I've had a very bad day...

[toomuchtorque]

I was driving down a highway at around 65mph approaching an intersection with my traffic light being green. When I came within about 100ft of the intersection I see a black mustang flying down the perpendicular street headed RIGHT in my direction at a very high speed. I knew he wasn't stopping for the light so mashed in the breaks and swerved to the right (ABS did kick in) thinking I was safe. But, much to my surprise, I see a Honda Prelude just behind the Mustang (the two were obviously racing) in the lane farther from me so I turn even harder to the right (keep in mind, this was all in a matter of seconds). It was just about then that I the rear tires locked up and I go spinning. I was in such shock through the entire thing and the smoke in the air only confused me more. All of a sudden there was impact. The car bounces off of something (turns out to be the curb) and swings around again one or two times before coming to a stop. The airbags deployed on contact and (although I don't remember clearly) I don't believe that I came in contact with them other than maybe my arm. When I got out of the car, both the mustang and prelude were long gone. There was no obvious body damage to my car, all the damage was under the vehicle because the curb was below the front of the car. Now the steering is off (it pulls to the right) and some parts are loose. When I first got out of the car I was P/O, needless to say. What really annoyed me though, is that the airbags BROKE the newly replaced windshield on the passenger side when they deployed. THIS SUCKS! THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE IRRESPONSIBLE AND RACE ON PUBLIC STREETS.

Anyway, does anybody know how much it costs to get these airbags replaced? Where should I go to get it done cheap in Los Angeles? Can anybody guess what kind of damage has been done to my car? How much $$$ am I looking at? AHHH I NEED TO FUME.

 

[Ken]

Tough luck, man.

Where in LA are you? I know of a few people around the area.

 

[Imachad]

Another example of why we should not be street racing even though it is quite tempting at times... I'm sorry to hear about your accident Toomuchtorque. But i am glad to see that you are alright. Though you are quite livid right now, it could have been alot worse. You could have been t-boned by one of the cars. I think that all of the CAC members who sometimes partake in street racing (myself included) should have this example as a reminder in the back of our heads next time we go out for a spin. Keep your spirits up...

Chad

 

[Vette_Newb]

Damn that sux! But your OK and thats worth alot. Good luck getting the car back in shape.

 

[toomuchtorque]

Thanks for the support guys. Ken, I live in about 10 minutes from LAX. You know any good Corvette mechanics nearby?

 

[Ken]

Scott Kenning at The Fiberglass Body in Hawthorne. He's just west of Hawthorne Blvd. on the north side of Rosecrans Ave. Tell him I sent you. He should be able to help you, but if he can't, he'll probably refrer you to J&D Corvette in Bellflower. Good luck.

 

[Evolution1980]

My life is an autobahn

Sounds like they were living your life! :L
Seriously though, sorry about your car, but at least you weren't hurt.

 

[toomuchtorque]

lol, very true evolution. I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind off of it.
Ken, I've been to J&D Corvettes a few times. They have a nice place over there, my only complaint is the cost. I just don't want to drive the car that distance in this condition. Does anybody know a place that can replace my airbags at a good price?

 

[boomer]

Really sorry to hear about that, but glad to hear you're ok. Best of luck getting her fixed w/o too much $$.
Oliver

 

[Evolution1980]

Does anybody know a place that can replace my airbags at a good price?

I take it insurance isn't covering it, or you aren't claiming it...either way, if it's coming out of your pocket...

You may want to check a junk yard, although vettes in a junkyard are few an far between. Airbags are mucho dollars in most cases if you haven't already checked. I'd suggest trying to find one from a parts car.

WARNING: Be very careful with the removal of an undeployed airbag. If you do something to cause it to deploy on you during removal, serious injury (even death) could be in store for you...if not injury, it's gonna at a minimum scare the bejeesus out of ya! If you are going to do this, it's HIGHLY recommended you have the shop manual on hand.

 

[KOPBET]

Sorry to hear about those jackasses messing up your car. Just goes to show that most street racers don't care about you, your car, or your life.

 

[Gman]

Toomuchtorque, can't help you with the airbags but I just wanted to send you a big " Good Luck! ". What happened to you could happen to any of us. Hope it all comes out OK.

Well, maybe this site can help you. New and used airbags.

http://www.airbagcenter.com/

 

[Ken]

Does anybody know a place that can replace my airbags at a good price?

I told ya, give Scott a call.

 

[Brett]

THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE IRRESPONSIBLE AND RACE ON PUBLIC STREETS.

toomuchtorque, did you not write this post?

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43199

 

[Evolution1980]

toomuchtorque, did you not write this post?

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43199

oooohhhh... ouchie. :blow
I think I'm going to assume the "duck & cover" on this thread..

 

[cablexpert]

WOWWWW Bret congrats on your research !!

 

[FX GS]

toomuchtorque, did you not write this post?

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43199

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Very, very interesting. The past comes back to
HAUNT us. I'm outta here.

 

[road_racefan]

Sorry to hear about your problem. But like a lot of others have said it could have been worse.

I talked to friend of mine, and he told me to tell you under no circumstances should you try to do the airbags yourself. It is very dangerous, and could indeed cost you your life.

I hope you can find someone to do it for a good price. Best of luck, and get her back on the road soon.

 

[toomuchtorque]

Ahh ya, you got me. But hey, those were controlled conditions . Honestly though, I have learned a lesson from this experience. I know my crazy days are done. If I told myself that street racing is not worth it a week ago, I wouldn't have listened. Some experiences really humble some people.

 

[Ken]

Ah Youth... Can be both a Blessing as well as a Curse.