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Fredo
09-29-2008, 11:58 PM
The RX7 thread made me realize I don't really have any documentation of the camaro build out on the internet. I figure this is as good of a place as any to put it. It began with a cryptic ad in the Dallas Morning News classifieds. "92 camaro, green, v8, 972-XXX-XXXX" I call on it, and it turns out it's a green with tan leather convertible. After going and looking at it with St.John, I decided I needed it. The girl I bought it from and her father both thought it was a "mean" sounding car. St.John and I disagreed since we had driven over there in his Dad's 65 impala convertible equipped with a nasty big block chevy with dual 4" exhaust. A few days later, with the loan terms worked out with the Bank of Dad, I was the proud owner of a 92 RS Camaro convertible equipped with a whopping 175hp TBI 305 backed by a 700r4 auto hooked to an awesome 2.73 geared peg leg 10 bolt. Here she is on day one:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/camtop.jpg

After the first day of driving it, I realized the EGR valve was jacked. Once that was replaced, the engine returned to it's 175hp of awesomeness. I figured an engine swap was in the future for this car but financially I didn't see this happening for quite a while so I did what I could to get the most out of the car. I did the normal tune up/maintenance to the car along with a k&n filter, a throttle body spacer, a set of headers that I got a sweet deal on, along with a high flow cat, 3" exhaust, and a flowmaster muffler. I swear, it was the toughest sounding 305 ever to fear a honda accord with a v6. Yes sir, my pimp hand was indeed strong.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/camstreet.jpg

So I cruised the car this way for awhile, even attemping to run down the 1/8th mile, mustering a horribly slow 10.ish run or two. I didn't care, I had a convertible that sounded good. So one fateful saturday night, my friends and I decided to cruise out to Keller's Hamburgers in dallas for their cruise night. All was well until one of my best buddies, Denton, rearended my camaro with his TJ on 35's in his driveway when a cow from his pasture blocked his driveway and I had to slam on my brakes. Needless to say, I was not happy.

This however started a new chapter for the camaro after St.John got me hooked up with a grumpy New Yorker that ran a rod shop. A month or so lafter, the camaro was back on the road and I had a new job, building hot rods with a potentially bi-polar new yorker. So after this point, it became more of a priority to make my car cooler than it was. Luckily, about this time the torque converter of the mighty 700r4 decided to take a dirt nap. It might have had something to do with St.John and I screwing with manually locking the converter via a wire jumped in the ALDL port, but that wasn't something we felt like mentioning to my father at the time. I had always wanted the car to be a 5spd because of my hatred for all things automatic at the time, so my father entertained the idea of a 5spd conversion. After going to multiple car shows and seeing LT1s starting to make a big splash on the scene, we had decided that if we were going to go to the trouble of putting a 5spd in the car, we "might as well" do a couple of other upgrades while we were at it. Soon, I had somehow convinced my dad that an LT1/T56 6 speed swap was the way to go. I honestly think that it might have been like pouring gasoline on a fire when it came to convincing him, but none the less, with a generous loan once again from the Bank of Dad, I was on the way to finally not fearing a v6 accord.

After locating a donor drivetrain from a 97 Ram Air Trans Am, I was on my way. This is day one of the tear down:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/cam1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/cam5.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/cam6.jpg

Fredo
09-30-2008, 12:13 AM
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/cam7.jpg

After I started teardown, I sent the wiring harness of the car, and the new engine down to a company called Fuel Injection specialties. Not realizing I had it in me to build the harness, I farmed it out and ended up with a really nice harness that worked out beautifully. As you can see, St.John was there to help with the 'fishing" of the harness.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/ryfish.jpg

So while I waited for the harness to come back, there were many things to be done. Here we are, mocking up the fitment of the new power plant.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/blender.jpg

Along the way, I had found something interesting in Autotrader. Yes, we actually used to read autotrader's parts section before the invention of Craigslist. I found a wrecked 91 1LE camaro. For those of you would don't know what that is, it's the factory road race package for camaros. It included 12" front and rear disc brakes with aluminum PBR twin piston calipers up front and single piston PBR calipers in the rear, 36mm front sway bar and a 32mm rear sway bar, an aluminum driveshaft, a 3.42 geared 10bolt with an Eaton posi, and an aluminum spare for weight reduction. I was able to get the sway bars and brakes from this car, along with the 3.42 rear axle, but unfortunately the other parts were already sold. So now, along with the drivetrain swap, I was now swapping the brakes, sway bars, and upgrading the struts/shocks along with a newly installed set of eibach lowering springs. The parts list was starting to get exciting.

However, once the car was torn down, I remember walking into the shop one day after class and saying to myself, "Holy ****, what have I done." I thought for sure that this project would never reach fruition.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/floor.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/rear2.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/floor2.jpg

But, all I could do was take it one day at a time. Luckily, Jimmy's roommate at the time was this douchebag that had a 911 porsche that he believe to be the have-all/be-all of cars to motivate me to finish it.

Fredo
09-30-2008, 12:34 AM
So, once the harness returned, things started coming together.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/19.jpg

Along with the slew of upgrades, I was convinced by St.John to chunk the 3.42 gears inside the newly acquired 10 bolt for a set of 4.10 gears. Later I realized this was in fact a very wise decision due to the fact that 6th gear is pretty much worthless with 3.42's. So with that, the first of many a ring and pinion were installed in not so mighty 10 bolt gm axle.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/15.jpg

So, after three months, the camaro was mobile again under it's own power. A quick drive down the street and back in the dark, with no headlights proved to be a worthwhile experience. What you can't see in the picture, is the **** eating grin on my dad's face.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/test3.jpg

So, the camaro saw the light of day again. The first day I took it out to the exhaust shop to get the exhaust plumbed, some jackass in a ford taurus SHO decided he would try and pick on the innocent little RS. He was quickly shown the error of his ways. I was pleased. I also dynoed the intial setup to see what kind of power I had. The first time I dynoed the car, it had 297hp and 310ish torque. Needless to say, I was happy with how strong the stock LT1 ran, and it turned a few heads at the dyno day who did not expect that drivetrain under the hood.
http://ridesbybmf.com/camaro/old3.JPG
Time went on, and many an unsuspecting car was shown that this wasn't your normal RS camaro including a certain porsche 911 that ended up punching holes in 4 out of 6 cylinders trying to keep up. About a year later I decided to address the issue of the traction limited 245/55R16's and upgraded to a set of Torque thrust II's wrapped in 275/40R17's in the back and 255/40r17's in the front. Traction and handling was much better. Unfortunately, less than a month after getting the new wheels and tires, this stupid ***** in a honda accord decides to run a red light. I tried my best, but couldn't get stopped in time. No one was hurt, but if the driver of said accord would have been male, he would have been in the hospital and I would have been in jail. Funny thing about the whole thing is I called my boss, the guy who ran the rod shop, before I even called my parents. Without even knowing how bad it was, he said, "Don't worry, we can fix it."
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/ouch.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/ouch2.jpg

Fredo
09-30-2008, 12:43 AM
So after a battle with insurance companies about the car being totalled, my receipts prevailed and they ended up not totaling the car and issuing a check for the amount to fix it. After welding in a new core support and fender inner structure, we decided to go ahead and paint the whole car while we had it apart.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/crunch3-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/frame2.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/booth.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/buffed1.jpg

I need to point out, that while we had the front end apart, I decided it was as good a time as any to do some performance upgrades. I went ahead and swapped the factory cam for an LT4 hotcam, chromoly pushrods, and a sweet set of 1.6 GM Performance roller rockers. Now I thought for sure the exhaust note would give away the true nature of the beast. Here's a shot of the first night I brought her home from Wade's Rod and Custom.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/finished2.jpg

8Runner
09-30-2008, 12:53 AM
Glad you decided to do this, Fred. I was always curious about the history of the car. From the few stories Jimmy told me, I think you should add in more about your bi-polar boss from the rod shop too :)

Fredo
09-30-2008, 01:18 AM
Apparently the exhaust note was subdued enough that it didn't raise suspicion. I had a few mustangs that didn't recognize cam lope that quickly realized they picked a fight they couldn't win. From an S281 with nitrous, to a turbocharged 4.6 liter GT, I quickly gained a reputation/respect with the Mustangs of Dallas crowd. I had never really raced anything with my dad in the car, but one time this "1969 Dodge hippymobile", otherwise known as a 69 Charger decided to mess with me one time from a light. He revved his engine, and my dad looked over at me like, "what are you going to do about it?" So I turned to him and said, "Watch Dad, this is going to be funny." The light turned green, and subsequently, all that guy saw was a green blur blast away from him. My dad was laughing the whole time. The car has been a lot of fun.

It's been to Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise. A trip that has far too many stories to tell here.
http://ridesbybmf.com/woodward/p5050115.jpg

Jimmy and I took it on the Power Tour back in 2003. Shortly after discovering I had shelled yet another set of 4.10's in the car, we decided we needed to throw the 2.73 axle back in, but not after modifying it for disc brakes. We got great gas mileage on that trip, but not really the best gearset for starting trouble in the streets.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/aad.jpg
After a few hours of work, we were on our way. Stopping deep inside Louisiana for our first gas stop, we found the camaro to be averaging over 27mpg while running 80+ with the 2.73 gearset.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/aaj.jpg
Unfortunately, that wasn't our only problem to overcome on this trip. After having issues with my electric fans/water pump setup, we made a stop by Andy Vincent's place to rewire the fans hoping that would fix the problem.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/abf.jpg

As with everything that happens with the camaro, this did not fix the cooling issue. The problem was discovered the next morning when the radiator decided to jettison one of the end tanks and dump coolant EVERYWHERE. Luckily, we had a casino parking lot to work in, and a Vatozone in town had a replacement radiator for the car in stock.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/abj.jpg

So after some wrenching, St.John's dad hitting a slot machine for some winnings in an amount I don't remember, we were once again on our way. Definitely a fun trip with a lot of stories. "Vic Edelbrock?...That sum***** still owes me 5 bucks!"

Anyway, the car has been a blast and a pain in the ass over the years. Definitely a lot of fun with a history to boot. This is a very condensed version of the past 8 years. I just wanted to get something down since I really don't have the car's past documented.

Fredo
09-30-2008, 01:22 AM
Here's a few more.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/stockyards.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/camwash.jpg
http://ridesbybmf.com/camaro/autox.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/ontheprowl.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/reliable4.jpg

Seth
09-30-2008, 08:30 AM
Good stuff. I like the shots in the last post.

Fredo
09-30-2008, 09:05 AM
I'll probably go back and add more to this later. I found this picture that I took right after I painted it. Very Tamoresque.
http://ridesbybmf.com/camaro/camaro2.jpg

breckboarder55
09-30-2008, 09:30 AM
not to bad :gigem:

nice build

BMFScout
09-30-2008, 09:31 AM
I've had the most seat time out of anyone riding shotty in this car. It might be different these days, but 5-ish years ago when we cruised it all the time any street car even with a few bolt ons was going to get it's ass handed to it. I'm not talking about ridiculously fast cars like vipers and whatever, but your run of the mill camaro and definitely mustangs were going down. Partly because the car is fast, partly because I've never seen someone bang gears like Fred, he knows that car. It was so much fun to watch their disgust as Fred ripped second or third and pulled ahead by a car length or two (in some cases much more) Some people would get violent wanting to know why you just embarassed them in front of their date. I would usually reply, "It's all stock, your car must not be that fast." I was the designated **** starter, good times. I'm not going to lie though, there have been a few times I have closed my eyes and wondered if he knew what he was doing. We always came out on the other side, on 4 wheels. :gigem:

TMatheaus
09-30-2008, 04:50 PM
I've had the most seat time out of anyone riding shotty in this car. It might be different these days, but 5-ish years ago when we cruised it all the time any street car even with a few bolt ons was going to get it's ass handed to it. I'm not talking about ridiculously fast cars like vipers and whatever, but your run of the mill camaro and definitely mustangs were going down. Partly because the car is fast, partly because I've never seen someone bang gears like Fred, he knows that car. It was so much fun to watch their disgust as Fred ripped second or third and pulled ahead by a car length or two (in some cases much more) Some people would get violent wanting to know why you just embarassed them in front of their date. I would usually reply, "It's all stock, your car must not be that fast." I was the designated **** starter, good times. I'm not going to lie though, there have been a few times I have closed my eyes and wondered if he knew what he was doing. We always came out on the other side, on 4 wheels. :gigem:


like the curvy road in hartsfield

BMFScout
09-30-2008, 05:04 PM
Hartsburg, but yes exactly like that. Have you ever been through something and once it was over you said, "Wow, that was awesome. Never want to do that again!" I wasn't afraid of Fred's driving, I was more concerned of a cow coming out in the road or some jackass cutting a blind corner or something.

CheapJeep
09-30-2008, 05:38 PM
That's the cleanest 3rd gen I've seen yet... Good build thread too.:gigem:

Do you have 4.10's in it now?

JB
09-30-2008, 06:10 PM
Is it still driven often?

BMFScout
09-30-2008, 08:19 PM
need an inspection sticker. the cam makes the sniffer unhappy. I have told him to run down to cs one weekend and tell them he lives at that ****ty house at the end of dexter.

Seth
09-30-2008, 08:30 PM
you mean, run down to CS and back one day after work and be back in time for leno?

davido
09-30-2008, 11:02 PM
Bring it down for the next Autocross. I'll post the date. :)

I had no idea you had stripped it all down that much. That takes some balls.

agjohn02
09-30-2008, 11:06 PM
nice camero!

Fredo
10-01-2008, 08:54 AM
That's the cleanest 3rd gen I've seen yet... Good build thread too.:gigem:

Do you have 4.10's in it now?
Thanks. Yeah, it's got 4.10s back in it. I swapped the awesomeness of the 10 bolt out for a Moser 9" ford setup. Don't really have to worry about the rear axle anymore.
http://tamor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6912&highlight=fredoco



Is it still driven often?
No, not really. If I could figure out what's going on with the tuning/catalytic converter, I would drive it more, but right now the state of Texas doesn't approve of it's emissions. I used to have a hook up for that, but not so much anymore. It runs fine, but it's just not eco-friendly right now.



like the curvy road in hartsfield

I still want to organize a pike's peak-ish road race on that road. The first time I ran that road in the camaro, I was actually shaking and giddy....that was a first for me in that car. I don't blame Jimmy for being scared one bit riding shotgun with me on the second running of the road.....at night.

agjohn02
10-01-2008, 08:57 AM
needs a rollbar. looks cool and good for your neck.

Fredo
10-01-2008, 09:06 AM
Yes John, that it does. It really needs a cage, but I can't figure out how to make it look good in the car due to it being a convertible. Yeah, if I put a cage in it, it would be new motor time. I'm thinking a couple of turbos would be fun.

Fredo
10-01-2008, 09:12 AM
Bring it down for the next Autocross. I'll post the date. :)

I had no idea you had stripped it all down that much. That takes some balls.


That actually sounds kind of fun. I haven't done that since the time St.John and I went to autocross and the TAMSCC guy went off on St.John for using all 585hp of the mustang coming onto the back straightaway.

agjohn02
10-01-2008, 09:26 AM
eh, if you're gonna do a cage, get a hardtop. ive never seen a rollcage in a convertable that looked good.

Fredo
10-01-2008, 09:33 AM
Well, the car pretty much needs the rigidity of a cage if I'm going to put anymore power through it. I really don't know how a rollbar would help other than in a rollover. Which honestly, if that car was to actually roll, the car would probably be in a bad enough situation to disintegrate rollbar or not.

agjohn02
10-01-2008, 09:37 AM
you could do a 6 point rollbar with doorbars

davido
10-01-2008, 09:48 AM
...with the leather wrapped double top bars. Like the old TA that they have on Muscle Car or whatever that Saturday garage show is before Extreme 4x4.

Fredo
10-01-2008, 09:53 AM
I wish I could find more pictures of this vette. I'm curious how they did this and made it look as good as I think it does. Not so much the rear of it, but the way the front looks at the windshield frame. Are the bars just tied into the windshield frame structure or what?

BMFScout
10-01-2008, 09:57 AM
http://www.wolferacecraft.com/install/fbod/fbodbarconv.aspx

I don't think this would look that bad. The back seat is pretty much worthless as it is, take it out, carpet that area and have space for a suitcase again. If you put the top down before getting in, the doorbars wouldn't really be that big of a deal.

I guess a double bar wrapped in leather would make it look more like a mustang roll bar, which would be cool.
http://www.automotoportal.com/media/images/vijesti/070613001.2_mn.jpg

Reckless
10-01-2008, 10:24 AM
look towards the windows, you can see the A pillar coming down towards the dash. they are hard to see

agjohn02
10-01-2008, 10:27 AM
i think i can see an a-pillar over the gauge pod on the driver's side and a long radius curved upper windshield bar above the rear view mirror. looks like they cut through the interior windshield frame to tuck it up close. definately nice work in keeping it tucked up out of the way.

BMFScout
10-01-2008, 10:30 AM
http://www.vetteweb.com/features/vemp_0607_east_coast_supercharging_1999_corvette/photo_06.html

You can def see the bars here, look like smaller diameter.

agjohn02
10-01-2008, 10:32 AM
here

http://www.vetteweb.com/features/vemp_0607_east_coast_supercharging_1999_corvette/photo_07.html

Fredo
10-01-2008, 10:34 AM
I think that's pretty much how you'd have to do it though. St.John and I kicked this idea around a couple years ago and nothing came of it. I think I'd probably use 1 1/2" tube for most of it to try to tuck it out of the way as much as possible. I was thinking about using 2" for the main hoop, but this double tube idea sounds like it might work out pretty good. The plan of leather wrapping the cage was always there. I was going to paint the cage metallic green, then leather wrap the bars, so the exposed joints that couldn't be wrapped would match the car.

tigweld
10-02-2008, 09:29 PM
vette's have much more room between the windshield and pillar due to the really convex glass. the camaro's windshield is alot more strait and the dash corners are much closer to the glass. of all the late model cars that could possibly need a cage I think the 3rd gen dash is the most difficult one to build around. IMO

Fredo
10-13-2008, 07:32 PM
Well apparently making a build thread for this car was the kiss of death. Here's the write-up I did for the camaro board I'm on:

I've felt physically Ill since it happened. Saturday I decided to take the camaro out for a drive since the weather was so beautiful so I decided to get the camaro out. Well, while cruising along a two lane blacktop backroad near the house, pushing the car through the corners some, I topped a hill on a broad lefthander to find a white scion xa pulling out onto the road in front of me. I was pretty much to the apex of the turn when I had to hit the brakes. It was either hit the brakes and risk the back of the car coming out, or completely demolish the scion. Well, I still don't know which would have been better for the car, but I know which one would have made me feel better.
So I decided to attempt hitting the brakes, which upset the balance and grip of the car, sliding the rear to the right. About the time I was trying to gently correct and try to save it, the rear tires were already in the grass. At this point I new I was pretty much screwed. As the car spun around, it came in contact with what sounded like two road marker poles and all I could hear where the hits because my eyes were already shut expecting the worst.
I came to rest in the ditch and I look up to see if the Scion driver stopped to check on me, but he was no where to be found. Upon further inspection, the passenger rear quarter took the brunt of three marker poles and subsequently was destroyed in the process, along with the corner of the right rear taillight and the convertible body trim at the top of the quarter panel. As best as I can tell, one of the poles basically bent down as it was hit and tagged the driver's side quarter panel on it's way over the car and then scratched the car below the door and dented the driver's front fender while scratching it as the car spun around. Like I said, I shut my eyes, but I'm pretty sure I was on two wheels for a bit as I went down the embankment. So needless to say, I was pretty shaken up, and very glad that the car didn't flip or a road sign didn't clock me in the skull as it flew over the car.

Anyway, I'm pretty embarrassed about it. I mean, I've been driving that car harder than I was on backroads for almost 10 years now and finally this happens. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. I don't even know what to do. Part of me wants to rebuild her even though I know insurance is going to total it. While part of me wants to get another 91-92 and swap all the parts over. While still, I wonder if I should just move on and cut my losses. I'm still pretty upset about it so I'm just trying to think rationally about it and make a decision on where to go from here.

we'll start small.....here's the damage to the front fender, below the door at the rocker, and the top of the rear quarter all on the driver's side...

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch1.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch2.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch3.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch4.jpg

Fredo
10-13-2008, 07:33 PM
What follows below is not for the faint of camaro heart....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch5.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch6.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch7.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/badweekend/ouch8.jpg

JB
10-13-2008, 07:53 PM
Wow. That really sucks Fred.

mudtoy67
10-13-2008, 08:00 PM
Sorry to see that Fred. I'm glad you're ok though!

You should buff that **** out and get back on the road! The insurance thing I understand...all they're going to see is a 10+ year old car. You really think it's beyond fixing? From that underside picture it doesn't *look* like it really got into the body structure. The way you've always talked about that car I would have never imagined you saying "cut my losses..." :(

BMFScout
10-13-2008, 08:05 PM
Narrow the tailgate and boatside the rear, I hear it's all the rage! I vote put it all in a gutted hardtop, version 2.0 of the motor and go real fast at whatever track you feel like taking it to. I want in somehow though too so I can flog on it as well. (i know I'm making light of it, but fred knows how I feel. its just a car, it could have been 100 times worse.)

Sharpe
10-13-2008, 08:20 PM
If you decide to gut it, that drivetrain, first gen.

JeepPhisherman
10-13-2008, 08:25 PM
**** man, that sucks. Glad everyone was OK.

FJAggie07
10-13-2008, 08:30 PM
Damn I am sorry fred, that sucks a big one.

jerryg79
10-13-2008, 08:33 PM
Booo!

Glad I got to take a ride in the esteemed camaro!

Glad you're alright!

breckboarder55
10-13-2008, 08:35 PM
Find another 91-92 Camaro with a blown motor and swap it over?

sorry to hear that...

KrazyKarl02
10-13-2008, 08:54 PM
I can not imagine how Fred feels right now, Looking at that made my stomach turn.

I don't know what I would do in this situation. On one hand you could get another camaro, swap parts, paint it, etc... This would probably be the more cost effective method.

On the other hand the car has history and I hate to see it go, but in all honesty the body work and paint is going to cost an arse load and possibly a donor car or something.

Either way sorry to hear/see that Fred. I am currently drinking a beer to ease your pain.

Fredo
10-13-2008, 08:57 PM
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/877389960.html
I was thinking something along these lines, but my bank account doesn't agree with that idea.

Fredo
10-13-2008, 09:02 PM
I can not imagine how Fred feels right now, Looking at that made my stomach turn.

Either way sorry to hear/see that Fred. I am currently drinking a beer to ease your pain.

Thanks Karl. I appreciate that.

Graystroke
10-13-2008, 09:09 PM
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/877389960.html
I was thinking something along these lines, but my bank account doesn't agree with that idea.

That seems cheap...maybe it looks better in pictures. Interior needs a little detailing/changing out. underneath looks good. perfect platform for a rip on friday night/take to car show on saturday car

Graystroke
10-13-2008, 09:11 PM
oh yeah, did you get the pole you took out? it looks pretty bad. imagine everything in th rear is a little off.
jimmy beat me to it. I was gonna say turn it into a racecar or something.

bburris
10-13-2008, 09:19 PM
Did you say early 70s yesterday? I think so but I was drinking...
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/clt/877806709.html

TMatheaus
10-13-2008, 09:20 PM
damn Fred, that sux

Fredo
10-13-2008, 09:25 PM
Did you say early 70s yesterday? I think so but I was drinking...
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/clt/877806709.html

Early 70's.....as in 70-73.

FJAggie07
10-13-2008, 09:31 PM
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/877389960.html
I was thinking something along these lines, but my bank account doesn't agree with that idea.

Wow that's sexy...

bburris
10-13-2008, 09:43 PM
Early 70's.....as in 70-73.

You can make a 72/92?
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/876920599.html

agjohn02
10-13-2008, 10:14 PM
Early 70's.....as in 70-73.

my thoughts EXACTLY when i saw the damage. you need a split bumper or a 70 1/2 Z. i think it would fit you well.


You can make a 72/92?
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/876920599.html


its been done. dont remember where i saw it. was it a collins bros deal?

bburris
10-13-2008, 10:46 PM
I hope you aren't serious.

agjohn02
10-13-2008, 11:00 PM
I hope you aren't serious.

yes, brett. you are cooler than me because you remember where you saw the 72/92 camaro.

robertf03
10-13-2008, 11:02 PM
damn, really sorry to see this.

If its not fixable have you thought about the Impala?

agjohn02
10-13-2008, 11:07 PM
i knew something didnt sound right

DRAGOONRANCH
10-13-2008, 11:12 PM
Damn dude, glad you and your cahones came out unscathed. Me thinks it's time to put the midget to bed. :D

If Lurch doesn't end up getting a new gerbil under the hood, then my vote goes with the nova bloodline.

bburris
10-13-2008, 11:13 PM
i knew something didnt sound right

Good job...it was meant sarcastically. You know, like a joke...




If its not fixable have you thought about the Impala?

I asked the same thing and was shot down.

8Runner
10-14-2008, 12:15 AM
Wow, glad you are alright. Knowing you, I know those parts will find a new home in something else you can righteously flog.

p.s. Speaking from experience, sometimes you can pull off amazing things with a 10+ year old totaled vehicle with the insurance company. You should at least give that a go.

redcagepatrol
10-14-2008, 08:21 AM
damn - that sucks - I feel your pain and know that was your baby.

At least it wasn't your wifes rig...

See what insurance does, buy it back from them, put the drivetrain in an older Camero.

If there was something that you always wanted a little different on your current car, this can be a good oppertunity for an update. 10 years with a car in the same general form sounds like it's time for an update.

Again - I feel your pain and will drink some extra in Clayton for you. Actually, I think we should have an "out with the old, in with the new, Fred's Camero death party" in Clayton on night. We could all drink too much and intentially try to break something on our beaters:gigem:

DRAGOONRANCH
10-14-2008, 08:28 AM
Again - I feel your pain and will drink some extra in Clayton for you. Actually, I think we should have an "out with the old, in with the new, Fred's Camero death party" in Clayton on night. We could all drink too much and intentially try to break something on our beaters:gigem:

In, thanks for the chance!!! :gigem:

Fredo
10-14-2008, 08:29 AM
p.s. Speaking from experience, sometimes you can pull off amazing things with a 10+ year old totaled vehicle with the insurance company. You should at least give that a go.

Yes, I know this game. Already played it once. Refer to Post #4 of this thread.


So after a battle with insurance companies about the car being totalled, my receipts prevailed and they ended up not totaling the car and issuing a check for the amount to fix it. After welding in a new core support and fender inner structure, we decided to go ahead and paint the whole car while we had it apart.

I highly doubt they'll be going for that again. I'm pretty sure they have a bullseye on the front of the file folder that holds the policy for this car. I fully expect them to give me about $1000 for the car and give me the option to buy it back.

davido
10-14-2008, 10:00 AM
Maybe just try to pull the rear together, build a cage and hit the track?

This guy was at the 1st autocross that I went to. It's stripped down.

http://www.mowhineracing.com/

Fredo
10-14-2008, 10:21 AM
no, I couldn't do that to it. Wouldn't feel right stripping it and making a track only car out of a slinky convertible anyway.

Fredo
10-14-2008, 10:43 AM
damn, really sorry to see this.

If its not fixable have you thought about the Impala?

Yeah, I thought about scrapping the camaro and getting back on the impala...but really, the only things I could use off of it are the LT1/6spd, and 9inch for the impala, and honestly, the impala needs a lot more money than i have currently to end up the way I want it to. It would still need front discs, air bags all the way around, bigger wheels, paint, interior, new trim, and if it's going to be powered by a smallblock, the LT1 needs to either be reworked for a couple turbos, or stroked and a big set of heads to even make the impala any fun to drive. Lots of money.

I really don't know how to proceed at all.

RCcola55
10-14-2008, 04:41 PM
late model impala, or craprice, that way more(up to 8) can enjoy the speed at once

davido
10-14-2008, 05:08 PM
Miata body? ;)

Shaggy
10-14-2008, 05:22 PM
so sad... but I am for the impala

Seth
10-14-2008, 05:56 PM
Turns out they dont sell an appropriate sympathy card for such a tragedy, I guess my only input would to do something. No matterif its another car, or rebuilding it, or whatever, dont just take the money, because it will get spent on BS a little at a time, and then you got nothin. It would seem the running gear would be worth buy back. Also, don't give up on getting some money out of it, you pay premiums for just that.

CheapJeep
10-14-2008, 06:08 PM
Man that's a bummer but I'm glad you're ok, could've been worse.

Looking at it in a positive light this gives you the chance to create something new. Change is good and life only allows us to have a number of different rides before our time is up. 1st gen's are expensive but still cool, I like 2nd gen 70-72 split's because they aren't as prominent. I'm sure you've seen them but Super Chevy has featured several badass early 2nd gen's for ideas. If you want something other than a camaro I would look at a Chevelle or Chevy II/Nova. Yeah the Chevelle's a-body shuffle can be an issue at the track but there's plenty of aftermarket support to fix that. I'm not sure how the 3rd gen camaro's relate but alot of parts can be shared with x-body nova's.

Seth
10-14-2008, 06:14 PM
In my limited exposure, it seems like 2nd gens are already on the upswing. 3rd gen would be the unique car still.

agjohn02
10-14-2008, 06:14 PM
do it.

oh yeah, forgot to say... glad you're ok.

CheapJeep
10-14-2008, 06:20 PM
do it.

oh yeah, forgot to say... glad you're ok.

Hell yes... NRE did a badass job on that car, actually all of their rides are badass. Check out the video of the 69 twin turbo camaro they did.

uglyota
10-14-2008, 06:20 PM
Started reading the last few replies here and the first thing that came to mind: he had to make a buildup thread! Sucks dude, but looking at the pics will it really be that expensive to fix right? Is the whole thing tweaked? No matter what it sucks the big one, and I think not hitting the other car was the right move. Glad you're okay.

Shaggy
10-14-2008, 07:08 PM
Also, don't give up on getting some money out of it, you pay premiums for just that.

if I could get State Farm to cut me a check for $6500 on a 1980 bronco to repair, not total it after I rolled it, I am sure it is worth a try

Fredo
10-15-2008, 09:45 AM
You guys keep overlooking the fact that I've already been down this road with state farm once already with this car. I don't see them cutting another $5000+ check to repair this car again.

On a related note, I don't think the adjuster for State farm has any clue what kind of insurance claim nightmare he's walking into. Comments of his this morning on the phone lead me to believe this.

"Oh, it's a convertible? I didn't know they made convertibles that year."
"It says here it is a v8 engine? I thought RS meant 6cylinder."
"What's this place I'm going to look at the car at? Wade's Rod and Custom? Is that like a body shop?"
"Don't worry, if the car is a total, we will make sure you get taken care of."

:rolleyes:

Lynda
10-15-2008, 09:46 AM
Wow! That's terrible! I'm soooo sorry. I remember when you wouldn't let me touch or lean against the car.

bburris
10-15-2008, 09:49 AM
Did he know those things because he was looking at 1992 RS Camaro specs or because he knew what he was talking about? Maybe this won't be so bad after all...?

jerryg79
10-15-2008, 10:09 AM
Did he know those things because he was looking at 1992 RS Camaro specs or because he knew what he was talking about? Maybe this won't be so bad after all...?

probably on the specs for the car.

The two insurance adjusters i know, know only the stuff they read in road and track.

bburris
10-15-2008, 10:13 AM
I haven't ever spoken to an auto adjuster, we just deal with property people.

FJAggie07
10-15-2008, 10:14 AM
I have, they are just as bad.

agjohn02
10-15-2008, 10:18 AM
probably on the specs for the car.

The two insurance adjusters i know, know only the stuff they read in road and track.

the RS was available with a v8 then. he's probably just going from his knowledge of more modern RS camaros

uglyota
10-15-2008, 10:29 AM
Do you have your Tahoe policy with the same company? Renter's insurance? I bet it will be important for them to make you happy to keep your business. If anybody knows how to get money out of an insurance company it's Scotti and Espearo...I assume you've gotten their input by now. Remember, insurance originally built the 8runner, then paid out bigtime again when it was finally "used up" :)
And like anything, the cooler you are the cooler they will be. Treat the guy like he might not be an idiot and make sure he understands how much the car meant to you and I bet he will do what he can to take care of you.

breckboarder55
10-15-2008, 10:32 AM
F-Bomb:
http://www.nelsonracingengines.com/pix-rides-73fbomb.html

vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfMEIgmjG_8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaOZ_nepmDI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYunID3K3Zk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZlpEuLQ1oA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2E0IHyFJhc

8Runner
10-15-2008, 10:35 AM
You guys keep overlooking the fact that I've already been down this road with state farm once already with this car. I don't see them cutting another $5000+ check to repair this car again.

Do you pay for extra coverage for the improvements? I paid for $5k extra on 8runner after it's final run and Progressive was forced to take this into account when I totaled it. I ended up with $12k and then they let me strip it of all the removable parts as long as I could leave enough parts/mods on it that justified the $12k. I looked into buying it back, but decided that would just be a bad idea in my case since I had already sunk so much money into it.

I had several at fault claims on 8runner over the years, nothing that totalled it, but each time I had to do the receipt dance. Though it took extra time and had to escalate it to various supervisors, I always came out ahead. Most of the time it was with Progressive. One of these times resulted in a cracked transmission and the V8 swap ensued

On top of all that, in 1999, we had the mother of all claims when my friend was driving and rolled it (on the road). $24k in damages + $2400 in rental and they DID NOT total it because I had over $35k in the vehicle. The soft top and many other mods came as a result of that one.

If you think it would be beneficial, I'd be glad to help out since I have gone through this so many times, just give me a call.

agjohn02
10-15-2008, 10:38 AM
If you think it would be beneficial, I'd be glad to help out since I have gone through this so many times, just give me a call.

let scotti handle it. he will bicker with them for hours without losing his calm. they'll eventually give you the money to get rid of him.:flipoff2:

8Runner
10-15-2008, 10:49 AM
Do you have your Tahoe policy with the same company? Renter's insurance? I bet it will be important for them to make you happy to keep your business. If anybody knows how to get money out of an insurance company it's Scotti and Espearo...I assume you've gotten their input by now. Remember, insurance originally built the 8runner, then paid out bigtime again when it was finally "used up" :)
And like anything, the cooler you are the cooler they will be. Treat the guy like he might not be an idiot and make sure he understands how much the car meant to you and I bet he will do what he can to take care of you.

heh, that posted while I was writing the last message. Eric is right about the other policies thing. One time they were giving me crap over $700. I reminded them I had 3 vehicles with them and had been a customer for xx years and that seemed to push them over the edge.

The keeping your cool advice is also very important. I was so mad at one evil adjuster lady with one eye (seriously!) that I almost blew up on her, but ended up getting her to escalate it to a supervisor who was much less evil.

p.s. All this talk reminds me, I think it is about time for me to do another big claim. I bet I have almost paid the insurance companies more than they have paid me, and we can't have that. :D

uglyota
10-15-2008, 11:38 AM
p.s. All this talk reminds me, I think it is about time for me to do another big claim. I bet I have almost paid the insurance companies more than they have paid me, and we can't have that. :D

Get them to pay for a big surgery and a couple of ambulance rides...I don't think mine will ever catch up! :gigem:

BMFScout
10-15-2008, 12:02 PM
Fred has 4 cars by himself with State Farm.

Seth
10-15-2008, 02:02 PM
Fred, I know its been said over and aover etc and everyone is telling you what they think you should do, but get some money out of it. I don't care if you have been paid out 5 times on it. That is why you have it.

Fredo
10-15-2008, 02:03 PM
Yes, and the camaro and tahoe are on full coverage policies. The adjuster is supposed to come look at it tomorrow morning. So tomorrow or friday will be interesting to see where this goes. I was going to do it last night, but tonight I'll pull the receipt archive and make sure it's all in there.

Fredo
10-15-2008, 02:06 PM
Fred, I know its been said over and aover etc and everyone is telling you what they think you should do, but get some money out of it. I don't care if you have been paid out 5 times on it. That is why you have it.

Yes, I know this seth, but I still have the sneaky suspicion I'm going to get ****ed in this deal. That's kind of the norm for insurance companies in this day and age.

Graystroke
10-15-2008, 03:38 PM
if you keep it are you gonna switch it to collector car insurance...you don't drive it that much (they severely limit miles IIRC) and I think they appraise it before your coverage starts and that's what it's worth if it were to get totaled.

Fredo
10-15-2008, 04:42 PM
Grayson, at the end of the day, it's still a 1992 camaro. Let's just say this works out and insurance pays to fix it. Or, let's say that they pay me close to what I have in it and I buy it back to fix it. No matter how much I like it or how fast I make it, it's not ever going to be worth ****. Especially if it's got a salvage title. So why even attempt to get collector car insurance?

BMFScout
10-15-2008, 05:02 PM
10 years ago you would have said the same about 1st gens and now a basketcase is worth $12K.

Sharpe
10-15-2008, 05:20 PM
10 years ago you would have said the same about 1st gens and now a basketcase is worth $12K.

$12k?!??! Dayum, makes me glad I already have one :gigem:

BMFScout
10-15-2008, 05:36 PM
sorry that was a typo, I meant 1 to 2000, want to sell it?

Sharpe
10-15-2008, 05:37 PM
Nope :D

Fredo
10-16-2008, 10:20 AM
Got a call from Wade. Insurance adjuster was out there this morning and wrote it up. $5400 in damage. On to the next chapter in the saga...waiting on a call from the Claim rep.

uglyota
10-16-2008, 05:02 PM
...after I go pick up the ****pile camaro from the body shop.

it's finished? Sweet! ;)

Fredo
10-16-2008, 05:42 PM
**** off

william_ace
10-16-2008, 07:18 PM
when do you expect to hear back from these guys?

Fredo
10-21-2008, 02:21 PM
Today. Proper ****ed.

KrazyKarl02
10-21-2008, 02:37 PM
Details if you care to give?

FJAggie07
10-21-2008, 02:37 PM
What's up with it man? Did they screw you over?

uglyota
10-21-2008, 02:45 PM
Don't forget that you have all the time you need to argue and nothing's final until you cash the check

Fredo
10-21-2008, 03:04 PM
I've had a phone conversation with my actual insurance agent and he says he's going to fight for me to get this resolved....but I didn't exactly get the feeling he was on my side. According to what he told me, the claim report states "car is not in show quality condition as stated by customer." That just pissed me off. I kept my cool, but like I said, I think the agent isn't on my side. I'm taking them a copy of the "receipt archive" since apparently they can't find any documentation on the last time we went through something like this. I'm not getting that warm and fuzzy feeling I normally get when dealing with State Farm. I miss our old agent already.

J Cooper
10-21-2008, 03:46 PM
oh crap! how did i miss all this?

i read the build up part and then just have not looked back


"you can rebuild her.... you have the technology"

agjohn02
10-21-2008, 04:03 PM
"you can rebuild her.... you have the technology"

R:flipoff2:

J Cooper
10-21-2008, 04:43 PM
as you can tell i only skipped back to the pictures
:flipoff2:

bburris
10-21-2008, 04:45 PM
According to what he told me, the claim report states "car is not in show quality condition as stated by customer."

No ****, it just got three ****ing sign posts wrapped around it as it was going into a ditch... Morons.

agjohn02
10-21-2008, 04:47 PM
you have pictures of it at a show... apparently it is show quality.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/fredo_92/camaro/stockyards.jpg

BMFScout
10-21-2008, 04:56 PM
It won that show too!

agjohn02
10-21-2008, 05:01 PM
take that state farm!

Seth
10-21-2008, 07:37 PM
you really should.

Fredo
10-21-2008, 09:13 PM
I really should what, Seth?

This is the short version. They apparently sent the claim from the adjuster to the "Total Loss Processing Center" that I got to call today. Apparently they called some number friday that wasn't mine and left a message and was waiting for a call from me. Well, the lady I talked to, who was a total ***** would wouldn't answer any questions informed me that they totalled the car, and established the value at $4450. They gave me the option to buy it back with a salvage title for $250. So if I went that route, I would get a car with a salvage title, then they would cut me a check minus my deductable of $500. Leaving me with a pile of broken and a $3700 check that wouldn't even come close to covering the $5500 worth of damage they wrote up much less what the car is worth. So this prompted a call to my Agent. He called me back around 1:15 today and from the responses I got, he doesn't exactly understand or care what the car is actually worth. I tried informing him that this wasn't a normal 92 camaro and that it, in even stock form is somewhat rare. I mean, they only made 2400 RS convertibles in 1992 for the "25th anniversary edition", and after 16 years, there is probably a lot less than that still on the road, much less as nice of condition as mine is in. I then pointed out that an autotrader online search yielded 5 1992 convertibles for sale in the ENTIRE UNITED STATES. He kind of ignored this and changed the subject, which did nothing but piss me off. He hasn't even seen the car either, picture or otherwise, so that's a little frustrating too. I'm supposed to take him copies of receipts tomorrow, but I doubt it's going to do any good. I think they've pretty much decided to rape my ass on this one.


Oh, by the way, here are the 5 for sale in the US. The first of which looks strangely familiar.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=241591437&dealer_id=62313013&car_year=1992&model=CAM&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1992&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=75098&advanced=&end_year=1992&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1388

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=252637886&dealer_id=63388173&car_year=1992&model=CAM&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1992&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=75098&advanced=&end_year=1992&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1083

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=251442735&dealer_id=63274147&car_year=1992&model=CAM&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1992&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=75098&advanced=&end_year=1992&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=279

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=249513977&dealer_id=63114847&car_year=1992&model=CAM&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1992&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=75098&advanced=&end_year=1992&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1234

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=252509520&dealer_id=63375283&car_year=1992&model=CAM&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1992&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=75098&advanced=&end_year=1992&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=764

Fredo
10-21-2008, 09:17 PM
There's ONE on ebay..... 175k miles, in Connecticut, so it's probably a rusty turd underneath as well.

$2100 so far, has a salvage title, and the reserve isn't met.

8Runner
10-21-2008, 09:18 PM
Give them the AutoTrader ads - I was able to bump the value of 8runner about $2500 this way.

Don't give up and don't blow up. Just be patient and keep going round & round with them. Despite what they tell you it IS a negotiation (that's not my advice it came from a lawyer on another total loss deal)

Seth
10-21-2008, 09:33 PM
Sorry, I thought John said take the pics to State Farm, I was agreeing.

william_ace
10-21-2008, 09:49 PM
have an appraiser come out and look at the car to determine value post wreck maybe? wash and wax portions of the car so they can see how good the paint is? and why would they give you a salvage title? seems like a waste of time. my brother was just rearended in his jeep and they didnt bother asking us for the title when we bought it back from insurance.

bburris
10-21-2008, 10:04 PM
Give them the AutoTrader ads - I was able to bump the value of 8runner about $2500 this way.

Don't give up and don't blow up. Just be patient and keep going round & round with them. Despite what they tell you it IS a negotiation (that's not my advice it came from a lawyer on another total loss deal)

I've seen a few of the insureds we work with haggle back and forth with their adjuster about things to get what they wanted. Don't think this won't work, just play the game and keep things civil and keep escalating it if the person you're talking to doesn't give you the answer you want. Eventually you'll get to someone who wants it off their desk enough to agree with you.

jerryg79
10-21-2008, 10:09 PM
Tell them I had my license revoked and they still insure me, and charge me super-low rates. THen while they're distracted and are calling their manager's manager about how they are insuring what karl would kall a "felon"...steal the checkbook and write out a check for what you think its worth to your good friend "CASH". I don't see how this can go wrong!

redcagepatrol
10-22-2008, 08:09 AM
now- all you had to do was get the car on Gossip Girls and it then the insurance company would realize that it's the real deal:D

Fredo
10-22-2008, 08:39 AM
Give them the AutoTrader ads - I was able to bump the value of 8runner about $2500 this way.

Don't give up and don't blow up. Just be patient and keep going round & round with them. Despite what they tell you it IS a negotiation (that's not my advice it came from a lawyer on another total loss deal)

Yeah, I mentioned the ads to my agent and he promptly changed the subject. They will be shown to him this afternoon as well as the receipt archive and pictures of the car pre-damage.



have an appraiser come out and look at the car to determine value post wreck maybe? wash and wax portions of the car so they can see how good the paint is? and why would they give you a salvage title? seems like a waste of time. my brother was just rearended in his jeep and they didnt bother asking us for the title when we bought it back from insurance.

I'm not paying for an appraiser because I really shouldn't need to. State Farm and I should be able to work this out. As far as washing and waxing the car, it doesn't need to be waxed and I washed it before I even took it over to the shop to have the estimate done. Plus, you should never wax an adjacent panel to a repair section right before taking it to a body shop anyway. That's a good way to contaminate the repair area. Turns out I used to work in a body shop, so I know the drill. As far as the salvage title goes, you might want to go run a carfax on that jeep, because if they mentioned the word "total" when settling with you, then there is a 99% chance you have a salvage title and don't know it.



I've seen a few of the insureds we work with haggle back and forth with their adjuster about things to get what they wanted. Don't think this won't work, just play the game and keep things civil and keep escalating it if the person you're talking to doesn't give you the answer you want. Eventually you'll get to someone who wants it off their desk enough to agree with you.

Yes Brett, and Scotti too, I realize this needs to stay civil. It may seem like I'm pissed on here, and it's because I am. Turns out none of you will be cutting me a check, so I'm not really worried that it's obvious on here that I'm ****ing pissed.

FJAggie07
10-22-2008, 09:25 AM
I like this side of Fred :gigem:

uglyota
10-22-2008, 09:59 AM
What, Angry Fredo? You'd have loved him a couple of years ago

FJAggie07
10-22-2008, 10:03 AM
Nah not all the time, more just out to kick State Farm in the ballzini's

Fredo
10-22-2008, 11:13 AM
Just trying to return the favor to them.

FJAggie07
10-22-2008, 11:15 AM
Good man.

agjohn02
10-22-2008, 11:17 AM
wow, there was a lot of male bonding at gilmer... BMRA = Brokeback Mountain Recreation Area?

william_ace
10-22-2008, 04:04 PM
I'm not paying for an appraiser because I really shouldn't need to. State Farm and I should be able to work this out. As far as washing and waxing the car, it doesn't need to be waxed and I washed it before I even took it over to the shop to have the estimate done. Plus, you should never wax an adjacent panel to a repair section right before taking it to a body shop anyway. That's a good way to contaminate the repair area. Turns out I used to work in a body shop, so I know the drill. As far as the salvage title goes, you might want to go run a carfax on that jeep, because if they mentioned the word "total" when settling with you, then there is a 99% chance you have a salvage title and don't know it.




my family owns the tow business in Boerne so i also know my way around this stuff. about the "salvage" title . we still have the clean title, for them to give us a salvage title they would have had to get the original title from us and get it re-issued, which didnt happen. try and do the same for yours if they are dead set on totaling it.

Reckless
10-22-2008, 04:30 PM
wow, there was a lot of male bonding at gilmer... BMRA = Brokeback Mountain Recreation Area?

:laughing:-pimp--pimp-:laughing::argue::rainbow:

8Runner
10-22-2008, 08:47 PM
Yes Brett, and Scotti too, I realize this needs to stay civil. It may seem like I'm pissed on here, and it's because I am. Turns out none of you will be cutting me a check, so I'm not really worried that it's obvious on here that I'm ****ing pissed.

Honestly, I could barely tell your were mad on here - pissed off in your world is on a totally different scale. I just know how much I wanted to smack the lady that tried to tell me 8runner was worth $3100 and I know how much more of your own sweat you have put into this.

If you need help or want to bounce your story off me before seeing the insurance guy, just give me a call.

CheapJeep
10-23-2008, 02:12 AM
Sorry to hear that Fred. Just stay positive and stick to your guns as you have and it'll all turn out ok. State Farm is one of the best insurance agency's but some of their agents can be hard headed. It will all turn out well in the end, just keep doing what you are doing so they see what's up with the investments in your camaro.

Fredo
10-23-2008, 04:02 PM
Had a nice chat with the agent last night. After talking to him in person, there seems to be a ray of hope that he is trying to help me. He was dumbfounded at the archive of receipts. He said, "Holy **** man, that's a lot of reciepts. I can't believe you have your car this well documented." I responded by saying, "I have a file like this for every one of my cars." The look on his face was one of, "please, don't have a claim in any other vehicle you own." heh. Still haven't heard anything from him today. I'll probably call him in a few minutes to see if he got anything done today. Probably not, but here is to hoping.

william_ace
10-28-2008, 11:29 PM
update?

Fredo
10-29-2008, 12:36 AM
Still wrecked.

agjohn02
10-29-2008, 12:46 AM
definitely not christine then

Fredo
10-31-2008, 03:01 PM
update?


I settled with State Farm this week. Here's the short version.

Car was totalled with $5400 worth of damage.

Car was valued at something low like $6888, then after my deductable, then reimbursement for tax, title, registration, it was basically a wash putting the amount at $6868.00. They offered for me to buy back the car for $250 and somehow are doing this without issuing a salvage title.

So, I verified with them that it will indeed have a clear title, and if I decide to put it back together, they will also allow me to reinstate coverage on it. So to recap, I'm getting the car back with a clear title, and a check for $6618.13, when it will only take $5400 to put it back together. Doesn't make much sense to me, but I can live with that.

Now comes the hard part. Part of me wants to put the car back together and keep it. Another part of me wouldn't mind parting it out and moving on, while yet another part of me wants to part it out, then sell the tahoe, and then replace both of them with something like a Vette or something like this: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/900489531.html
I really don't know what to do, but I don't have to rush the decision turns out. I mean, it's not like it's my daily driver and I'm without a car. It's just sitting in the garage waiting for me to decide its fate. Decision time...I always hate that time.

william_ace
10-31-2008, 03:16 PM
great! you wish they would have put a savage title on it doesn't it. would make the decision a lot easier...

jerryg79
10-31-2008, 03:24 PM
put 6g's into lt1 from camaro, 600 into crappy beater, combine the two, hold on for dear life.

uglyota
10-31-2008, 04:16 PM
sounds like a pretty good outcome! Seems like you could get pretty deep into the impala with that kinda bread. Or a down payment on a house if you're debt-free...

Fredo
10-31-2008, 04:23 PM
Butt out with your logic you hippy! Yeah, I had thought about putting a down payment on a house....seems like the responsible thing to do at this point in my life.

agjohn02
10-31-2008, 04:27 PM
screw a house. youve got the rest of your life to do that. what you dont have the rest of your life to do is live with your big brother that sleeps cuddled up next to your c7 in the garage.

uglyota
10-31-2008, 04:27 PM
You have a pretty sweet deal going on right now though...owning a home isn't always the right move.

BMFScout
10-31-2008, 04:59 PM
Fred talks about a vette the way other people talk about owning a house or whatever. It's his American dream. I told him to buy it, live it up for a year or two and then if he needs skrilla to buy a house he can sell it. The stock market sucks anyway, might as well invest in something cool while you are young enough to enjoy it. When you are 40, with a wife and a couple of kids what's the point of having a vette? I also like your idea Gerald, beater with an ungodly turbo'ed motor and a jungle gym of cage. Could have a lot of fun with that...

jerryg79
10-31-2008, 05:08 PM
I've been pushing for a corvette but samantha's not having it.

Shaggy
10-31-2008, 07:00 PM
looks like state farm actually came back good

Seth
10-31-2008, 09:04 PM
screw a house. youve got the rest of your life to do that. what you dont have the rest of your life to do is live with your big brother that sleeps cuddled up next to your c7 in the garage.

Nice.

8Runner
10-31-2008, 11:43 PM
Good stuff, glad to hear it worked out.

p.s. Vette

DRAGOONRANCH
10-31-2008, 11:46 PM
Good stuff Fred, whatever you decide to do I am sure it is going to be *****in for sure. :gigem:

Jackasic
11-01-2008, 07:27 AM
glad to hear it turned out well. I say part it out or sell it whole, then go buy a Vette.

eight
11-01-2008, 08:29 AM
How much for it whole? I'll let you drive it again. The body work wouldn't be as good as you would have done though. If you're interested, PM me and we'll go over costs and exactly what's damaged.

jerryg79
11-01-2008, 12:28 PM
Idea for you fred:

It seems to me you really enjoyed the "sleeper" qualities of the camaro, but you also like vettes.

Why not sell the tahoe and camaro parts get an older body-style vette like a low-mileage c5 and then take the cash and dump it in the motor? People will be like "oh its just an old vette with a tired ass 5.7, its not even running right you hear that whine, you can definitely take him"....and then nothin' but tail lights:gigem:

CheapJeep
11-01-2008, 05:11 PM
Chevy II and keep the Tahoe or sell both and buy a vette.

DRAGOONRANCH
11-16-2008, 08:45 AM
http://www.texas4x4.org/showthread.php?t=23952