My car is dead.

[93formulalt1]

I don't think Ben was really concerned with keeping this a secret, so I'll spill the beans. . . After further inspection, the damage done to the engine was caused by . . . um. . . "Outside influences". The bottom of the oil pan was COMPLETELY caved in, just destroyed. It is really amazing it wasn't dumping more oil than it was, the damage to the bottom of the pan was pretty phenomenal. The engine k-member was also damaged, and there are some dents and scrapes on the trans pan. The catastrophic failure Ben's car experienced was due to no negligence or misuse by Ben, it was caused by something MASSIVE and VERY solid in the road. Personally, I've never seen anything like it, and with the damage it did to the engine in Ben's car, I'm really surprised it didn't cause him to lose control of the car, it had to be a massive heavy thing that caused the damage. Very odd, considering Ben looked around the area where the damage occurred while he was still on the road, and was unable to find anything that may have been the cause.

Ben, you guys made some great progress today, good work! I can't wait to see Scarlett moving under her own power again, it's going to be a great day. And like I told you this afternoon, you may want to look into a forged steel oil pan this time 'round. lol

[2EVUL4U]

That sucks. Had the same thing happen last year. That's why I dropped the 383 in her at the beginning of this year.( Found out that I spun the #1 & #2 rods when we were disassembling the old engine.)

[93formulalt1]

That sucks. Had the same thing happen last year. That's why I dropped the 383 in her at the beginning of this year.( Found out that I spun the #1 & #2 rods when we were disassembling the old engine.)

Don't feel too bad, I'm really proud of Ben for formulating his plan, getting all of the materials he needed, and getting started on the project full-force. The guys that were helping him were top-notch, and I'm really impressed with the amount of progress they made in the short time they were working on the car.

[steddy]

Damn it! I wish I would've known sooner. I trashed the old pan from my bird Saturday morning before the M&G.

[meissen]

CSF and MIS? They're going to let a bird on the track?

[phoenix_rising]

CSF and MIS? They're going to let a bird on the track?

With a car this sexy who wouldn't let me on the tracks?

Update:

1. The motor and trans are out of the car.
2. I walked the length of road looking for whatever I hit and found a stone the size of a football that almost appears to be slate or marble. It is possible that it fell off a truck since there are no other stones of this size or variant in the area. It is not smooth like the other rocks, it is jagged and sharp yet heavy and very pale gray in color.
3. I contacted my insurance company today and told them what happened and explained my situation and the lady told me that the damage should be covered under my policy!
4. I am concerned that the insurance company may try to total my car because of the extent of the damage. (Hell even the trans bell housing was cracked)
5. If so I will buy the car back and restore it.
6. I have been conversing with the owner of my body shop and he tells me that he should be able to have the car in by Monday and out 2-3 days after.
7. Shooting for the 4th of July to have the car running and driving again.

Thank you all for your support. It means so much!!! I feel like I am in a whirlwind trying to make sense of things. You kindness is keeping me focused and grounded. Keep it up please!

[Gottork]

this is awesome !!!

[phoenix_rising]

The insurance adjuster is scheduled to look over the car tomorrow. I am having the car towed to the paint shop tomorrow afternoon and hopefully I should have it back in 3-4 days with a painted engine bay. I will be tearing the motor apart tomorrow night or tuesday to assess the damage more extensively. I will be buying the gasket set Friday and ordering my new tubular K-member shortly there after. Still aiming for the week of the 20th to have the motor back in the car just in time for July 4th weekend! More info tomorrow.

[Gottork]

good luck Ben, hope it comes together like you want

[bri2203]

Where is your project thread?

I remeber you told me you were planning on doing the swap this weekend, unfortuntly I have to go to car show on Sunday (Fathers day) in Gross pont and I think Saturday will be spent working and getting the 3 cars ready that we are taking to the show.

[phoenix_rising]

Here is a current status...

1. The car is in pieces.
2. The insurance company is driving me up the wall and won't give me a straight story.
3. The car and its pieces are at the body shop.
4. I am gathering mechanical estimates to submit to the insurance adjuster.
5. Most likely I will not make my July 3 Deadline...

Yeah I am having a really rough week.

[phoenix_rising]

UPDATE:

I wish I could post pics since a lot has been done since my last post.

1. The motor and trans are now separated and mounted to an engine stand for repair, cleaning, and refinish.
2. It looks like my trans should be okay, tomorrow night I will know if the bottom end of my motor is okay.
3. Finally heard back from the insurance on my total loss claim. They offered me $3700 to take my car (Granted I have $3500 just in paint and paid $5,000 for the car, oh and the other $10,000 not to mention) Bastards... Or I can keep the car and they pay me $2600 (Probably $2100 after deductible.)

I JUST WANT TO BE DONE WITH THE INSURANCE ALREADY. I made literally 20 calls today between 9-4 and did not get a call back until 5. CUSTOMER SERVICE FTL. I will be switching insurance companies ASAP.

Anybody have any other ideas to get a more fair price from the insurance?

Anybody ever have a Total loss claim?

Any "good" insurance companies left in the world???

[Lucky SOB]

Was the car insured for all the modifications? Or just a 97 Firebird?

[phoenix_rising]

I'm not sure. I know I bought comprehensive and that I provided receipts for a lot of the work I had done. The prices they offered would neither restore my car to its prior condition nor replace it with a comparable condition car. Even Ebay prices for a low mileage '97 are between $3000-5000

[meissen]

When my car got in the accident that totaled it out, the body shop had an appraiser for the insurance company come and appraise my car and they increased the value from 3k to like 6k.