SharkPilot

So there I was doing some work inside my apartment. I hear a noise outside that is something more than the usual kids and dropped packages. I look through the window and what do I see. My baby and a second car turned at a very wrong angle with a Saturn sticking out of them. A thrid vehicle came around a corner too fast and out of control, knocking the red car pictured into mine.

So, now my question is, anyone know of a good collision shop/body shop in the Orlando Area that will respect this work?

This is an 81 928 S Euro 5 speed (the big fun motor) that I absolutely love driving. Other than sport bikes this is the only vehicle I have owned which puts a wide grin on my face. I would hate to have it molested into junk status by some redneck with a skill of insurance manipulation. I will be contacting a couple of local shops I know for references as well.

For an idea the situation, here are some pics.

http://www.tier4.com/files/pics/P0000750.JPG

The affected area, the overall scene.

http://www.tier4.com/files/pics/P0000757.JPG

Any ideas welcome, tomorrow begins the hunt for a good shop.

I also suspect possible tranny damage as it was parked with first gear engaged, so the sudden shock to the drive train might have chipped a tooth, unlikely, but possible. Due to the age of the car and the shock it took some leaks seem to have formed in the cooling system as well.

Anyway, thought I might find ideas here.

GlenL

That's a tough break. Offender have insurance?

Was it set for a lot of camber on the rear? Doesn't look too straight in the pic.

SharkPilot

The passenger side rear wheel is in fact sheered off, I cannot get under it yet to determine exactly where it failed, but I know the wheel is no longer attached completely, most of the lugs have sheered through the hub of the wheel.

DJBMINI

sorry to see that hapen to your car. Where in Orlando are you ? i am in kissimmee and have used a body shop here for other cars not my shark. but i was impressed with his work and will be taking mine there for a respray when i get back in september.
my 928 is the twin of yours just a year younger email me if you want the name of the shop dondjbmini@aol.com
Don

SharkSkin

Dang, that really sucks. Hopefully nobody was hurt except the bonehead that caused it.

Thaddeus

Ouch

rixter

I have whole rear suspension from a couple cars if needed... just let me know

bcdavis

The main thing that I would wonder, seeing those pictures, is if the passenger door opens ok.
If so, you should be in good shape. If the door frame is bent badly, it will usually total the car.
Mainly because you can not cut it out and replace it without ruining the structural integrity of
the passenger compartment. But if the door frame is fine, it looks like just a big dent in the
rear fender, that should be able to be repaired. As far as the suspension and transmission,
both can be repaired or replaced. The question is that you already have a decent amount
of body work to add to the estimate. Then add suspension, transmission, and possibly
cooling system repairs, and it may put the dollar value high enough that they may total
your car. Which is not the end of the world. If the price of your car can repair these
items, then you can get it back on the road.

SharkPilot

Well thanks for all the replies folks. The door frame is an unknown quantity at this point, as the toyota is still against it. The truck is coming shortly though. The damage does extend into the door at least superficially at this point.

Here is another pic showing the door area.

http://www.tier4.com/files/pics/P0000759.JPG

I called my normal mechanic and he suggested a shop, which was then backed up by a local dealer who I have known for some time, and it happens to be about 2 miles from my home. So I will likely be havbing it worked on there.

As for the saturn driver, he did get the ticket, or the blame for the accident, however exactly what he got is unknown. His story is that he had a seizure while driving. Once the paperwork was done he was free to go to work and drive himself. So I don't understand. If he is medically unable to stay awake while driving how is it possible he can hold a license. If he was not medically challenged, he had to be drunk or drugged, or extremely tired, any of which is enough to disqualify you from driving even if for a good nights sleep. So I asked the cop about it and he just shrugged and said it was an accident on private property and there was little he couild do. He who have gun on hip make all rules.

At this point, I am going to hunt down all relative articles and evaluations of market price for this car. If anyone has the info from excellence magazine from december 2004 and 2001 in their market updates I could sure use it.

Thanks for the replies gang, I will post what ends up happening for a\nyone thats interested.