rainman69

Short version, as I have 15 minutes to run (not drive) over to my dining-in.

I lost control of Celeste entering the highway. I must've hit sand or something, all of a sudden, I was out of control at close to 75mph. Slid back and forth over both lanes in rush hour traffic and ultimately wound up sliding a good ways completely sideways, to end up jumping the ditch and winding up on an embankment inbetween the divided highways.

Had my seatbelt on the whole time (shoulder belt too). Got out, had all my parts. Lost a hubcap (I have extras), and cracked the nose on the driver's side fender, and split it about 1.5-2 feet along the bonding strip.

I have insurance. I'm OK, which is most important. So, now I need suggestions on dealing with insurance, and who is recommended for fiberglass repair in Colorado (Springs - Denver - Castle Rock area).

Thanks, and safe driving to you all. :smash:

Noel Carboni

Ouch. :eek: I'm truly sorry to hear of your accident. Thank goodness you are all right.

My experiences with insurance repairs have been universally bad. The last time I had such a repair on my 'Vette, 12 years ago when I took the front end off on a guard rail post, I ended up redoing ALL of the mechanical work myself (headlights, radiator mounts, etc.). Their paint job wasn't BAD, but it wasn't GOOD either. The only good that came of it was that I got a new set of factory decals. Probably the last new set anyone ever got.

The only good experience I have had with body work is when I lost a wheel and cracked the 'glass around the wheel well. I asked EVERYONE I could find, and when several pointed me to the same Chrysler dealership, I figured I'd go give 'em a try. They did a super job, working around my impossible-to-get Collector Edition decals and all.

So... I guess the basic advice is to ask around in your area to learn about others' experiences, and be VERY thorough about it.

Good luck.

-Noel


[Modified by Noel Carboni, 12:56 AM 2/16/2002]

bence13_33

Sorry I can't assist you any with your insurance, but I just wanted to say I'm glad to hear you are OK.

bluevette

When I was stationed at Ft. Carson the best places I saw were Rik at Colorado Springs Corvette Center and Lars. Rik does really good work, but gets really big $$$ for it. I've heard Lars is just as good with body and paint as he is with engine tuning. Don't know if he does insurance work though. Good luck.

John

427V8

Man that sucks!
Get the $$ from insurance and have Lars do it...

e3pres

:(

Edzred72

"YOU" being O.K. is the most important thing. Happy to hear that. Sorry 'bout the car though. I to recomend Lars. Can't hurt to call him!!

LAvetteman

If your close to Lars, Id bring it to him.

Mikes80L48

Wow, sorry to hear about your wreck but I am glad you are ok.

Hey BlueVette, my dad was stationed at Fort Carson when I was born. Planning on taking a vacation to Colorado Springs sometime soon so I can finally see where I was born.

LT1driver

Bad but good you are OK, Lars is who I would check with. I miss those dining outs, they were fun times. :cheers:

rainman69

Pictures here. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach...

But, again, I walked away from a spin-out in rush hour Colorado traffic at 70-75 mph. And, I miracuously hit no one else either. So, I'm very thankful.

I'm also thankful about insurance, but we'll see how that goes. I reported it using their online reporting this afternoon.


Most of all, I'm glad for the :blueangel: that had to have been watching out for me. It had to have been amazing to watch it all happen.

foundvettelifeisgood

Glad you're ok. The pictures are tough to look at. I'd be interested in knowing whether you had "classic car" type insurance with a "stated amount."

Let's us know, good or bad.

PatsLs1vette

man that sucks ..as long as your ok i guess thats all that matters cars can be fixed or replaced people cant...hope everything works out for the good.

0Mike69@ECS

Wow Sorry to hear that!!!! Glad you are ok!!!! :(

compuvette

Sorry about your accident. Man, that sucks! To reply to what bluevette said: Lars is excelent with body work! I was in his garage last night. He has a car he is working on (aside from his own) and I saw some pics of a Porsche that he re-did. Man, that thing looked sharp! Obviously, you would have to contact him about this, but I have no doubt that he has the skill to fix it for you. And with his attention to detail, it would look better than it did before! You also might be able to talk him into tuning the engine for you while you have it there! Just my two cents.

Eddie 70

Just finished looking at your pictures. I bet that was one heck of a ride. We are all glad no one was hurt. Good luck with the repair.

Bob Jenkins

Sorry to hear about your spin and the damage to your car. Glad to hear you were ok though. At least the damage to your car was limited to the front end and not too severe. I had a similar accident several years ago and insurance payed the majority of the costs. I turned the negative into a positive by getting much needed paint work done and semi-resto on the car.
Here is the before:



and after:




[Modified by Bob Jenkins, 10:27 AM 2/17/2002]

Mr.Gearhead

Holy :rolleyes: , All things considered, the car came out okay. 75mph in our cars and rolling sideways through traffic and you didn't touch another car.... good driving! Just remember.... fiberglass and metal can be repaired... VERY GOOD YOU CAME OUT WITHOUT A SCRATCH. Good seatbeat testimonial! Hope you get back on the road soon!

Golden80

Good to hear you're ok! Seems like there's been quite a few Vette accidents over the past few months. As was said before I'm sure Lars will be able to work his magic on the car.

Don't know if this will lighten the mood any ... but what streets do you normally drive on? I'll need to avoid them. :D


[Modified by Golden80, 10:08 AM 2/17/2002]

lars

rainman -
I know our shop up here in Broomfield is a bit out of your way, but we can certainly do a great job on the Vette for you and take care of it under your insurance - no problem. Right now, we're about a month out on appointments, but let me know if you're interested, and I'll get you taken care of.