A moment of silence for a fallen car.. Penny...

[Steve1968LS2]

It was the best week. Penny was done, on the road, and any issues were minor. She ran fast, ran hard and felt great.

The people on the road like her, they snapped pictures and tossed "thumbs ups" wherever she went.

It was the culmination of 1.5 years of re-doing her into what I envisioned. A lot of people put in a lot of time and it showed, I was tired but proud.

Since last Friday I had been driving her a lot. Nearly 500 miles so far. Today (Saturday) I was going to take her down to Best Of Show Coachworks so we could rack her up and do a "bolt check". Mainly just to make sure everything was nice and tight. We were also going to fix the window trim that came loose and fix the resulting nick. Small stuff. Was also going to take the guys for a ride in the car.

Got on the 91 fwy and headed off. Car was running sweet and it was nice. In Corona I hit traffic. No surprise, this is California. It was the type that went then stopped, then went then stopped.
I was stopped in Penny.. fully stopped when I heard the screeching of tires. I never saw the full sized GMC 4x4 truck... but I felt the impact.

Luckily I had my foot on the brake rather than just sitting in neutral. That kept me from eating the car in front of me. That and the large gap I generally leave as a cushion.

I knew I was screwed.. royaly.

The guy was sorry, I was furious. At first I thought he pissed himself then I realized he had spilled a drink all over himself. I wanted to choke him.. to death.. repeatedly. After many curse words I calmed and realized that he was sorry. Hey, it's not like he set out that day to screw up my life. The good news it that it was a fully (and I assume heavily) insured company truck. If you live in SoCal you know that was a relief.

He admitted full fault to myself and the CHP. What else could he say with the back of my car creamed? Nothing... I had the flatbed truck carefully load her up and take her to Best Of Show for repair. I'm sure it will take months.

The bad: Needs all new sheetmetal in the back except the roof. Both quarters, both valances, trunk, etc.

The good: (there's always good) the hit was high so all the energy went into the quarters and not the frame which on cursory inspection looks fine. She drives and moves... Oh, and I'm ok.
I was wearing my full harness, it kept me in place and also kept me from banging the cage. I'm sore, I have a headache, but I not in the hospital.

There was really nothing I could do, I was fully stopped in traffic. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I guess that's life. I'm sure his insurance will pay (after being a Pain in the ass). BOS is very versed in dealing with insurance companies, so I'm not concerned.

Penny will live again, with fresh sheetmetal and even nicer body work. I joked with the BOS guys that the only f'd panels are the ones that they didn't paint. lol

I will post a picture.. but it's not for the faint of heart.. Remember to be safe out there. You can do EVERYTHING right and still get tagged by someone yapping on a cell phone, sucking down a latte or putting on makeup. It's an inatentive world.

here's the bad part....
ack!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Dayton]

This is a joke, right??? Tell me you photoshopped your car as a joke....

[absolom]

just read it on ls2...

dude, words cannot express


:( :( :(

[John McIntire]

OMG!!!!!!!!! That is absolutely awful! Thats my biggest fear, having my pride and joy ruined by someone that is ignorant.
And to think that just today I renewed my Insurance for my car. I hope you were insured properly.
I've really enjoyed the buildup here on the boards and in the magazine, guess we have some more tech to come out of Penny!
Good Luck, And keep your head up Steve!

[Steve1968LS2]

OMG!!!!!!!!! That is absolutely awful! Thats my biggest fear, having my pride and joy ruined by someone that is ignorant.
And to think that just today I renewed my Insurance for my car. I hope you were insured properly.
I've really enjoyed the buildup here on the boards and in the magazine, guess we have some more tech to come out of Penny!
Good Luck, And keep your head up Steve!

I'm insured, but that won't come into play. It was 100% his fault and admitted that to the cop.

It's a company truck and a good sized company at that. It's not totaled, just LOTS of sheetmetal work.

The worst part is that those were OEM factory, rust spared original body panels.. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/05/frown1-1.gif

The good part is that it can, and will be fixed.. Just a pain in the ass.

Would have done no good to beat down the guy. I'm sure he didn't want to him me anymore than I wanted to be hit. He just zoned out and I had to pay the price.

[Todds69]

Wow! That blows....did you tell them your neck and back hurts too, so they better cough up the dough.

[BRIAN]

That just sucks. I just can't imagine seeing that after all that work.


I worked in the Inusrance Industry for many years. Go through your own Insurance and let them subrogate for your deductible back. Just an easier way to go. I hate to tell you but that car has frame damage. There is no way to have that much movement without the rails being damaged.

Go to either the Emergency room tonight with your injury complaints or your Doctor first thing Monday morning. Probably the best thing you can do in a bodily injury claim. Actually the best would be going from the scene straight to a hospital. List EVERY injury and ache not just the major ones. That will help your case later. The longer you wait the harder it will be on your claim.

Do not assume he has any coverage you would be surprised. Most Co's throw the cheapest Insurance on their vehicles. Your Co will be easier to deal with and it really has no effect on you as you were rear eneded. His Co will surrender the deductible without contest. They will be notified either way so there is no hiding anything or any need to.

Have documentation for similar cars and what they are worth to prove your value. You probably have an easy $15K in damages there, maybe more depending on the panels. Supply your shop with as much price info as needed and make sure they prepare an itemized inteligent estimate not just some outrageous bill.

Last but not least make sure you are really OK. I went through a similar ordeal and can't even explain the injuries that developed and I thought I was also OK.

Not trying to scare you but I have been there and would rather see you prepared.

[Rubes]

I read the title to this and just about hurled even before I saw that picture. I am so sorry Steve. Dont know what else to say, other than I'm glad you're OK.:sick:

yeah, at least go get checked out at the hospital as a matter of record. Not that you are going to scam them or anything. A few years ago I got bumped while at a stiop light. No visible damage other than the bumper cover cracked. I let the guy of without making claim or report since he was falling all over himself apologizing. Wouldn't you know it several months later I find I have a ruptured disc.

[Steve1968LS2]

That just sucks. I just can't imagine seeing that after all that work.


I worked in the Inusrance Industry for many years. Go through your own Insurance and let them subrogate for your deductible back. Just an easier way to go. I hate to tell you but that car has frame damage. There is no way to have that much movement without the rails being damaged.

Go to either the Emergency room tonight with your injury complaints or your Doctor first thing Monday morning. Probably the best thing you can do in a bodily injury claim. Actually the best would be going from the scene straight to a hospital. List EVERY injury and ache not just the major ones. That will help your case later. The longer you wait the harder it will be on your claim.

Do not assume he has any coverage you would be surprised. Most Co's throw the cheapest Insurance on their vehicles. Your Co will be easier to deal with and it really has no effect on you as you were rear eneded. His Co will surrender the deductible without contest. They will be notified either way so there is no hiding anything or any need to.

Have documentation for similar cars and what they are worth to prove your value. You probably have an easy $15K in damages there, maybe more depending on the panels. Supply your shop with as much price info as needed and make sure they prepare an itemized inteligent estimate not just some outrageous bill.

Last but not least make sure you are really OK. I went through a similar ordeal and can't even explain the injuries that developed and I thought I was also OK.

Not trying to scare you but I have been there and would rather see you prepared.

Thanks, the shop is very well versed in dealing with insurance companies, most likely the ins will be an ass at first but they really have no leg to stand on. At least it's not some fly by night. It's Alstate, but the big ones can be asses as well.

Calling my guy on Monday morning.. Also will go get checked out by a doctor. I hurt... ouch..

[Steve1968LS2]

Thanks guys.. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude.. and I will see how I feel in the morning.

[parsonsj]

I'm sorry Steve. That's an awful picture. Good luck with the rebuild.

I'm not so sure you are out of the woods on the repairs since the guy admitted fault. He may not be prepared (or his company or his insurance) to do what's needed to make the car right. He may be thinking late model collision style repair. And that ain't good enough, at least not good enough for your car.

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm sorry Steve. That's an awful picture. Good luck with the rebuild.

I'm not so sure you are out of the woods on the repairs since the guy admitted fault. He may not be prepared (or his company or his insurance) to do what's needed to make the car right. He may be thinking late model collision style repair. And that ain't good enough, at least not good enough for your car.

jp

My shop is well versed in dealing with insurance companies, especially Alstate. It will get fixed, even if the insurance company balks.

Scary huh? I'm sure you will all be watching your mirrors now. the world if full of dolts...

[Vegas69]

It seems your luck is a lot like mine on my first 1st gen. Once you get one thing fixed something else happens. What a nightmare! All I can say is California traffic sucks bad!!! Good luck from here on out.

[go-fish]

Sorry to hear that. I was stopped in Albaquerque traffic on the interstate, dead stop, when a guy hit me in the rear at full speed and my Yukon ate the Jetta in front of me (This was when I was relocatin to Sa Diego). The ins. company made it sound like my fault. That was my ins. company! I learned not to get so close to people in those situations. I am glad you are wise to that and didn't get Penny boogered up in the front.
I am relieved to hear those positives. Luckily you can refer the insurance company to the publications Penny has been in so they will have a hard time trying to prove that is JUST an old car. I'm sure in the end there won't be evidence of the accident, just memories. Overall, I'm glad you are OK but definately see a chiropractor and get a massage for the sore back. You deserve it!

[TitoJones]

Steve-

I actually teared up looking at that. I can hardly imagine having a car as nice as Penny; then just finishing it, and then being in it when it gets totaled.

I'm very sorry to see this happen, but at leat YOU are ok.

Tyler

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

oh noooooooo........

[awr68]

Scary huh? I'm sure you will all be watching your mirrors now. the world if full of dolts...

There was a guy on a Harley just behind me at a red light, all the sudden he pulled up next to me on the shoulder of the road and a full sized car just about hit me! Good thing he was watching his mirrors!! You just can't be too safe!!

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve-

I actually teared up looking at that. I can hardly imagine having a car as nice as Penny; then just finishing it, and then being in it when it gets totaled.

I'm very sorry to see this happen, but at leat YOU are ok.

Tyler

We're not using the "totaled" word.. lol

We crawled under the car and everything seems square. I know it's hard to believe. The hit was high enough that it went into the soft metal and not the frame. Seems that way at least.

Thanks for the tear.. I'm sure we all have the same fear. I think it's safer at the track.

[Restomod]

So sorry Steve!! You are taking it WAY better than I would have.....I would have hurt that guy REAL bad unless someone was there to stop me.........

[Bill Howell]

Damn it, you should have just stayed on the phone with me and not gone.....
Sorry to read all this but at least you are ok.
I am just getting home from supper with Alan J, Bob J and Doug Cooper and was telling them there how nice the car turned out.
Oh well, sheet metal can be fixed.

[OldSchoolFormula]

My absolute worst fear. Being I drive the Firechicken daily at about ~250-275 miles a week, with a fair amount in heavy commute traffic, I have that same exact fear. I'm notorius for watching my rear view mirror when sitting in traffic or coming to a relatively fast stop, and staying in either the fast lane or the slow lane next to a shoulder in order to leave enough room in front of me for a quick way of getting the f*ck out of dodge in case a similar event would happen.

God thats painful to look at. At least sheetmetal is available for 1st gen camaro's, I'd be royally screwed if my car got smacked in the rear and I don't have any special insurance on the car.

I hope it all gets fixed with as little pain as possible. Might be a good thing to write an article about regarding how to deal with insurance companies.

[novanutcase]

I think I'm about to toss my cookies.............:sick:

OMG!!!! I don't know what to say....:jawdrop: :crying:


Sorry!!! I'm stunned.......

John

[Motown 454]

Steve, Sorry to hear and see what happened to penny, she's such an awsome car. It was one of the first car builds I followed when I joined PT .You know the shop does excelent work, at least you have that going for you. Hope your ok and good luck with the insurance co.s

[David Sloan]

OMG! I so dont know what to say!! Life is just not fare some times!!

[Steve1968LS2]

Damn it, you should have just stayed on the phone with me and not gone.....
Sorry to read all this but at least you are ok.
I am just getting home from supper with Alan J, Bob J and Doug Cooper and was telling them there how nice the car turned out.
Oh well, sheet metal can be fixed.

Yea, I should have stayed at my house an extra 5 mins.. or left a fem mins early. Or stopped for coffee.

:shrug:

I forgot the BESTEST part...

I got a ticket for no proof of insurance. It was in my bag in the trunk and it wouldn't open.

:bananna2:

[Steve1968LS2]

I think I'm about to toss my cookies.............

OMG!!!! I don't know what to say.... :crying:


Sorry!!! I'm stunned.......

John

Thanks, and yes, it's very sad...

[Posi12Bolt]

I'm new to this site, BUT thats one car I def. seen and paid attention too... what a bummer man, soo sorry to see that....
:(

[MrQuick]

dude words can't express the anger im feeling. Gina say's she's very sorry for your incident. I vote blanket part for that idiot. Damn just Damn...

[HsvToolFool]

Like so many here Steve, I am just sick over this. Thanks heavens no one was hurt, but to see a dream car like this when it was just finished...I don't have the words.

Please keep us posted on the repairs. I truly hope Penny goes back together better than new.

At least it wasn't malicious. Look at what I woke up to this morning. Both my old-hauler and my 7-month-old Saturn Aura were vandalized by bored jerks. I had to overcome some murderous rage myself this morning...

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17008&stc=1&d=1178415455

[MrQuick]

holy crap dude...thats why i don't live next to axe murderers. j/k that does suck tho

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

damn AXE murders running around you!!!???

[StRacerDuke]

I forgot the BESTEST part...

I got a ticket for no proof of insurance. It was in my bag in the trunk and it wouldn't open.

:bananna2:

F*ck'n CHP. Just what you want, to deal with getting a ticket overturned. I'm sure someone here has a so-cal law/officer connection to help get that tossed out. Talk about adding insult to injury.

One more thing for Monday's Doc visit, let them know if you have been dizzy at all in the last 48hrs after the crash. It will help on the medical charts that will be referenced by the ins. company. (My wife's a Doc working in the ED at the moment ;) )

I know this totally sucks and I wouldn't wish it on anyone but just remember, it's metal, it an be fixed. We've all had projects that started in much worse condition than penny's in now...

[dhardison]

Holy crap Steve, so very sorry. Luckily it wasn't any worse. D@mn, makes me want to keep my car in the garage.......... Glad you are ok though, that's the important part.

[Kenova]

Steve, I certainly feel your pain. The emotional pain, not the physical.
I had something similar happen to my pride and joy years ago. I had lent it to my brother to go for a job interveiw (he retires from that job this year the lucky SOB). Unfortunately, he was sitting too close to the car in front, and the moron that nailed my car's rear was uninsured. On a brighter note, his car was totalled and mine was repairable. It took six months, but I eventually had it fixed through a government program that paid for the repairs, then they went after the moron that piled into my car. Since then, both my brother and I keep our distance from the car in front when we are stopped.
Here's hoping for a speedy and sound recovery for Penny. I'm sure BOS will do an excellent job.
Take it easy and get a thorough medical exam first chance you get.
Ken

[buickfunnycar.com]

wow...my thoughts go out to you,I can't even imagine.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i cant help but be insanely paranoid after this thread man..

[Steve1968LS2]

i cant help but be insanely paranoid after this thread man..

Yea, my car was bright orange.. with BRIGHT LED tail lights.. in FULL SUN.. ON A DRY ROAD....

And the traffic was stop and go.. It's not like it just stopped all of a sudden.

Sometimes were the victims of other peoples mistakes.

A shot I took 15 hours before..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

She will be reborn.. and even better.. I have ideas.. lol

[G-TX]

Ouch...Don't laugh about the whiplash yet.I have had two friends get rear-ended and they didn't start hurting until a day or so.Of course the person that hit them had no insurance,so they had to use their own.
Looking forward to the rebirth of the new shiney Penny!

[mpozzi]

Oh man . . .

I first thought this was a very late April Fools Joke but after seeing the photo, I guess not. I'm speechless . . . and for me, that's rare!!! Just ask Dave.

Penny will be back as new and ready to play before you know it. As for you, make sure you get yourself looked at by someone with letters after their name that proves they went to skool for a dozen or so years perfecting their trade. You'll need it for the "Pain/Suffering" settlement part of the claim. And you'll also be pretty sore tomorrow . . . sort of like De La Hoya will be after he gets the WhupAss unloaded on him tonight.

Very glad you weren't seriously hurt . . .

Mary Pozzi

[novanutcase]

OH GOD!!!! Video or not just seeing that second picture just makes me want to puke!:barf:

I bet when you first got out of the car you wanted to put your fist through that guys face!:evil: :machine: :banghead:

It's good to see that you are taking this so well and that you are already hatching a master plan to make her BETTER!!!:headbang:

Good Luck Steve and Good Luck Penny!!!

John

[NOT A TA]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Hope everything works out. Please go get yourself checked right away. I have a friend that was rear ended like that and went through a tough battle because he didn't have medical records right away and has had years of ongoing neck/ back problems resulting from the accident.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

:eek: Damn Steve; I'm so sorry to see that! It's terrible that had to happen to penny, but at least you weren't seriously hurt. Good luck in rebuilding her better than ever!

[ss dave]

Steve I feel your pain, I just finished having the CHEVY GUY do my throttle cable, he cleaned it up and changed the linkage. I just got everything right and went to pick up my 69 Camaro. He showed me his handiwork and then put on the air cleaner. I pulled out of the shop and stopped in traffic. When the lite changed I mashed the peddle a little and instantly knew something was wrong but no specifics. The best I could do was apply the brakes and turn into a car lot. It hit a patch of sand on the pavement and slid into a pole. The new throttle linkage was caught inside the cleaner cover. I guess the CHEVY GUY didn't try the new set up with the cover on and I made the mistake of assuming he did.
Silver lining-I decided since we had the front end apart, time to do an engine swap. I'm weeks away from an LS7 vert that wouldn't have happened without the smash-up. Depression/elation I hope you find the later in your situation. Good luck and happy you weren't injured.

[eville]

A moment of silence is necessary...
I said the F- word in front of my 2 year old when I saw what happened. OMG.

Steve make sure you see a doc within 3 days for your neck and other possible injuries.

Good Luck.

[CarlC]

Glad to hear you are OK, but take Mary's words to heart. It's her job and she knows the gig. And just because someone admitted fault at the scene does not mean that their insurance will happily pay off. Get your insurance company involved and let them earn the money you pay them.

Penny will rise again!

[Steve1968LS2]

OH GOD!!!! Video or not just seeing that second picture just makes me want to puke!:barf:

I bet when you first got out of the car you wanted to put your fist through that guys face!:evil: :machine: :banghead:

It's good to see that you are taking this so well and that you are already hatching a master plan to make her BETTER!!!:headbang:

Good Luck Steve and Good Luck Penny!!!

John

Yea, the guy looked a bit worried when I launched out of the car.. later he said that he would have hit him if he were me.. When I popped the hood and he saw the engine he looked genuionly sad.

Thanks guys, the comments mean a lot.

[Steve1968LS2]

Glad to hear you are OK, but take Mary's words to heart. It's her job and she knows the gig. And just because someone admitted fault at the scene does not mean that their insurance will happily pay off. Get your insurance company involved and let them earn the money you pay them.

Penny will rise again!

Hopefull Alstate will be reasonable.. all I want is what's fair.

Known my agent since I was 16.. He will fight for me if need be.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Wow, You must be beside yourself after such a long journey. Did you get your Super Chevy pics done before it happened?

Go get that neck looked at too. I have seen to many neck problems show up later. A trip to the doctor now would be a good idea. And they may give you a good pain killer if combined with beer may make you not care about Penny for a while!, LOL! Just trying to be funny!

Sounds like the subject of a good story.

[Steve1968LS2]

Wow, You must be beside yourself after such a long journey. Did you get your Super Chevy pics done before it happened?

Go get that neck looked at too. I have seen to many neck problems show up later. A trip to the doctor now would be a good idea. And they may give you a good pain killer if combined with beer may make you not care about Penny for a while!, LOL! Just trying to be funny!

Sounds like the subject of a good story.

Yep, finished the shots friday night.. i posted on of them.

I think I got the cover.. that's something.

And I will use a pic of Penny smashed up for a story.. it's too good of a prop not to use.

"worse case senario" sounds like a good title..

Thanks Frank!

[David Pozzi]

Steve,
Just got home and see this thread! :(
Of course I'm so sorry to see what happened but so glad you are OK.
My 67 Camaro got hit from behind the same as you but much softer and less damage long long ago, I was still in high school. I was very sore from it because of not having headrests and not seeing it coming at all. The whole thing brings back memories of it.

Anyaway- glad you are OK.
David

[67velle]

So sorry man!!!!!!!!!!!:confused:

[smhigh]

Steve,

So sorry to see your work of art crunched. My first 68 was broadsided and returned to life better than ever. I'm sure you will be back on the road soon and Penny will be even better than ever.

[PleaseNoSteve]

That has to be a sick joke.......sorry for your loss brother

[yellowrallys]

Such a sick feeling when I saw the photo. Glad you're ok though. I'm sure the guys @ BOS can heal it. So sorry to see that.
Keep us updated on the re-progress, I'm sure it will turn out nice again. Wonder if the guy was yapping on his cell, or hunting a CD, or BOTH.

[Gordz32]

OMG Steve I'm so sorry for ya. I literally got glassy eyed looking at the picture. Thank God ur Okay ! And Don't worry, I know **** has an awsome new sheetmetal guy over there at BOS. HAHA! By the way, it took some real control not to kill the guy that hit ya.:spank2:

[Wright On]

Glad to hear your good, by coworker just got rearended in his 2004 mustang and he cant get off the couch his back is so sore. But I look at your picture and think damn, his car just got rearended and it still looks better than mine. Good luck with making Penny better

[SatisTraction]

sorry about the car :( glad you are good to go :)

[dsapper]

Wow, Ive been watching your buildup of that car with a mix of admiration and lust and to see this..... damn. I would have ended up in jail if I were in your shoes.

[Mizfit]

jesus man...very sorry that happened. I hope you tell us if you change anything other then body work. So sorry, but best of luck on the rebuild.

[TonyL]

Oh. My. God. Steve. Words fail me. Damn man. Next time we meet, I'll buy you a beer. or six. Wow.

But I know you, it's just one more chance for you to make Penny *yours*. I'm sure we'll see more Rupp in the details even more now.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

[phonedude_mln]

cars can be fixed; I'm glad you're ok.

I often worry about the stock seats w/o headrests & only lap belts in my 66 fairlane.
I like the look of a "stock" interior, but this makes you think...

Sounds like a PHR feature: make your interior safe but not look like a race car.

[LowBuckX]

I have been sick over this since you first posted it. I never doubt my driving or the cars safety mechanical wise but I fear the Idiots around me. Glad you are Ok and hope to see BPenny hit the road again.

[Bandit]

Steve,

Wow, this is one of the most tragic things I have seen in a long time. Bad Penny is the inspiration for many a car guy's dream. And she will continue to be in the future. Life is so crazy sometimes--I mean if you had been driving an old beater '69 with a rust and spray-bomb paint job, you probably never would have gotten hit. It seems like anything you make worth having in this world has a big invisible crosshairs painted on it.

OK enough doom and gloom, on the postive side, firstly--a hearty congratulations to you for not beating the guy to a bloody pulp and making an already bad situation worse. You excercised great self-control IMHO--I don't know what I would have done in that situation after I had poured that much of my time and soul into my car. Thankfully you're OK. As others have pointed out, the car can be fixed! I am glad you were able to get the pics taken for the mag before this happened. I will be sure to pick up a copy. Kudos to you for having a positive attitude and I look forward to seeing Penny on the road and show circuit again!

[Martin71RS]

DAMN......:scared:

I've had some minor damage on my car (caused by others) and allready I was P*ss*d.....last thing that happened was that someone slammed a door in my door which left a nasty dent......I was so sick of it I parked my car for a year and didn't look at it once.

This was nowhere near the damage on your car so I can understand how you feel.

I hope you recover soon and will have no lasting troubles with your injuries. I am glad to year you came ou (sort of) okay.

Penny will be revived I am sure, but as nice as she is....it's "just"metal, health is far more important.

Martin

[O'Neall]

Oh man... this sucks!!! This is the worst nightmare for guys like us. I am sooo sorry to hear (and see) this. I second Frank though... get your neck checked out. I had a very similar incident 10 years ago... 17yr old kid re-ended me sitting at a light. Felt fine afterwards, settled with the insurance company on my truck and even got a couple extra hundred bucks for pain & suffering of which there was none... at the moment!!! Fast forward about 6 months and my neck was screaming!!!!! Had a bad case of whiplash... spend easily 10+ times the amount I got out of his insurance company for "pain & suffering" on chiropractor visits, etc. To this day I still have problems with it... it'll never be the same again.

DO NOT SETTLE with his insurance company on an pain & suffering or physical injury stuff... tell them you're unsure and want to wait and see how you feel. Literally my doc told me it can take between 12-24 months for symptoms to show sometimes. Trust me, the insurance company knows this and they will try to get you to settle asap.

[chicane67]

... and it always happends to the nicest guys too.

Man... what a page to turn. But, I have complete faith in and am sure Bob will work his magic once again. I look forward to the next chapter.

High elbows Steve !!

[Rick Dorion]

I'll echo everyone's sentiments. You're well being is primary. Interested in the rebirth of Penny. Timing is everything - or not. My crystal ball's broken. Best wishes, Steve.

[NovaPwr]

Steve, sorry to see what happened to Penny. Really enjoyed folowing the build. Even have the machine shop pic as my desktop. At least you are OK and I am sure the rebuillt Penny will be even more awesome than the first. Good luck with it.

[dqhemi]

I fully expect Alstate to be dicks.. and I fully expect to win :)

Known my agent since I was 16.. He will fight for me, especially since it's Alstate's money.. lol


That REALLY blows what happened - I feel terrible looking at those pics. It is however great to see you have your head in the right place and just want to get your car fixed!

You may come out just fine w/ Allstate. Trailering my car on the way to a race 1,000 miles from home, my buddy rolled my truck, enclosed trailer and car (inside the trailer) while I was sleeping in the back. The car was my 97 Cobra that was still tagged, registered and insured, but had a full cage, was gutted, fire system, racing seats, etc. and covered in sponsor decals, stripes and numbered. We had just totally re-done the car as well.

It had rolled in the trailer and needed a bunch of panels and glass. They paid to put it back to how it was pre-incident, which included the shop re-fabricating a new air dam for it.

I thought I was going to eat it for sure. They bought me a new truck as well - the trailer I did eat, but that was nothing comared to the rest of it.

Anyway, I will definitely keep my fingers crossed for you on the insurance front! Based on my experience, I think they will cover you without any issues.

John

[69TAPoser]

Glad you are okay, but man do I feel for you. I can't even imagine. :sick: Like so many others here, Penny has been such an inspiration I feel like I was just kicked in the nads. I can't even begin to understand how you must feel.

I look forward to future inspiration via your reincarnation of Penny.

Phil

[dropit69]

wow ..that bites big time ..glad your ok...i opened the post with the worst fear but she doesnt look to bad..make the insurance pay for gm sheet metal ..thatll get them fired up..

[Nine Ball]

My stomach hurts. F-CK!!!

You are living my worst car nightmare, losing your pride and joy to a dumba-s on the street. damn damn damn damn!

Tony :(

[mac71ss]

Steve, Words can not express the feeling when something like this happens. I have experienced this first hand and know that it feels like somebody has ripped out a piece of your soul.

I am glad your ok and Penny can be fixed. I will also be looking forward to seeing the updates of getting her up and going.

Shaun

[ssdeuce]

This is really sad. The most important thing is that you both were ok.

[TA219]

Man that is horrible, I think everyone has that same nightmare!!

I am still repairing mine from being rear-ended and i had to replace ALL of the sheetmetal in the rear too

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Hopefully something good will come from all of this but it is hard to imagine what Penny needed that was any better than what she already had

[BonzoHansen]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/05/c030-1.gif

[BA.]

Wow Steve. Reading your thread literally took my breath away.
Everyone's already said the important stuff: Real glad you're ok and I hope the neck thing goes away quickly.
Although my car was no where near as nice, I can relate to your anger at the situation, the sickness in your gut and the desire to rebuild it so she can LIVE AGAIN.

I expected worse damage but I am SOOOO glad Penny is rebuildable. Penny motivates me on my own build! :)

Best of luck to ya on the rebuild.

.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Steve. hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in revewing the picture, the frame rails are killed, at least the last few feet. It took it more in the bumper then you think. The bumper brackets, which bolt to the frame, are tiwsted and the rear is pushed down.

Not a big deal, but it is going to need at least half rails.

[Mean 69]

I spoke with Steve when he was in the tow truck taking the car to the shop yesterday. I really couldn't believe it, it's one of those things that you just don't think would/could even happen. There are a lot of us that worked really, really hard on that car, but none more than Steve himself. Lest you think magazine guys just wave a magic wand and have cars built for them, that's just not the case for Penny, Steve worked his butt off like you can't believe on this car, tirelessly, and never gave in to any of the fights that she presented (not the least of which was a spun crank two weeks ago). That car came out the way it did due to serious persistance, not just some luck and money.

I couldn't believe my ears when he told me what happened. Of course I wasn't there when it happened, and I am sure there was some serious emotional reactions at the scene, but when we spoke minutes later, Steve was remarkably well composed. And we started talking not only about what happened, but things that we'll do differently during the reconstruction. Steve must be in a different place in life than I seem to be, because I think I would have wallowed a bunch more than he seemed to, if not being in jail for beating the crap out of the guy. Steve's right though, no one got hurt, he didn't "mean" to hit him, and the car can be fixed. The timing is just unreal, but one way or another, it's all going to work out. And to stress, no one got seriously hurt.

So, Penny's journey still isn't over. My hat is off to our good friend Steve for having a cool head and a positive attitude. And I also love the fact that he did a very cool burnout to ease the emotinal pain a bit. And of course, well, since I live close to the body shop, I'll be going over to help out, all that stuff. So, now that Steve is feeling better about the deal and ready to move on, I guess one big remaining question is: er, Steve, you DID leave the keys at the shop, right!?!

You never know what's going to happen. Don't let it prevent you from enjoying yourself though.

Mark

[awr68]

Steve. hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in revewing the picture, the frame rails are killed, at least the last few feet. It took it more in the bumper then you think. The bumper brackets, which bolt to the frame, are tiwsted and the rear is pushed down.

Not a big deal, but it is going to need at least half rails.

Frank, not that I disagree with your thinking at all, but isn't this car back-halfed with the frame rails moved in? Perhaps the doubler plates on the floor pan are all that is damaged? That is if the bumper isn't actually attached to the frame anymore....I guess time will tell....just thinking out loud here. :)

[Hidro]

My stomach hurts. F-CK!!!

You are living my worst car nightmare, losing your pride and joy to a dumba-s on the street. damn damn damn damn!

Tony :(

x2

Glad your ok! I dont know what else to say.

:/

[Steve1968LS2]

Frank, not that I disagree with your thinking at all, but isn't this car back-halfed with the frame rails moved in? Perhaps the doubler plates on the floor pan are all that is damaged? That is if the bumper isn't actually attached to the frame anymore....I guess time will tell....just thinking out loud here. :)

The rear of the car is extensively changed from stock. The rails are moved and everything is "different".

the back of the exhaust is hung from the rear of the rails and from what we can see it's hanging exactly the same as it was. If the guy had hit me any lower or any higher it would have been much worse.

I don't think the bumper is hooked to the frame, it's mainly decorative. lol.. Even my trunk floor is different from stock. All that stuff might of helped. :shrug:

Will know more on Monday.


I guess one big remaining question is: er, Steve, you DID leave the keys at the shop, right!?!



My car doesn't need no stinkin keys.. just flip the switch and take her for a spin ;)

Thanks for the kind words.

[2yellow69]

Really sorry to see this happen man. Glad you are OK! This sucks.
Matt

[MonzaRacer]

when its all said and done they put that car on a fram rack and do some cursory pulls and you wont believe the amount of "damage" that will disapear and straighten a lot of stressed metal out BEFORE dissassembly.
The big problem is having it SIT for the time before some ijit comes to asses the damage. and Ill bet that guy has NO CLUE of the time ,effort and blod,seat and tears involved in building such a sweet car. I gotta get some pics of my old 77 Monza that I lost after blowing a tire and missing an open spot in a fence and hit a 6 in tree, totaled 77 Monza.
Ill post a few quick pics as I find them so you can feel VERY lucky.
Also so love the fact that justabout anything on that car can be repaired/replaced. My Monza cant be no matter what ,,,,no replacement parts like Camaros.
Good Luck buddy.
LeeAbel
AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE

[72LeMans]

dude that sucks big time....damn

[Dayton]

Steve,
When dealing with the "other guys" insurance, leverage is the name of the game. If I were you, I would have "neck & back pain". I would hint to the other guys adjuster that my neck & back pain will suddenly disappear once my car is fixed to my satisfaction. Otherwise, I see lots of MRI's in my future. Don't sign off on the other guys "medical" pay untill your car is fixed PERFECT.

[68Formula]

So Steve, is your weight distribution a perfect 50/50 now? :)

Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood. It certainly blows. But most importantly your wife is not a widow and your children have a father to raise them.

I can just see the next PHR article:
"Camaro Rearseat Foldown Conversion for Inconsiderate Cops"

Now if you don't mind I have to up my stock in Dynacorn.

Good luck with the rebuild. Can't wait to see what is in store for such an already perfect car.

[protour_chevelle]

BRUTAL!! So sorry to hear Steve! I'm glad to hear that you are OK!

[67rsssls]

I, like many others, have been following the build-up of Penny since you purchased her. I am truely sorry to see so much of your hard work destroyed after such a short time on the road. Luckily you are okay and will be able to put her back together even more splendidly this time. I look forward to following the progress as Penny is resurected. PENNY WILL LIVE AGAIN!

[nitrovette]

That just sucks,im sorry to hear,ivebeen following the buildup also and for this to happen is unreal.

[Steve68]

I don't know what to say, I've seen that car before you post pics of it long ago, good luck, I hope you get every "Penny" from his insurance,

Hey you seen my brakes, or were they holdn' you while stopped, hehe

[trapin]

Steve...I echo everyone else. I'm sick to my stomach right now.

Sorry to hear about it, but glad you're OK.

[Bow Tie 67]

The lump in my throat says it all. My daughters just asked why I screamed " Oh! No! ". Well the good news is your alright, and from the looks of it, it can be repaired.

[hdesign]

Absolutely speechless right now:jawdrop: Good to hear you're OK though.

[69rs]

Makes me sick...and mad! :box2: Did you tell the cop your ins. card was in the trunk? I guess the guy who just robbed the liiquor store isn't gonna tell the truth, so they can't take anyones word for anything, but dang!

[Jagarang]

:sick: :barf: I don't know what I'll do if that happens to ETRNITY, hopefully I can walk away as well.

[LMDGUY]

DAMN =( Im glad you walked away unharmed.

[Neil B]

I admire how well you're taking this. It must be devastating. Hang in there. I'm sure you will come through this and raise the bar even further. It's a gorgeous car and will be even more so in it's next iteration. The best cars are the ones with stories behind them.

[muthstryker]

sheet metal can be replaced, lives cant.. just glad your ok and it didnt end up worse.

[CraigMBA]

Steve,

You can fix your car. Trust me. That'll be OK.

What I'm worried about is your neck. You should go see the doctor on Monday and ask for a referal to a specialist just in case. Well, that and to jack with Allstate, who is the cheapest of all the insurace companies. You have a pain and suffering claim that in my experence is:

(Ammount of Discomfort*Aggrivation on Handling Claim=$$$)

That's messed up on the Insurance Card deal. I think you have to pay the fine even if you prove you were covered. The infraction is the inablity to prove it immediately when asked, if I remember correctly.

Further, you need to get that information to whoever needs it including filling out an SR1 RIGHT NOW. They'll pull your license in 90 days if you don't.

You're car is in good hands. It'll be OK, but it sure sucks right now.

[bigvegan]

Just have to add my $.02 here.

1. Glad to hear you're more or less OK so far!

2. Settle on a payment for your car as soon as you're able to get them to fork over enough $ to get it build back to the way it was.

3. Don't settle on a medical/pain/suffering amount until 6 months / 1 year has passed and you're 100% OK. Judging from the damage to your car, and what you've said about your modifications to it, it looks like you turned the back half into a pro-touring version of a rear "crumple zone", so let's hope that a little soreness / stiffness is the full extent of your injuries. That said, give yourself some time to make sure you're ok, and get some decent legal assistance if the ins. co. is less than 100% helpful.

4. Again, glad to hear you're doing OK. I rear-ended a woman a couple of years ago in her brand new Audi at <5mph when she stopped dead as soon as the light turned yellow. The ONLY damage to her car was tiny indentations of the heads of my license plate screws in her rear bumper, and she claimed she couldn't work for over a year. She ended up getting a sizeable payout from my ins. co. Judging from the damage to your car, I imagine Allstate's soiling their collective trousers.

So are you going to keep the Bad Penny name, or are you going to rebuild it as "Worse Penny"? "Cent Back"? or something else?

Good luck on the rebuild!

[TonyL]

Steve, are you keeping a list of all the things that have gone wrong with this build yet? The electrician, the motor, the trim, the crash etc?

perhaps it's cursed? You need to mount a penny *face up* somewhere on that car to despell the demons from it. Hang a rabbits foot from the mirror, get a four leaf clover and put it under the seat etc.

/still in shock.
//agrees that you may want to remove the vid to protect yourself.

[67SSDan]

Yea, my car was bright orange.. with BRIGHT LED tail lights.. in FULL SUN.. ON A DRY ROAD....

And the traffic was stop and go.. It's not like it just stopped all of a sudden.

Sometimes were the victims of other peoples mistakes.

A shot I took 15 hours before..

She will be reborn.. and even better.. I have ideas.. lol

That sucks man, I've lost two to jackasses that weren't paying attention. Good luck on the rebuild! Oh... and where are some more of those pictures posted?

[fladoans]

OMG! I am so sorry - even those word can't express my feelings. My car's is not even done so I can't imagine what you are feeling. I think you are a better man than me - I don't think I could have stopped myself from beating the crap out of him.

Good luck with the insurance company and the rebuild. Don't get too down she will live again.

[Morgan]

I am not really sure what to say. I am really glad you are ok, being that insurance is what I do for a living I have seen far worse on a regular basis and you walking away is the most important thing.

I am also really sorry to see the damage. You have lived my worst fear and I'm sure the worst fear of most of us on this board. I have loved watching the build of Penny (odly engough '68 Camaros are my favorite cars) and on the positive side I look forward to the new build updates.

I am sure you will keep us posted on the progress and again I am really glad you are ok.

[CRCRFT78]

Man that sucks but at least your ok, that is the most IMPORTANT thing.

[JEFFTATE]

Steve , Glad you're O.K.
I'm crying at work. ( seriously ).
Penny was perfect.
It's hard to see something ( that we all wish we could do ) get damaged.
But , Penny will live again.
Take Care !

[Bow Tie 67]

Yea, my car was bright orange.. with BRIGHT LED tail lights.. in FULL SUN.. ON A DRY ROAD....

And the traffic was stop and go.. It's not like it just stopped all of a sudden.

Sometimes were the victims of other peoples mistakes.

A shot I took 15 hours before..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

She will be reborn.. and even better.. I have ideas.. lol


It just dawned on me, it's the F * ing color.

Last year I had just finished our clubs last road race with no incidents. I was on the way home it was dark, I was stopped at a red light when wham! this young kid rearends me. I could not believe it, that was the second time in 3 weeks in that car. Prowler Orange does not equal Saftey Orange.

[rob07002]

I truly am speechless here! That sucks sooo bad.

Steve, I'm glad your not seriously hurt!

Living here in the garbage state NJ I'm very familiar with that type of traffic. From dead stop to 60mph back to dead stop instantly. I've had my briefcase and coffee mug thrown on the floor a few times when I was even caught off guard. That traffic sucks and if you take your eyes off the guy in front for a millisecond, bam! that's when the traffics stops. Whenever I'm in that traffic now I keep several car lenghts in front when stopped and when we start to roll I put along at 25-30 mph max and hold up everyone behind me keeping their speed down as well, because I know we will be coming to a sudden stop again.

I'm soo sad looking at that picture!

If Frank is right and the rails are wasted, can we say AM Max-G Chassis?????

Steve does that guy's ins company know your bumper and quarters were made of solid platinum?

[syborg tt]

Steve, I am glad your feeling okay and trust everyone when they tell you about the visit to the Doctor. It's the headache you have that has me concerned.

I am very happy that the car can be fixed it's only metal.

Side Note.
One of my biggest fears was getting rear ended in my truck when i had a fuel tank set up similar to yours. I was actually more worried about having my children in the car and it catching on fire.

My fear was some idiot rear ending me and them hitting the lines and all of the fuel dumping onto street and catching on fire.

I am still not convinced that your set ups is not safe but having the lines hanging out in the open has alway's made me worry. I have seen se many cars with this set up and i have never ever heard of a car catching on fire from this.

Lets just call it a fear or even a phobia

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, I am glad your feeling okay and trust everyone when they tell you about the visit to the Doctor. It's the headache you have that has me concerned.

I am very happy that the car can be fixed it's only metal.

Side Note.
One of my biggest fears was getting rear ended in my truck when i had a fuel tank set up similar to yours. I was actually more worried about having my children in the car and it catching on fire.

My fear was some idiot rear ending me and them hitting the lines and all of the fuel dumping onto street and catching on fire.

I am still not convinced that your set ups is not safe but having the lines hanging out in the open has alway's made me worry. I have seen se many cars with this set up and i have never ever heard of a car catching on fire from this.

Lets just call it a fear or even a phobia

I've been on the FUEL SAFE site today.. :)

[syborg tt]

I've been on the FUEL SAFE site today.. :)

yep, I agree with you - Next project i will build the frame around the fuel cell.

[jaybee]

Wow, I am so sorry to hear that. Fortunately you're OK there is no substitute for that. Cars can be fixed. Even when they're truly awesome cars.

[Jims78elky]

Sorry to hear the news..Good thing is your OK.

-Jim

[6'9"Witha69]

Damn that sucks. And there goes half the population of billet gas caps!

Glad to hear you are OK and Penny is reapairable!

I HATE THE 91!! Always have, more reason now.

[19topless69]

What a terrible thing! Think positive and make it better than
before. But then again how do you do that when you have
the perfect car . Good Luck. Was your car appraised before
you started driveng it and by who? State Farm said they want an
appraisal done ,not what I think it's worth for coverage.
Im going through this right now. State Farm says my 69 vert
Ls2 is worth 25g's the same as a 307 base they said. Go fiqure.

[Howard Tx]

This is my first post after lurking and lusting for some time.
Poor Penny.

The ticket would have sent me over the edge.
Makes me think about insurance now...
At least you are in decent shape with nothing broken physically.

Good Luck Steve.
Stay Strong and Rebuild.

[CraigMBA]

IMO, If you're insuring a collector car via a non collector car company(State Farm, Allstate, Mercury), you are paying too much for too little coverage from a company who could care less about your problem in the event you have a loss.

I have American Collectors, and unfortunetly had to make a claim. They settled it so fast and didn't quibble (not a squeek).........it frankly scared me.

You should get your car appraised either way.

[syborg tt]

Was your car appraised before you started driveng it and by who?

It's very important to have appraisals. My projects have been insured from the start. You never know what could happen while trailering the car or even at the shop that is working on it.

[John Wright]

Sorry to hear about your car...it was posted over in NastyZ28.com today, along with the F-Bomb.

[marty69212]

omg, dude!!! that sucks ... so sorry to see that !!! good luck !!

[buickfunnycar.com]

Sorry to hear about your car...it was posted over in NastyZ28.com today, along with the F-Bomb.

Hey John...nice to see they let you visit the place!:6gears:

[dipren443]

I too thought this was some kind of joke when I saw the thread title. I always think about something like this happening when I am driving around...

Definitely sorry to see that this happened, glad to hear you are ok though. I don't post a ton around here, but I have to say that Penny has definitely been an inspiration. Beautiful car. She will be back better than ever, I am certain.

One other thought running through my head. As much as I would be irate and the first thing I say I would do is strangle the person responsible, there is a big part of me that would just be in utter shock and wouldn't even know what to do....

And I just read that line about the insurance ticket. Of all that is holy, how in God's name could the cop even fathom writing that ticket. That is just heartless.

[Steve1968LS2]

Sorry to hear about your car...it was posted over in NastyZ28.com today, along with the F-Bomb.

Yea, just saw that.. hard to keep up with the internet..

[41565 chevelle]

Ah, as a cop and a driver here in So Cal I too know some of your pain... I get to see it every day. Fortunately for me, that was not my car, thus preventing the "double tap" that was bound to happen shortly after I exited my crashed car. Sorry to hear about the smash up, super good you are somewhat okay. Like the fellas said, it's just sheet metal!~

[jasonsnova]

wow so sorry, i feel like their should be a funeral and we should all be wearing black. dont worry im sure you'll get her fixed up! at least you handled the situation well ....not sure what i would of done either got out and start crying or beat the guy!!!:spank2:

[Steve1968LS2]

Alstate called just now and they accept 100% liability. In other words the guy that hit me admitted it was all his fault.

Step one is a win!

Next up is the battle with the insurance adjuster... Wish me luck.

[Boyd]

Steve, I haven't extended my condolences yet. I can't imagine what you've been through in the last few days. That absolutely sucks. I hate to admit it, but I was a slimy insurance adjuster for a while. Feel free to PM or email me with any questions.

[andrewb70]

Steve,

I am really sorry. You are living one of my worst nightmares. I hope it all works out and Penny can be rebuilt.

Andrew

[jigga99]

Holy f*k i dont know what to say!!!!!

[Scott Parkhurst]

My condolences Amigo. Hopefully it'll all work out.

~SP~

[gordonquixote]

Man oh man, glad you're O.K.

[Part Time]

Steve,
Sorry to hear about Penny. You're attitude through all of this is amazing. I'm not sure if I could be as positive. Way to set an example!

We have the technology...We can rebuild him better..., faster...., stronger!

Keep us posted.

[Steve1968LS2]

My condolences Amigo. Hopefully it'll all work out.

~SP~

Thanks Scott.. and everyone that has posted. We need an update on that wagon.. I seriously dig wagons!

Called FUEL SAFE today and they can do a tank with an internal pump. Would be easy to retrofit into the car since there will be no rear sheet metal. lol

[Damn True]

Called FUEL SAFE today and they can do a tank with an internal pump. Would be easy to retrofit into the car since there will be no rear sheet metal. lol

ATL (actually part of the same company as Fuel Safe) has one ready to rock for EFI engines. Standard product rather than custom one-off.

[Steve1968LS2]

ATL (actually part of the same company as Fuel Safe) has one ready to rock for EFI engines. Standard product rather than custom one-off.

I talked with Gary at FS (didn't know they were the same as ATL) and said an off the shelf 22 gallon unit with an internal BOSCH pump would be perfect for my car.

I just need to measure the distance between the rear frame rails on my car.

One nice thing is that it will hang down less and it will be easier to see the pretty three-link.

[parsonsj]

I talked with Gary at FS (didn't know they were the same as ATL) and said an off the shelf 22 gallon unit with an internal BOSCH pump would be perfect for my car.

I just need to measure the distance between the rear frame rails on my car.

One nice thing is that it will hang down less and it will be easier to see the pretty three-link.

Love the attitude. It seems you're back on the horse. What's the story on your back and neck pain? Getting better?

jp

[GT500KR_Vert]

ATL isn't the same company. They are in NJ.

http://www.atlfuelcells.com/

Fuel Safe is in OR.

http://www.fuelsafe.com/

I'd call both and see what they say. I found that ATL was less expensive, but the quality was just as good. Alot of what you are buying with FuelSafe is the name.

[Steve1968LS2]

Love the attitude. It seems you're back on the horse. What's the story on your back and neck pain? Getting better?

jp

Thanks, I will call you tomorrow morning :)

Yea, gonna make some lemonade from these lemons. lol

Oh, I was advised not to discuss medical stuff until this is all resolved. Lawyers, gotta love them, but it's not unheard of for insurance companies to read the internet.

Thanks for asking though :)

[parsonsj]

Thanks, I will call you tomorrow morning Sounds good.
jp

[Steve68]

Call me too!



When you get a chance, I had to do this for a whole day when the X wrecked my truck, just a Chevy truck, nothing like the Penny,

[DJ Mabe]

One of my favorite cars on this site. I show off the pics of this car all the time. Glad to hear you're ok and that the damage can be fixed. Good luck with the insurance adjuster.

[Steve1968LS2]

Call me too!



When you get a chance, I had to do this for a whole day when the X wrecked my truck, just a Chevy truck, nothing like the Penny,

Sure deal.. PM me your # :)

Yea, 20 years ago I had an ex that "accidentaly" scratched my '67 Camaro.. She was mad that I wasn't upset that she wanted to break up..

Women.. go figure.. lol

[SicMonte]

wow buddy...i cant believe it!! I know I am late posting up..I missed the original post. My first monte got hit by a 16 yr old...and i was about to pull him out of his car...when an state tropper tapped me on the shoulder. Good thing he was there!! Best of luck on fixing her...she is really a beauty!!!!!

[Damn True]

ATL isn't the same company. They are in NJ.

http://www.atlfuelcells.com/

Fuel Safe is in OR.

http://www.fuelsafe.com/

I'd call both and see what they say. I found that ATL was less expensive, but the quality was just as good. Alot of what you are buying with FuelSafe is the name.

I was told they are both under the ownership of the same parent company. If that is known to be incorrect let me know.

[steemin]

Steve,
I am so sorry to hear about the accident:crying:
I have not visited this site for about a week
so I just found out.
I am glad to hear that you are okay.
Bad Penny IS a special car and I am confident that you will make sure that she is properly repaired.
Take Care,
Scott

[moparguy]

Geeez.....those pics make me sad. On a good note its great to hear that they are accepting full liability.
You are probably in for a negotiating frenzy with the overall cost of repair I can bet.
Glad that you are okay and I wish you all the luck and hope everything comes out fine.

[hlaisure]

I have followed this build, I have plastered my desktop with lots of pics of your car. what a tragedy.

p.s. since that gas cap looks bent you want to sell it!!!!!!

I need three of those for my own cars.

good look with recronstruction!! im sure it will be even better!!

hlaisure
morgan hill ca

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

^ Vulture!

[muthstryker]

"My dads a TV repair man, he has the ultimate set of tools we can fix it!" -Spicoli

[Whistler]

Damn Steve... I haven't been to this site in a little while. I think I'm going to throw up. Allstate probably has(d) no idea how expensive a car like that is.

[Steve1968LS2]

Damn Steve... I haven't been to this site in a little while. I think I'm going to throw up. Allstate probably has(d) no idea how expensive a car like that is.

They will by the time we're done.. lol

Oh and to correct the record.. its STATE FARM .. not Allstate.

[67SSDan]

Ah... you should be fine then. That's who I used and they have never let me down or given me any extra hassles (3 totalled cars... and counting)

What happened to the burn out video? Was that in some other thread... or did I dream that?

[Steve1968LS2]

Ah... you should be fine then. That's who I used and they have never let me down or given me any extra hassles (3 totalled cars... and counting)

What happened to the burn out video? Was that in some other thread... or did I dream that?

It was a dream.. it never happened..

[Damn True]

What happened to the burn out video? Was that in some other thread... or did I dream that?

Never happened.

[6'9"Witha69]

"You didn't see anything"

"Just smile and wave boys, just smile and wave"

\having kids makes you quote animated movies.

[DeltaT]

That sucks. On the street for what, 2 weeks? I was hoping to see the car this summer at Speed Merchant.

Oh well, could have been way worse. Now you can fix her up even better on their dime (although you never get paid for your labor and elbow grease involved). Best of luck.

Jim

[CraigMBA]

If the guy who hit you had State Farm for coverage, you've got it made in the shade. They are totally reasonable.

Did you get YOUR insurance deal fixed and fill out your SR-1?

They will suspend your license post haste if you don't........

[colt zantop]

dude.....I cant believe this! GLAD YOUR OK! sorry about the loss...I cant imagine all the emotions you must have been going through. she will be even better when you finish her this time!

[Steve1968LS2]

If the guy who hit you had State Farm for coverage, you've got it made in the shade. They are totally reasonable.

Did you get YOUR insurance deal fixed and fill out your SR-1?

They will suspend your license post haste if you don't........

Yep, filed my appropriate DMV paperwork :)

Thanks!.. we are pulling for State Farm to just pay what it takes to have the car repaired back to how it was.

[qwik1320]

Oh man, been there done that...unfortunately. Sorry to hear about Penny...but glad you're OK. Keep a detailed list of what it takes to repair, I went back after the insurance company paid me and got a supplement. Note to everyone - have your cars appraised.

[55chevyman]

dude i would have probably just got out of the car and started crying right in the middle of the highway:scared:

[MonzaRacer]

Like I said I had to dig up some before and afters but here was my disapointment.
I had a blow out about am ile from home and missed the opening in the fence row by about 6 or 8 inches:

[MonzaRacer]

ok I am hoping this puts up some pics:

The last pic is of the new bullet and for now it is slated for either a 4.0 DOHC Aurora engine or an all forged rotating assembly 283.
now i just need to decide on older 202 Double humps or a set of 185 307 castings lightly ported and for the present a TCI TH350.
But the big ticket I need to to get is the ART shock wave for the front and some 2000lb springs for the rear of my truck so I can use the 1500lbers(9000s) on the Monza.
and I am hoping or a set of 17s as a fella down the road had a bunch of old 5x120 and 5x 4 3/4 wheels in his garage and if he sells them I get first dibs.
anyway this one(yellow) was a sweet one abd it broke my heart and I still have it and I am removing parts from it and see how solid the back of it is and it makes me sick as its un fixable.
Good luck with Penny

[BMF Machine]

Ouch, I just got back from a day out to the Louisville Zoo with the Family. Sorry to hear it Steve'o! That just Sucks! Maybe You are not in such a hurry for the cowl cover now?lol. Sorry, just trying to get you to Smile!:squint:

I burnt the headliner in my 300 last night with a Cigarette? Bad week for cars; for sure!:cheers: Everyone stay at home and get drunk for the next week?:rotfl:

That just SUCKS!

[BMF Machine]

^ Vulture!



:rotfl: Vulture? That is some funny stuff right there!

[formula98]

Wow!

I've been gone for just over a week and read this post today. I'm really glad to hear you are ok.

You will need to post the R&R of the rear end as I will be doing that soon (lol). My brother is an expert at it and has promised to come down and help me with my R&R, but would like to see how it is done on Penny. Again I'm so glad to hear that you are ok, penny will be better than before.....

[BB69]

Sorry to see that. My car has been off the road since the day before Woodward last year for the same reason (except I was pushed into the car in front of me as well). Dealing with insurance was a complete PITA. Here is Michigan, it's a no fault state, so my insurance had to cover it. The most I could get out of them was $6000 for what was estimated to be $12000 in damage. State Farm would not pay the labor rates that the repair shops wanted. I am having a friend do the work in his spare time. I don't expect to get that car back before the end of the year. Hopefully, yours will be fixed much sooner. Glad you didn't hit the guy, I know I wanted to. The guy that hit me lied about it as well, claiming someone hit him. Reading your story brings back all the memories.

Good luck,
Ken

EDIT: Just read more of the story and found out you will be dealing with State Farm. Please keep us posted, because as I said above, it was State Farm I was dealing with. They told me they have negotiated a fixed labor rate and they will not budge from it. Every repair shop I dealt with quoted a much higher rate for working on an old car. State Farm was also VERY hesitant to pay for any panel fitment. I spent several months arguing with State Farm before I caved in and took the money. It got to the point I couldn't even get another shop to quote the work.

[CraigMBA]

The shop in Orange that has my car right now has that problem.

There are 'several' old cars around that are somebody's pet project or another but they can't make any money on them. It looks real strange when somebody walks in and they have to tell them "We can't work on that".

I gotta get my car finished.

[73z-6sp]

Steve I am really sorry about this. I am glad you are OK. Be sure to get it checked out just in case. You have been waiting so long to get to drive Penny and she was sweet so this would have to be the car guys worst fear come to life. Very glad to hear you will re-build and it looks like your biillet fuel cap survived? Isnt there a big to do trying to get those? ;)

Glad you're OK.

[Happyfunballs]

Just now reading this. Can't say anything other than "oh...my....God." My condolences.

[steemin]

Steve,
I just got the July 07 copy of PHR.
I am sick over the irony of your article with the LED install
and Penny's recent misfortune..:pat:
Again I am glad to hear that the insurance company is cooperating and Penny will be good as new soon.
Scott

[68cutlass]

I just typed in a search for "Penny" and "rear" to look again at your setup. I feel sick. Like everyone else is saying, a car, even this car, can be repaired. Hopefully you're alright and don't end up suffering any lingering affects from the accident. We're all pulling for you and the car to come out of this ok.
-Mark

[Steve1968LS2]

I just typed in a search for "Penny" and "rear" to look again at your setup. I feel sick. Like everyone else is saying, a car, even this car, can be repaired. Hopefully you're alright and don't end up suffering any lingering affects from the accident. We're all pulling for you and the car to come out of this ok.
-Mark

Thanks, I think they put her on the frame rack tomorrow to start work.. in no time I will cruising (cautiously) the highways again.

[[email protected]]

We here at the Ringbrothers offer our condolences, everyone here hopes your car comes back 100%

[Steve1968LS2]

We here at the Ringbrothers offer our condolences, everyone here hopes your car comes back 100%

Thanks Nick.. Hey, could you make me some billet trunk hinges. Mine are "sorta" bent.. lol

Seriously, nobody sells reproduction trunk hinges.. I guess they don't wear out often.

Your hinges will be in the next issue of Camaro Performers (the ones you sell through DSE). Such a nice product!

[6'9"Witha69]

Thanks Nick.. Hey, could you make me some billet trunk hinges. Mine are "sorta" bent.. lol

Seriously, nobody sells reproduction trunk hinges.. I guess they don't wear out often.

You hinges will be in the next issue of Camaro Performers (the ones you sell through DSE). Such a nice product!Just one more shiny part on an already nice car.:yum:

[TonyL]

so where are the tear down pics?

[nacnac]

Hey,
let's not get over dramatic with the "moment of silence" crap for a car.
Let's save those for the people fighting wars. Besides it's just a car and it can be fixed.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

let's not get over dramatic with the "moment of silence" crap for a car.

Let’s take it easy. It's being said in jest, and to help assuage tension in an unfortunate situation


Let's save those for the people fighting wars.

Most certainly. But what of the other thousands of individuals who perish each day? Do they not deserve their (silent) requiems? There’s no need to take offense to someone using a “moment of silence” facetiously.

There’s also no need to respond to this post; any further off topic posts will be deleted.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey,
let's not get over dramatic with the "moment of silence" crap for a car.
Let's save those for the people fighting wars. Besides it's just a car and it can be fixed.

Where the **** did that come from? lol

It's a figure of speech.. jeeze.. I think you need to get laid or have a drink..

:lol:

[Steve1968LS2]

so where are the tear down pics?

They will be in the project section.. where they belong ;)

[BonzoHansen]

.... I think you need to get laid or have a drink.. In the big picture of life, don't we all.... :bananna2: