Crushed

[Bill M.]

My 65 convertible's nose was crushed while parked on Sunday afternoon by an SUV that was speeding backwards in a parking lot. it looks like I will need a complete nose. The nose was original. It has been 20 years since I have bought any fiberglass panels. Hagerty has looked at the car and said they will pay for it to be brought back to original. does anyone know a source for original panels? or should I just go for reproduction?
thanks
Bill

[Harry S.]

Re: Crushed

Try......> http://www.dreamrestorations.com/

They are just across the North Carolina and Virginia line by the coast. Last time I was there he had an ample supply of front and rear clips.

He is normally at Carlisle, maybe he can bring one for you.

Good Luck

[Philip A.]

Re: Crushed

I have read here that Sermershein's are like originals. Recommend searching the TDB on this.

http://scorvette.com/

[Joe R.]

Re: Crushed

Bill,

Go with original panels IF you can find them. Sermersheim is the best reproduction panels on the market but they fall short of originals that were press molded 50 years ago.
Contact that guy Harry recommended as soon as you can.

JR

[Bill M.]

Re: Crushed

Thanks all! I should have an estimate from Hagerty tomorrow and can start the ball rolling

[Mark E.]

Re: Crushed

This is heartbreaking. I can't imagine how you felt when it happened.

Do you have photos? On second thought, they may be too disturbing...

[Edward B.]

Re: Crushed

My question is why is Hagerty paying for this? The SUV driver's insurance should be paying.

Ed

[Mark E.]

Re: Crushed

And it seems that this sort of thing never happens to the daily "beater".

[Bill M.]

Re: Crushed

I have photo's but don't know how to post. From 15 feet it does not look so bad but everything dropped 2 " Son was taking car to a show. He stopped at the local mall to pick up a friend he parked away from all cars and was sitting with engine off waiting. Suddenly a truck backs out of space 2 rows away and winds up on top of the car. He leaned on the horn but guy just kept coming.
Hagerty will pick up all costs. When all is said and done they will go after the other drivers insurance company. They do not want their customers to have to wait for the long drawn out payment process.

[Jim D.]

Re: Crushed

My question is why is Hagerty paying for this? The SUV driver's insurance should be paying.

Ed

I'm sure the reason is because Hagerty deals with specialty cars and is aware of what needs to be done to fix it correctly. The OP files a claim with them, gets his car fixed correctly with no hassle, then Hagerty goes after the SUV guy's insurance. Otherwise, the OP would have to deal with an insurance co. that wants to screw him as much as possible and to them, the OP's car is nothing more than a 65 Chevy.

[Mark E.]

Re: Crushed

Bill,

I switched to Haggerty a few months ago for my '70. So as this moves forward, I would be interested in your experience with their service and coverage.

To insert a photo, click the icon that says "Insert Image" when you hover over it.

[Bill M.]

Re: Crushed

Mark
I have ben with hagerty for 15 years and so far the cooperation is scary good. I called them 8:30 Monday and the adjuster was by on Tuesday. I should know the first estimate tomorrow. She then told me that the body shop will surly find more damage and it will be covered with no problem. I switched to Hagerty when my broker of over 30 years Alan Blay switched to them 15 years ago.
Bill

[Edward B.]

Re: Crushed

I'm sure the reason is because Hagerty deals with specialty cars and is aware of what needs to be done to fix it correctly.

That makes sense. Even on a regular car accident, you always call YOUR insurance company to get it taken care of. Then THEY handle the rest.

Thanks guys
Ed

[Frank D.]

Re: Crushed

Wow - I guy on the Corvette Forum just got sideswiped in his 64 coupe by a semi merging....took out his door and left rear quarter and may have tweaked the frame. Be sure the frame gets checked out; also -- there is something called "diminished value"; since, even if it LOOKS like it was, if it was a no-hit car its value will be less. Hagerty might go after the truck's ins company for compensation for this...

I don't run too many errands in either if my cars; a low slung Corvette is just too easy to miss for the distracted morons driving around parking lots nowadays...

[Mike E.]

Re: Crushed

Bill,
That's a shame, thirty six plus years ago a truck back into my '65, mostly paint damage, the car faired very well. Just couple of small cracks in at the bonding seams. I glued it back together and blended in the damage section as I had just finish the initial restoration, then of course pocketed the rest of the trucks insurance money. It got the net out of pocket cost of the car down to about $1500 plus the restoration work I did in the late 70's, which wasn't too much in those days. I think a gallon of Dupont Lacquer was $35.


Keep in mind the top section of the hood surround is one piece. Don't let them try to piece things together by replacing only the damaged section.

Wow - I guy on the Corvette Forum just got sideswiped in his 64 coupe by a semi merging....took out his door and left rear quarter and may have tweaked the frame. Be sure the frame gets checked out; also -- there is something called "diminished value"; since, even if it LOOKS like it was, if it was a no-hit car its value will be less. Hagerty might go after the truck's ins company for compensation for this...

I don't run too many errands in either if my cars; a low slung Corvette is just too easy to miss for the distracted morons driving around parking lots nowadays...

Frank,
I've wondered for a while about this. When I buy a used car I always look at the CarFax, I assume many folks are like me. If the car doesn't have a spotless record I move on.

It's good to know there is a way to be compensate the owner when this happens, as it could surly effect trade-in or outright resale value. I don't know if there are CarFax records kept on collector cars. It would be kind of nice to know.


Mike