advice on repairs

[Pac-man]

Yesterday, while going 120mph on a rural, two lane highway, an old lady pulled out of a tiny side street that I did'nt even know existed. She was going about 10mph and crossed right into the high speed lane. I swerved around her, lost control, jumped the curb (thank god it was slanted) and slid on the grass about 1500ft and came two rest 2ft from a tree at my driver door. All four wheels are broken and hanging, even the rotors are broken. There is no body damage, doors open and all of the lines of the car seem true. Anyone have any advise as to what to look for as far as frame problems etc. that a normal body man may overlook. It is at a friends shop already. We are going to start to tear it apart Tues. I'm worried he's in over his head. Any advice is greatly appreciated. And before you say it, I know that I was going too fast and this is a great example of why we should leave this stuff to the track.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Wow! After a ride like that...are you sure you don't need a new pair of shorts, too? :eek

I would recommend taking your C5 to a frame shop or a GM dealership, if they have that type of equipment. They are experienced in these matters. If your friend has a general repair shop, he may not have the experience or machinery needed to properly evaluate your vette's frame.
Let us know what happens with the repairs/insurance. I wonder if insurance would write-off the vette and make it a parts car, if the frame damage is severe.
Heidi

 

[C5Richard]

Wow! After a ride like that...are you sure you don't need a new pair of shorts, too? :eek

I would recommend taking your C5 to a frame shop or a GM dealership, if they have that type of equipment. They are experienced in these matters. If your friend has a general repair shop, he may not have the experience or machinery needed to properly evaluate your vette's frame.
Let us know what happens with the repairs/insurance. I wonder if insurance would write-off the vette and make it a parts car, if the frame damage is severe.
Heidi

There's a myth we independent shops deal with and it's the myth that a dealership can do a better job. The only thing we as independents don't have access to is the current year diag codes as the manufacturers don't release them for a couple years. I always say whether it's a dealership or independent one show judge on their record and ability. Just saying.

Richard.

 

[Edmond]

I would stay away from a dealer, they just might make it worse.

Ask around for a shop in your area that has a good reputation. Ask the local hotrodders who they use. They should be able to give you a good idea of who to avoid and who does good work.

 

[Pac-man]

I agree with c5richard, and thank you also Heidi. I hope to get it fixed. My last one was a total and I lost $$$.

 

[C5Richard]

Yesterday, while going 120mph on a rural, two lane highway, an old lady pulled out of a tiny side street that I did'nt even know existed. She was going about 10mph and crossed right into the high speed lane. I swerved around her, lost control, jumped the curb (thank god it was slanted) and slid on the grass about 1500ft and came two rest 2ft from a tree at my driver door. All four wheels are broken and hanging, even the rotors are broken. There is no body damage, doors open and all of the lines of the car seem true. Anyone have any advise as to what to look for as far as frame problems etc. that a normal body man may overlook. It is at a friends shop already. We are going to start to tear it apart Tues. I'm worried he's in over his head. Any advice is greatly appreciated. And before you say it, I know that I was going too fast and this is a great example of why we should leave this stuff to the track.

That's not too difficult really. A quick measure to compare the distance between the wheels on each side then and x measurement underneath to see if the points are still even is a quick diagnostic for major problems. If that is still good then wheel camber won't be a big issue. Typically an incident like this will bend up a couple lower control arms. But there's no telling how much stuff was scraped up cosmetically underneath. And there's not a lot of remedies for repairing the tub underneath either. Most insurances pay an "appearance allowance" for thing not feasible to repair yet not large enough to total out the car.
I'll also add that many have had issues with the hub bearings after this type of accident.

Richard.

 

[Tom Bryant]

There are many dealers that are Corvette specialists and will do a much better job than many independent shops that dabble in Corvettes. There are also many independent Corvette shops that are much better than many dealers that really don't care to mess with Corvettes.

If your friend is a qualified technician why not let him replace the broken and damaged parts so the car is up and rolling again. Then take it to a good alignment shop that knows Corvettes (dealer or independant) for a 4 wheel laser alignment. A good alignment guy can tell right off if there is any problems beyond basic alignment issues.

BTW Our own late model guru, C4C5Specialist, works at a dealer.

Tom

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Pac-Man,

You may want to consider turning in your driver license or taking a driver's education course.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

You may want to consider turning in your driver license or taking a driver's education course.

Sorry, I think this comment is a little harsh. IMO only. Pac-man already admitted his mistake at the end of his first post and stated the track is the best place for high speed runs.
On the other side of the coin... I'm sure Pac-man is strong enough to take the negative comments his post may generate.

I brought up the dealership only because I think they would have the equipment and perhaps the experience. Many independent shops can far surpass dealerships in experience but don't have access to up-to-date equipment.
Another of my opinions is, I think many dealerships fall short of the 'service' and 'satisfaction' mark while most independent shops go much further to satisfy their customers.
Heidi

 

[Pac-man]

For 99whitec5coupe, since we are all friends here, and I already admitted it was a foolish thing to do, save the snide comments. I asked for advice on repairs, and once again thank you to all who read and understood my post, and responded accordingly.

 

[Edmond]

Pac,

We've all been guilty of doing stuff like that.

 

[Pac-man]

Thank you Edmond

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Thank you Edmond

Who knows what will jump out in front of you that 120mph is too fast; but we all have that occassion when we want to see what it will do. Access to a track is not that easy. Corvettes have to breath; at least mine does! I've had to stand on the breaks myself, thank GOD for anti-lock breaks is all I got to say! I am not an expert on damage for sure but I justed wanted to say I FEEL FOR YOU and wish you all the luck in the world on your damage, I know it would make me sick to wreck mine. My corvette is almost like my family. I guess I would want to get it on a lift if it was mine to evaluate the underneath and then seek an expert I could trust. GOOD LUCK MY MAN!

Bill B.
Indiana

 

[Tom Bryant]

Welcome to the CAC Bill.

 

[jrose7004]

Pac,
I have a area in OKC where there are no drives , side streets etc where I do like you were doing! I'am going to check the area now with a fine toothed comb to make sure the same thing can't happen to me!

 

[Pac-man]

Welcome Bill, and thank you all for your support. I will know later today if the car is totaled or not. Good idea to double check that street in OK., I doubt the feeling of hitting the curb in mid-spin at 100mph+ will ever leave me. Felt like my teeth were going to come out.

 

[hoosierdaddy]

I've only had my C-5 for about 4 months and still a little afraid of it, and that is probably not all bad! But I have tested the waters, and like I said think GOD for anti-lock brakes! I am sure everything will work out for you on this, I FEEL YOUR PAIN MY MAN!

Let me know how it comes out if you can,

Bill B.

 

[Blade]

What a ride (120 Mpg) you da' man!!! Little old ladies need to stay-off the road!

Glad you are OK. Cars can be replaced you can not!

Hope all goes well on the repairs.

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Nascar Country, Hickory, Nc

I see your from Hickory, NC; I know there is a lot of NACAR drivers that live in that area; do you know any personally? I see you have a babe leaning on a black looks to be Z06, is that you or your's?

P.S. How do I get a picture posted on this forum with my name and etc.? Example like you have, I tried to figure out how to do this and haven't yet, thought maybe you could tell me.

Be cool, and flash your lights when you see another Vette go by.
Bill Barkdull

What a ride (120 Mpg) you da' man!!! Little old ladies need to stay-off the road!

Glad you are OK. Cars can be replaced you can not!

Hope all goes well on the repairs.

 

[Blade]

I see your from Hickory, NC; I know there is a lot of NACAR drivers that live in that area; do you know any personally? I see you have a babe leaning on a black looks to be Z06, is that you or your's?

P.S. How do I get a picture posted on this forum with my name and etc.? Example like you have, I tried to figure out how to do this and haven't yet, thought maybe you could tell me.

Be cool, and flash your lights when you see another Vette go by.
Bill Barkdull

That picture is called an "Avatar". At the top of this page in a blue box across your screen are words like: UseCP and FAQ, click the "FAQ" and learn more. Here is a short-cut:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/faq.php?faq=vb_user_maintain#faq_vb_avatar_how

That is not my car in the avatar, however I must ask you: What Car? :L That is not my sweetie in the avatar either! :cry

Lots of NASCAR people in this area of NC. With the Race in Charlotte this Saturday night they are everywhere. Kind of know Harry Gantt, and the Jarretts (Ned, Dale & Glen).