Glad to hear that things are going back together

                                           

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Glad to hear its getting repaired proper. And that you get to add a few goodies!  

[nvrbdn]

sounds like it is beginning to come together

[myk]

'OP sounds like the car will be better than before.  Maybe we should all wreck our cars and get them better than ever afterwards lol...

[tan top]

sounding like its going good      

[Calif240]

Figured I'd give one more update... so the body work is basically all done... Everything looks good. Brand new everything for the front basically. Here is the picture of the front end repair...

[Calif240]

As far as performance... she's waiting on the engine and transmission to drop in...

Transmission: A&A performance rebuilt street and strip 727... HD components and racing spec. Standard gears, 4-gear planetaries, bolt in sprag, 3000 stall converter. Very pleased with their customer service and knowledge. I haven't dropped the hammer yet as it isn't installed, but everything looks top notch.

Engine: '67 440 bored 0.030" over. .540 lift comp cam, roller hydraulic, comp roller rockers, and scorpion lifters. 440 Source crank, Holley double pumper 750, TTI full length headers (an absolute work of art), ceramic coated and polished. It currently has iron heads and running static compression of 10:1, so I'll probably be mixing in some racing fuel until I'm able to upgrade to aluminum heads. RPM performer intake... Basically HemiGeno's build, but with aftermarket intake and non stock appearing parts (headers, etc), so it should be close to his build... Big thanks to HemiGeno and Firefighter for all your help and recommendations throughout... much obliged. This site has helped me so much it's unbelievable.

Here are the TTI headers...

[myk]

NICE.  Happy Thanksgiving indeed!

[200MPH]

wow glad to hear a happy ending to this story 

[Charger-Bodie]

Excellente!

[Ghoste]

Thats great that its turning around!