Is she totalled?
#51
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L TPI (L98)
Transmission: 700RJunk
I've seen cars in worse shape than that that have been fixed. The insurance company is going to consider that a total loss regardless. But just because they consider it totalled doesn't mean its "totalled". I've seen thirdgens with very minor damage get totalled or nearly totalled by insurance companies. Outside of paint, most of the work needed to repair that can be done yourself, and just about all of the damaged panels and parts are available a dime a dozen at the local yard. The only catch is the extent of the damage to the frame, because that can only get straightened out at a body shop, and thats expensive. I'd say this, if the frame isn't that bad, pull all the damaged stuff off, take it to the shop and have the frame straightened out, and then put the new body parts on yourself and have it painted. This is a remote possibility, but its worth looking into to keep another nice GTA out of the junkyard.
#52
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it can be fixed but the insurance company will call it totalled. i work at a body shop PT and we always buy cars in worse shape then that fix them and sell them. that GTA looked so nice to, its a shame. just hope u get another one soon. good luck man.
#53
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60e
Thanks guys. A small update: I've been assigned an adjuster and he'll call Monday.
Also...I hear you on that "dime a dozen" body parts at junk yards. I'm not going to let this car die. I've already decided to resurrect it no matter the cost. On a side note - my buddy found a wrecked firehawk (91-92) at a junkyard here in Houston somewhere. We might be going to check it out soon. Interesting stuff
Also...I hear you on that "dime a dozen" body parts at junk yards. I'm not going to let this car die. I've already decided to resurrect it no matter the cost. On a side note - my buddy found a wrecked firehawk (91-92) at a junkyard here in Houston somewhere. We might be going to check it out soon. Interesting stuff
#55
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If the frame seems to still be intact and not bent etc etc...Id repair the car with the insurance money and do what 1badz said, get a k-member and some other little parts. buy some used parts from the junk yard and get the body straight again. then try and get a new paint job if you have some cash left over. i wouldnt let my thirdgen go like that. you just gotta believe. that was a very nice thirdgen you had.
#57
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that really sucks, after seeing all the totalled thirdgens on this board and to think about how i crashed my 89 formula 350 last summer and had to get rid of i wanna cry, think of all the third gens weve lost and keep losing.......on the upside i guess it does make the remaining ones like ours go up in value(i have an 88 formula 350 now)
#58
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60e
well, I've commited myself to repairing her. I'm fairly sure there will be some frame damage.....but some good news happened yesterday. My uncle called and told me about a place near me with a frame straightener. They do complete restorations on old classics. As soon as the insurance man gets here, I'll make my final decision.
But I promise you guys.....you'll be seeing some nice fresh EyeCandy come end of Summer. That I can gaurantee.
But I promise you guys.....you'll be seeing some nice fresh EyeCandy come end of Summer. That I can gaurantee.
#60
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60e
yah thats true badgta. I've got a meeting with Sonar on Tuesday to take pictures of his hood/car. That'll make up my mind on whether the RA II looks right or not.
But for those that love looking at wrecked cars, here's a couple of my engine bay This baby's going to be brand new when I'm done.
But for those that love looking at wrecked cars, here's a couple of my engine bay This baby's going to be brand new when I'm done.
#63
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Car: 00 T/A Firehawk
Engine: 346ci LS1
Transmission: MN6
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LSD
I'm sorry to hear about your loss man. I'm glad to hear you're alright, that car is a very sweet car and I hope to see that you fix her all up again!! Let us know when you hear from the adjuster...
#64
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Car: 1984 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.5L Iron Duke 4 cylinder
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Originally posted by 3.1EyeCandy
edit: and why must I be forced to spell the name of my preferred deity with a zero and not the real word?
edit: and why must I be forced to spell the name of my preferred deity with a zero and not the real word?
I've wondered the same thing.
Sorry to hear about your bird. Its a crying shame to see one that good looking in the condition it is now.
Don't worry about fixing it up new again....just donate the car to me and I can transplant the internals to my weak Iron Duke Firebird. He is accepting organ donations.
Good luck on the fix. G0D bless you man and Im glad that you are okay.
#66
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60e
ouch - no kidding
Small update: Adjuster came today and officially totalled the car. I'm waiting for a call from the low-lifes about a settlement.
After finding frame damage and now my transmission lost its fluid (wreck ruined a seal i think), I am looking for another GTA.
If you know of a true GTA in the eastern Half of Texas or the western side of Lousiana - let me know. I'm in the market.
Small update: Adjuster came today and officially totalled the car. I'm waiting for a call from the low-lifes about a settlement.
After finding frame damage and now my transmission lost its fluid (wreck ruined a seal i think), I am looking for another GTA.
If you know of a true GTA in the eastern Half of Texas or the western side of Lousiana - let me know. I'm in the market.
#67
I am an insurance adjuster and I have seen cars worse than that get fixed too. Sucks your car is gone but at least you are not hurt. Good luck on repairing her. Has the adjuster attempted a settlement yet. remember you want retail value and be sure they take into consideration all your upgrades he will of course subtract out the salvage part of your value, since you are retaining salvage, but it should not be anymore than $1000.00, let me know if they give you any crap.
Frames are easy to fix. When you go to the shop (print this out so you don't forget) They should charge you 2hour set up time and 1 to 1.5 hours pull time for each controll point! looking at your pictures it appears that your frame horns are damaged. you probably have strut tower/apron damage since you probably slammed on your brakes and your car submarined. you should expect about 7-8 hours on frame machine. In houston frame time is about $40-45 an hour.
For good local aftermarket fenders, bumpers and body parts call keystone in houston. Part fitment is good and a lot cheaper than new oem or used most of the time. Keep us up to date on your progress!
Frames are easy to fix. When you go to the shop (print this out so you don't forget) They should charge you 2hour set up time and 1 to 1.5 hours pull time for each controll point! looking at your pictures it appears that your frame horns are damaged. you probably have strut tower/apron damage since you probably slammed on your brakes and your car submarined. you should expect about 7-8 hours on frame machine. In houston frame time is about $40-45 an hour.
For good local aftermarket fenders, bumpers and body parts call keystone in houston. Part fitment is good and a lot cheaper than new oem or used most of the time. Keep us up to date on your progress!
#69
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Car: Camaro Z281991 Engine: 5.7L/350 TPI Transmission: TH700R4 ··································· Car: Acura CL 1998
Engine: 3.0L/183
Transmission: 4 spd auto/OD
same thing happend to mine...
after disassembling the front..
i had a clear view of the damage..
Doesnt take much to total these cars..
after disassembling the front..
i had a clear view of the damage..
Doesnt take much to total these cars..
#70
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Car: 1986/88 Frankenstein Trans Am
Engine: carbed L98
Transmission: T-5
hey 91bluemetalicRS: does keystone have a website or anything? im in nj and i need a new left front fender, mine was damaged in an accident. do the ship out of state? thanks
#71
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Car: 2003 Mach 1
Same thing happened to me. Someone pulled out in front of me and I t-boned them at about 40 mph.
State Farm was their insurance agent and they gave me $2850 for it (that must be the magic number for State Farm)
I'm fixing mine and according to a trusted body shop around here, it can be straightened up no problem and my rad. support is toast . Believe it or not, I still drive this car and it still drives awesome like it did before the wreck.
BTW, if you part out your GTA, let me know. I could use some parts and I live in Beaumont, TX so I'm not too far off.
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