Wrecked restored charger...

[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!