medipedicman

Sorry for your loss Dan. I am also sorry for your son. My son drove the 79 as a daily driver for almost a year when we first got it. When he got the 85 auto for his own I started the rehab on the 79. Now I won't let him touch it. The only reason is that if something DID happen I think it would change our relationship. I hope that you are able to love up on your son and ease his feelings. I think mandatory help with either a part out or fix up might be a proper penance.

Adk46

I was starting my second car in the driveway after trying unsuccessfully to start my main car. A red blur went by in my mirrors. What? Uh oh! All I could do was wait for the sound of a big crash against one of the trees that lined my long, sweeping, downhill driveway. The sound never came - OMG, could it have made it all the way down to the road? No, it somehow turned itself, missed a bunch of trees, and came to rest on a small section of level lawn, unharmed.

I have less dramatic examples of how I've misconfigured a car for parking. (Now that I think of it, I have one that is even more dramatic, involving snow on this same driveway.) I cannot expect your son to do better than me, so I think he must be forgiven his error. Perhaps he needs to earn some better luck, though.

zstreet86

It really is the worst when it's something that could have been prevented. If it was out of your control then it's a little easier to deal with. I learned many a hard lessons from my dad for not paying attention. Thats the funny thing about life, you live and learn.

If it were me I wouldn't be able to keep the car even if it were salvageable. It would just **** me off every time I looked at it. Lol. I would let the insurance total it, take the money and buy another one to fix up.

firemn131

Oh Man, That stinks Dan.
When I was moving I had my car getting winched onto a trailer. (By myself, cold and raining a little at night) I got the car 3/4 up the trailer when the battery to the winch died. I put battery on charger, went to have a cup of coffee to warm me up. Hooked battery back up and started to finished the last 10 feet. The cable pooped and my car sped off the trailer nose first heading for a stump that had be haunting me for 5 years. I raced and caught the car locked the brake about 18" before the stump.
I prayed many thanks that night.

I am a firm believer that things ALWAYS happen for a reason. We pick up the pieces and soldier on.
Glad your wife is well. I would imagine that in 10 years or so you and your son will be talking about this over thanksgiving dinner. As this event could bring you closer if given the chance. This is where Dads have opportunity to show how a man is to lead in the face of adversity.

I know a good sermon, not much help.
In the end it is just pieces and parts, a great opportunity for the family though.

Be well.

oups59

Big loss but more important nobody was hurt.

VanD

Holy crap! Thank god there were no serious injuries. Be kind to your son, I totalled my Dad's favorite car at 15 before I even got my license and I know he's also dealing with some tough emotions. I think about it to this day even though I'm 50 and my Dad has passed.

Sent you a PM - I have a couple solutions for the car if it's irreparable as is:
1) I have a '78 Euro parts car - salvaged due to a 'keying exterior/slashing interior'. No body damage or rust, looks like it was a very cared for relatively low miler at one point. I need a ton of parts off it so may take a bit to get it to you but the shell is yours for no cost if you are willing to put the work in to save your car. Only issue is the cheesy 80's aftermarket sunroof but you will have the roof panel available from your car.

2) Buying from insurance co. and parting it out, which may be easier from a work standpoint but certainly less rewarding. I would love to be be able to pick entire car up as there would be 5 in my stable in dire need of parts - it's heart would go on to save many others.

Please don't let it go to the crusher or to insurance sale! It's too nice to lose those rare '78 parts!

Best regards,

Alex

hlee96

Sorry about the car Dan. Family is what's important, and they are doing ok. Car will be fixed and support will be here for you whenever you need it. People's generosity with their time, knowledge, and parts are what make this one of the best enthusiast community out there.

928 DesMoines

So glad that all involved are ok; but man, I am so sorry for that loss. Make sure they let you keep the car as part of the loss claim if it comes down to a total loss (hopefully not!).


On a lighter note; "When one door closes...."

XS29L9B

+1

Jadz928

I'm very sorry Dan. Keep your chin up. Forgive your son ASAP.

FredR

Dan,

Whereas the outlook looks a bit gloomy initially I would not rule out repair if you can find a half decent body shop at reasonable rates. Sure the bumper line and rear hatch are probably lost causes but straightening the rear frame might not be as bad as it first may seem and the bumper line may be ok when unfolded- they can also be patched up.

There should be no serious structural damage in there and once the bumper line and the crash beam are removed together with the hatch itself you might just be surprised as to find the damage is a lot less than you might reasonably fear. I have seen several 928's over here straightened out with worse looking damage than that.

Any signs of damage to the fuel tank? The rear quarters are probably fine.

Either way wishing you all the best- it sucks to lose your precious 928- I know only too well.

Rgds

Fred

Randy V

Damn, she was a beauty alright.



FIFY

wopfe

That was a big crash...good to hear everybody is ok...hope you feel better soon!

LT Texan

Got off my butt to take a closer look.

Dayum!!!!

I can't believe the gas tank didn't rupture.

LT Texan

Crunched and crumpled. It took a while to get the spare tire out.