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Driving yesterday near Grand Lake and coming around a corner a decent size rock appears. Probably the size of a grapefruit. Options were not good. Couldn't slam on the brakes because the guy behind me was too close. Traffic coming from opposite side was heavy, and there wasn't enough room on the shoulder.
Hit it head on. Heard a couple of bangs as it passed under. Pulled over ASAP to inspect. Zero visible damage in front, which surprised me. No engine issues going home, but I kept an eye on the gauges.
I get home and jack it up. The pan directly below the frunk is damaged, and will need replacing. No other visible damage underneath. Nothing under the front lip, which I was expecting. I jacked up the rear and saw no dents or impact marks. Looks like the front pan took the bulk of the hit.
I plan on taking it to the dealer for inspection, and to get the cover replaced. Not a happy camper.
Clearance sucks for unexpected debris if using the car out of the cities. I've run over branches downed by a storm, rocks, dead animals (small ones), and various other hazards. Most of the time I've gotten away unscathed. I've tried if possible to use the lift, but not always possible to do or, as you noted, to avoid going over. I have had one incident that ended up with damage requiring repair (scratches and dents to pan, radiator, muffler). So I feel your pain. Good luck with the repair. From my experience, it should be totally fixable.
Clearance sucks for unexpected debris if using the car out of the cities. I've run over branches downed by a storm, rocks, dead animals (small ones), and various other hazards. Most of the time I've gotten away unscathed. I've tried if possible to use the lift, but not always possible to do or, as you noted, to avoid going over. I have had one incident that ended up with damage requiring repair (scratches and dents to pan, radiator, muffler). So I feel your pain. Good luck with the repair. From my experience, it should be totally fixable.
Sounds like you have seen your fair share of road drama! It happens. She will live.
I may be mistaken but it appears to me that the dent is in the actual welded body-shell, not a replaceable "pan". I didn't jack up my own car to compare so I hope I'm wrong. Let us know what you find out.
Why bother replacing the pan, no one can see it. If you plan on ever selling the car (which I know you won't), I wouldn't worry about it.
Yeah, I hear you Bronson. As long as it doesn't interfere with anything I may do that.
Originally Posted by Mike in CA
Ouch! Sorry, Rob.
I may be mistaken but it appears to me that the dent is in the actual welded body-shell, not a replaceable "pan". I didn't jack up my own car to compare so I hope I'm wrong. Let us know what you find out.
It sure looked separate, but let me find out Mike!
05-29-2016, 07:19 PM
Ran over a rock.
Good luck with the repair. From my experience, it should be totally fixable.
