BZBZZZ down ... but not for the count!

[tom4bren]

Somebody pulled out in front of Boy last night, performing an impressive PIT maneuver on themselves. Fingers crossed on getting her back OTR!!!http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_1804.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=23138)

[VXorado]

:( Ouch Tom, looks like the damage is fairly extensive. I wonder what the insurance will do? Seems like it doesn't take much to total a VX anymore.

Hopefully they'll get it fixed up for you. :thumbup:

[Mile High VX]

Noooooooooo...best to you in getting her back on the road...:yesgray::yesy:

[Ldub]

Noooooooooo...best to you in getting her back on the road...:yesgray::yesy:

X 2...

DANG...that sucks Son...:(

Hope Boy is OK...

:luck: with the repairs...as always, your VX fam will be happy to help scrounge parts as needed...:yes:

[Cobrajet]

Your poor VX has been through hell and back. I'm sure you'll massage that corner back into shape and Boy will be cruising in style again. (Rename her Christine, and she can take care of herself!)

[MSHardeman]

:eek:Tom, Sorry to see this. Guess since you didn't mention "Boy", and the damage doesn't look all that bad (mostly sheet metal), that he is OK. I'm sure BZBZZZ will be back on the road in no time.

[Marlin]

Shouldn't be too hard to find a fender...lots of donors on this site! Ash isn't too far, he may have one for you?

[vt_maverick]

Nah, Buffy got my old VX in exchange for the trans swap. Not sure if he saved the driver's fender but it was still in good shape after the accident.

Sorry to hear about this Tom, let me know if I can do anything to help.

[Marlin]

Nah, Buffy got my old VX in exchange for the trans swap. Not sure if he saved the driver's fender but it was still in good shape after the accident.

Sorry to hear about this Tom, let me know if I can do anything to help.

Buffy isn't too far. Ooooo oooo oooo....road trip!

[tom4bren]

Thanks all.

Thankfully no injuries in the accident. Boy did an excellent job in swerving to turn the T-Bone incident into a PIT maneuver. It could have gone very badly since there was a baby in the rear seat of the other vehicle.

All the ducks are in a row for me to get the VX into the shop by the end of the week. I'll keep Y'all posted.

Tom

[Gussie2000]

Damn !!

When i had my lil clash back in 2010 both the other driver and i had allstate insurance.

Everything went ok,i didn't even had to pay deductible.

It is easier for the company to settle because they don't have to hassle with another company to get everything straight.

[tom4bren]

Thanks all. I have an appointment with the shop at 0800 tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted as things start happening.

[tom4bren]

VX is in the shop for repairs.

Lucky me gets to drive a Yaris rental car until VX is back on the road.

[evillecutter]

VX is in the shop for repairs.

Lucky me gets to drive a Yaris rental car until VX is back on the road.

look on the bright side: tiny rental car + emergency brake = fun times (plus you should get about 473 miles to the gallon)

[tom4bren]

Your poor VX has been through hell and back. I'm sure you'll massage that corner back into shape and Boy will be cruising in style again. (Rename her Christine, and she can take care of herself!)

Not the whole VX ... only the front left corner!!!:)


look on the bright side: tiny rental car + emergency brake = fun times (plus you should get about 473 miles to the gallon)

Dang thing is so uncomfortable, I'm only driving to & from work. I am looking forward to the Uber high mpg though.

Had to swing by the rental car office this morning ... 1 tire was almost flat.

[tom4bren]

& the saga continues. Traded the Yaris in on ... another Yaris. Sitting at a stoplight last week with the defrost at full blast = 12" crack magically appears.

Shop just called ... they are having trouble sourcing parts:_confused

I gave them Merlin's number & the parts list.

[tom4bren]

The insurance company (USAA) has totalled the VX. They are offering $8200 for the VX, $6534 settlement if I want to keep it.

I'm about to send them the attached spreadsheet to see if I can get a better settlement.

[VXorado]

The insurance company (USAA) has totalled the VX. They are offering $8200 for the VX, $6534 settlement if I want to keep it.

I'm about to send them the attached spreadsheet to see if I can get a better settlement.

That's too bad Tom. Did the VX end up having frame damage?


What's the plan? Keep the VX and fix it?

[vt_maverick]

The insurance company (USAA) has totalled the VX. They are offering $8200 for the VX, $6534 settlement if I want to keep it.

I'm about to send them the attached spreadsheet to see if I can get a better settlement.

Tom - The accident I had with my current VX was also on the driver's front corner and required a new hood, fender, front cladding, headlight, and a bunch of other miscellaneous stuff. In other words, it sounds like you had a very similar accident.

If you're interested I can send you the itemized receipt from the body shop that fixed the damage so you can compare it to what USAA received from your/their body shop. That should allow you to do a true apples-to-apples comparison for the insurance company that may be more realistic.

FWIW the damage rang up at only $4,672.90. Unless your VX has frame damage or some other issue that's not readily apparent from the pictures I think you're getting hosed.

[evillecutter]

sucks that its totalled but not too bad buying it back for $1700 - im sure you could get more than that for the remaining parts or it could come in really handy if you get another one

[tom4bren]

That's too bad Tom. Did the VX end up having frame damage?


What's the plan? Keep the VX and fix it?

Keep it & fix it.


Tom - The accident I had with my current VX was also on the driver's front corner and required a new hood, fender, front cladding, headlight, and a bunch of other miscellaneous stuff. In other words, it sounds like you had a very similar accident.

If you're interested I can send you the itemized receipt from the body shop that fixed the damage so you can compare it to what USAA received from your/their body shop. That should allow you to do a true apples-to-apples comparison for the insurance company that may be more realistic.

FWIW the damage rang up at only $4,672.90. Unless your VX has frame damage or some other issue that's not readily apparent from the pictures I think you're getting hosed.

Garage estimate for repairs is $5236.95 so the settlement will cover the cost of repairs ... IFF ... there is no hidden damage not covered in the estimate.

I called USAA again & they are playing hardball. They refuse to give any value increase based on rarity of color. This is the situation where both parties having the same insurance is a problem. I don't have anyone 'in my court' to fight the other driver's insurance for me. They also refused to contact Richard to get a value estimate like they did for you (because he doesn't have any on his lot right now). The only way that they'll even look at the spreadsheet is if I send them a copy of each web page that I linked in the spreadsheet. They won't give any value added for the lift kit either.

I'm not giving up though. I'll be 'made whole' ... even if it kills me.

BTW, they actually assessed the value of BZBZZZ at $7950 but bumped it up to $8200 for taxes & stuff.


sucks that its totalled but not too bad buying it back for $1700 - im sure you could get more than that for the remaining parts or it could come in really handy if you get another one

I won't let it die. BZBZZZ will be back on the road .... hopefully in time for Moab 2013.

[vt_maverick]

I don't get the problem here... they say it's worth $8200 and the repairs are only $5,236.95. On what basis are they totaling it?

[tom4bren]

I don't get the problem here... they say it's worth $8200 and the repairs are only $5,236.95. On what basis are they totaling it?

Actually they say it's worth $7950. The $8200 value is with taxes & titling added in.

Nevertheless, I've asked them what the basis was for them to total the VX but they haven't responded yet. In VA if the repair estimate is in excess of 75% of the value of the vehicle before damage, then it is required to be totalled. The estimate provided to my insurance company is significantly below that amount (about $750 below).

[evillecutter]

in indiana i think its 70% - im sure the insurance agent does not want to mess with a long drawn out repair thats just more pwk and phonecalls for them to have to deal with

[tom4bren]

in indiana i think its 70% - im sure the insurance agent does not want to mess with a long drawn out repair thats just more pwk and phonecalls for them to have to deal with

Even at 70%, the repair estimate is less.

Also, if they total it, they don't have to pay for the rental car anymore.

[nocturnalVX]

I hate hearing about wrecked VXes, and I am sorry to hear yours is "totaled". I hope you get your VehiCROSS back on the road. Glad the accident was not worse.
:luck:

[Ldub]

I won't let it die. BZBZZZ will be back on the road .... ABSOLUTELY in time for Moab 2013.

Repaired your post for Ya Bro...:smilewink

Good luck with the fix-um-up...:smack:

[vt_maverick]

Actually they say it's worth $7950. The $8200 value is with taxes & titling added in.

Nevertheless, I've asked them what the basis was for them to total the VX but they haven't responded yet. In VA if the repair estimate is in excess of 75% of the value of the vehicle before damage, then it is required to be totalled. The estimate provided to my insurance company is significantly below that amount (about $750 below).

The key thing here is to make sure USAA clearly understands that you do not wish to settle and that you intend to fight the total loss. Insurance companies metric how quickly their agents close claims (because they know the longer it draws out the more likely it is they will face legal action) so you'll probably find them more pliable the longer you hold out. The problem is there's a law in place that's designed to prevent you from essentially blackmailing them into doing what you want; it's called "loss reduction." My rough understanding is that if you delay closing of the claim for an unreasonable length of time such that you incur significant additional costs for the insurance company (in your case by keeping a rental) they can force you to take their settlement, or deduct some portion of their costs from their original settlement offer. Of course you can challenge that settlement but in my research I found that the typical person can't afford those legal bills.

Do you have the ability to get to work without a rental car? If so you might consider dropping the rental car to gain leverage to keep your VX from getting totaled. If your rental is costing USAA $50/day and all they need to do is raise the value of your VX by a few hundred bucks to keep it from being totaled that should be a no-brainer for them. I would ask for a supervisor the next time you talk with USAA and see if you can negotiate something. But all that's after they provide a reasonable answer to why they can total something that has a repair cost less than the 75% stipulated by Virginia law.

[tom4bren]

Yah, I'm turning in the rental car on Friday. So that bargaining chip will be back on the table.

[evillecutter]

Also, if they total it, they don't have to pay for the rental car anymore.

losing the yaris is going to be heartbreaking

[tom4bren]

I'll endeavor to perservere!!!

[Ldub]

I'll endeavor to persevere!!!

"It's not for eat'n...It's just for look'n through..." CDG-OJW

[tom4bren]

Is that another quote from 'Little Big Man'?

[tom4bren]

BTW - here's the repair estimate if you're curious.

[tom4bren]

Claim has been resubmitted to the assessment office for review. I'll know if they reverse their position on totalling it in 24-48 hours. I'll keep you posted.

[vt_maverick]

So no answer on the 75% thing? Or is that part of what you'll get back in 24-48 hours?

[tom4bren]

The guy I talked to in the total loss department said:

"That thing is sharp ... I've never seen anything like it ... why would they total that?"

He's including the pic I provided (where the VX is parked in the river & a bunch of school kids are in the background wearing yellow shirts) when he submits it for review. He said that was the best 'car pic' he's seen in a long time.:)

BTW, I just sent Richard an email to see if he'll provide me with an assessment like he did for you.

EDIT:

The guy I talked to also didn't know what the basis is that they use for determining if it's totalled.

[vt_maverick]

That's not too surprising, I know when the claims adjuster inspected my first VX and reported the needed repairs (most notably straightening the frame and replacing the air bags/dash) the case was reassigned to GEICO's total loss department. At that point my claims adjuster became more or less a liaison who just passed offers back and forth. When my second VX was involved in the accident in CO it never progressed to that point because the claims adjuster's repair estimate didn't trigger a total loss classification. That was a much different experience, the adjuster made decisions almost immediately and everything came together really fast. It took nearly 2 months to settle my total loss accident but only 3-4 weeks to settle my accident in CO, get the truck repaired, and then get it shipped to VA.

[tom4bren]

Well, USAA informed me that the re-assessment is complete. They are not changing their position. I formally rejected their offer and made a counter offer. I'll try calling them as soon as they open.

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

[vt_maverick]

They REALLY need to explain their total loss criteria to you. Sometimes insurance companies will adopt one state's law as their "corporate policy" until you point out their error. My adjuster tried to tell me that it was GEICO's policy not to cover undeclared mods until I pointed out their own policy exception clause specific to the states of Virginia and North Carolina.

I serious ****ing hate insurance companies. What ***holes.

[tom4bren]

I serious ****ing hate insurance companies. What ***holes.

I couldn't agree more!!!

I just spent 45 minutes on the phone with them & basically it appears that they make a judgement call on whether to total or repair. There's no 75% standard that they use. They also indicated that they do not accept counter proposals in VA (which I submitted last night), only for MD residents because it's state law.

They basically suggested I take one or two next steps:

1. hire a licensed vehicle assessor in VA to provide a counter assessment (won't honor Richard's because he's not licensed in VA).

2. pay to have body shop tear down the VehiCross to verify that there's no additional damage other than what's listed in the estimate.

Notice the words 'hire' & 'pay'. As a victim, I've got to invest in the process to make myself whole!!!!

A manager is supposed to call me back. If I can't get any resolution, I'll have to go legal. It's the last thing that I want to do but now it's the principal of the situation. I'm just enough of an AH to refuse to be bullied by an insurance company .... justice will be done & BZBZZZ will roll again.

[Ldub]

If I can't get any resolution, I'll have to go POSTAL. It's the last thing that I want to do but now it's the principal of the situation. I'm just enough of an AH to refuse to be bullied by an insurance company .... justice will be done & BZBZZZ will roll again.

Fixded...:smilewink

[tom4bren]

ROFL

I would never put evidence of that nature on the web!!!!

[Ldub]

Is that another quote from 'Little Big Man'?

Both quotes (yours & mine) were from The Outlaw Josey Wales...right guy (Chief Dan George), wrong movie...:rotate:

[tom4bren]

GTK

I thought I was wrong once ... I see now that I was mistaken.

[vt_maverick]

Notice the words 'hire' & 'pay'. As a victim, I've got to invest in the process to make myself whole!!!!

A manager is supposed to call me back. If I can't get any resolution, I'll have to go legal.

I agree 100%. Not that you want to sell BZBZZZ, but having a salvage title will destroy your resale value, which does unfairly damage you financially.

Let me tell you a story about USAA though. We used them to apply for a VA home loan for our current house, and they recommended a "USAA-certified" real estate agent that we could use. We were offered a $1000 gift card in exchange for using this agent, who we were told must maintain a membership/certification to be recommended by USAA (and I guarantee you there was a fee associated with membership). That arrangement is the clear definition of a kickback and is absolutely illegal in the state of Virginia. I pressed our loan officer on how in the world they get away with it, and she said she'd talk to her "manager" and call me back. This is literally what she said when she called back: "I've been reassured by my manager that our lawyers have researched the issue and found a loophole that makes this technically legal in Virginia." I told her I didn't feel comfortable with the potential that I could be violating the law and that we'd provide our own agent.

[tom4bren]

The total loss department is scheduling a meeting for me at the collision center to discuss the assessment with the assessor. Hopefully I'll be able to get the value bumped up just enough based on mods to get them to overturn their decision to total it. The meeting will happen sometime next week so I won't have any new updates for a while.

EDIT: Monday morning at 1000.

[vt_maverick]

Fingers crossed... :luck:

[tom4bren]

Well, the assessor is still going to recommend it be totalled but he is going to increase the value based on modifications to give me a 'little' better settlement. He wants to make sure that I have a little ($) buffer to make sure I get all the repairs done.

I'm not gullible so I fully recognize that I'll potentially end up with out of pocket expenses ... but I need the VX back on the road. Since Merlin said that 3 of the major parts will be back ordered (at least a month) I need to get the settlement done.

I should hear something today & I'll keep Y'all posted.

[JAMAS]

Good Luck!

[tom4bren]

The assessor found a complete Proton with a blown engine in PA. Since it'll be 'one stop shopping' for all used parts, he's having the shop re-write the estimate accordingly for re-assessment.

I should know something today.

Not to worry though, as soon as the shop has identified all the parts that are needed for BZBZZZ, I'll get the contact info for the bone yard & Y'all vultures can descend upon them.:tweed:

[Jonnie]

OMG! Sorry to hear the bad news. :( Hope your VX is better than new soon!

[vt_maverick]

Good luck Tom!

[tom4bren]

Well, another 180 degrees.

Assessor just called. Despite being able to source used parts for fender, hood, & bumper cover, he's still going to recommend totaling it since it'll also need a steering box & airbag control module (which they are not allowed to use salvaged parts for).

He's submitting his revised assessment that'll leave me with about $6700 to effect repairs. It should be plenty as long as nothing major is found during the repairs that wasn't on the estimate.

At least now we can get started on the repairs.

[evillecutter]

so you get your vx back (salvage title i assume but who cares if you are keeping it) plus $6700? that seems pretty good to me could have been much worse - i hope you can get it fixed cheaper than that so you can have a little (well deserved) pain and suffering money

[vt_maverick]

Sorry to hear Tom but at least that explanation makes better sense. As EC says it really only matters if you plan to keep BZBZZZ forever anyway.

Best of luck for a speedy repair!

[tom4bren]

so you get your vx back (salvage title i assume but who cares if you are keeping it) plus $6700? that seems pretty good to me could have been much worse - i hope you can get it fixed cheaper than that so you can have a little (well deserved) pain and suffering money

No, no salvage title. Even though the insurance company totalled it, the title will not show anything IRT the accident. CARFAX on the other hand will be all over it (2 major accidents now).


Sorry to hear Tom but at least that explanation makes better sense. As EC says it really only matters if you plan to keep BZBZZZ forever anyway.

Best of luck for a speedy repair!

I do plan on keeping it forever so the diminished value didn't play into the decision.

I ordered the parts today:

Hood
Left front fender
Front bumper cover
Left headlight
Airbag control module
Radiator
AC condensor
Steering box
Fan
Air box

They were pulling the right window regulator for me but found the cable busted.

AFAIK the vehicle was nearly complete (blown engine) with the exception of the parts I listed above and the front grill & front right fender, everything else is still there.

The vehicle is at Millerstown Auto Parts in Tarentum, PA (near Pittsburg).

Call Dane (724) 352-3900

You'll probably have to make your own shipping arrangements.

BTW, the last 4 of the VIN are 0724. It doesn't look like it was ever owned by a member of the forum.

[tom4bren]

I called Indy yesterday. I'm on the waiting list for the HD torsion bars (probably available in about a month).

I think I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger on HD ball joint kit (all my boots are ripped & it won't hold alignment) & a set of shocks (I think my OEM front left is dead).

BTW, I cleaned Merlin out of cladding screws (he only had 4) & he's back ordered me 16 more. It'll be more than enough for my repairs & I'll hang on to the rest if anyone needs them. Holy Carp!!! $3 each.

I called Dane & told him to keep any that he removes so Y'all can prolly get some from him too if you need them quick.

These are the shocks I'm thinking about:

https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?products_id=118

EDIT: I ordered the ball joints today. I'll prolly order the shocks before the end of the week.

[Marlin]

Sweet! Go ahead and get the rear lower links too! I am getting those as soon as tax return comes, I am tired of my bent ones (I mean really bent) and I can get rid of the rear axle rake. That means you can make some kind of summer trip down here with the VX?

[tom4bren]

AFAIK my lower links are in good shape so I'll hafta have another look before I pull the trigger on that.

I'd love to make a beach run this summer but I'm not even gonna make it a 'fer sure' on Moab until I'm actually driving the beastie again.

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Sorry to hear the trouble you are going through...If the insurance co knew you like we do they would just give up or "tap-out" as I like to say. Good luck with the repairs and look forward to seeing the off-set from hell back on the road again!

[Vendetta]

Wait what?

I disappear for little bit and come back to this? Awww man... not cool. Tom, sorry to hear about your troubles, my friend. Glad that you have the sticktoitiveness to turn the screws on your insurance company for so long and get a little more out of them. The bee will buzz once more, and I'm glad everyone's ok.

Got a question for you... was the salvage Proton in decent enough shape that you would have considered buying it outright and just dropping in a motor?

-V

[tom4bren]

I was told that it was almost whole & in very good shape. Now both front fenders, front bumper cover, grill, hood, at least one of the half shafts, airbox, steering box are gone. The vultures are picking it clean quickly so it was more valuable to the community that way. Interesting note is that the hood & both front fenders when to Proton owners - didn't even need to be painted. I might have to go back for the rear door, then strip down vt-mav's old one for the next vulture (it's still rattle can painted ... but looking pretty good so haven't quite decided).

I didn't ask about buying it outright. Wifey wouldn't like me parting out a VX in the driveway. She said that I must have been born with the Sanford & Son gene in me.

[VxSport]

[QUOTE=tom4bren;274442]I didn't ask about buying it outright. Wifey wouldn't like me parting out a VX in the driveway. She said that I must have been born with the Sanford & Son gene in me.

I takes a very special wife to allow these home projects. I have done it, my wife looses her parking space to these projects. My last two vehicles that died (250K+) were parted out in my garage. Praise to my sleeping wife....lol

[tom4bren]

[QUOTE=tom4bren;274442]I takes a very special wife to allow these home projects. I have done it, my wife looses her parking space to these projects. My last two vehicles that died (250K+) were parted out in my garage. Praise to my sleeping wife....lol

ROFL - she's def a keeper!!!

I just found out that my next major project is scheduled to begin this spring. I hafta dig out under the deck & weatherproof ... just so I can get all my crap out of MY garage & renovate that as a family room for HER. Oh Joy!!!

[tom4bren]

Just got a call from the body shop. The body panels arrived today. Gotta wrap up a few things here at work & get my tukkas down there to inspect them before they'll start the install.

WOOHOO!!!

[Vendetta]

Awesome news! Take some pics for posterity. :-)

It's a good day in VXhood.

-V

[tom4bren]

Well, VX is looking good. They already have the hood & fender on. The hood has some rock chips on the leading edge so I'll be ordering another magna-bra.

Bad news though, the radiator and condensor didn't arrive. I'll have to call Dane tomorrow to see what's up.

Good news though, the front tube bumper is in great shape - no rust, no bends.

I'll keep you posted.

[Mile High VX]

You sir...are a blessed man!

Nice when good things happen for good folks...:bgwb::bwgy::smilewink:bgwo:

[tom4bren]

Dane said that he didn't show in his notes that he was supposed to send the radiator, condensor, & fan.

PPHHTT!!!

I have it in my notes where he gave me pricing on those items. I'm waiting for him to call me back on how quick he can get them out.

[BigSwede]

Dane said that he didn't show in his notes that he was supposed to send the radiator, condensor, & fan.

Sooooo...on that basis, apparently he never would have sent them??

Seems like a question worth pursuing with the customer if his "notes" don't contain that basic info...

[tom4bren]

I'm not ready to piss off Dane yet. He said he's getting the rad, condensor & fan shipped out this morning.

[tom4bren]

BTW - noticed that all my ball joint boots were shot.

Independent 4X is now on my speed dial.

HD ball joints have arrived and are ready to install.

Just ordered their HD tie rods.

I'll prolly order an OEM centerlink since Indy doesn't carry an HD version.

The big question now is: do I violate my procrastinistic inclinations and install all that myself ... or let the alignment shop do it. I'm kinda leaning towards the later since I remember how much of a pain it was to disconnect the center link when I did the diff drop.

EDIT:

Center Link ordered -

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_parts/center_link/isuzu/vehicross.html

[Marlin]

BTW - noticed that all my ball joint boots were shot.

Independent 4X is now on my speed dial.

HD ball joints have arrived and are ready to install.

Just ordered their HD tie rods.

I'll prolly order an OEM centerlink since Indy doesn't carry an HD version.

The big question now is: do I violate my procrastinistic inclinations and install all that myself ... or let the alignment shop do it. I'm kinda leaning towards the later since I remember how much of a pain it was to disconnect the center link when I did the diff drop.

EDIT:

Center Link ordered -

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_parts/center_link/isuzu/vehicross.html


There has been centerlinks listed on Ebay for months. Might save you some $$$

[tom4bren]

CSTYLES ordered his from them with good results so I played it safe & did the same. 'Sides ... I overpaid for Heavy Duty components from Indy ... why change now.:)

[tom4bren]

Now I'm getting excited. The last of the parts arrived today from PA. I'll drop them at the shop in the morning. Maybe it'll be ready for the alignment shop by Monday.

The HD Tie Rods came in today too. OMG they are monsters. The Center Link arrived yesterday.

I ordered the shocks today. She's gonna be a new ride when it's all said & done.

[Ldub]

:dance:.:dan_ban:.:dance:

[tom4bren]

Replacement radiator leaks. They are looking at aftermarket now. If push comes to shove, the old one isn't leaking despite some bent tubes.

[tom4bren]

Finners crossed that it's ready today!!!!

Just to move it from the body shop to the alignment shop though:)

Hope to make a road trip in it to Philly this weekend.

[VxSport]

Morning Tom.... I bet your on the edge of your seat. Are you picking it up this weekend? Congrads on your repairs and saving your vx from most certainly would have been the death and salvage yard.

[tom4bren]

Picked up the VX from the body shop yesterday & moved it to the alignment shop. Hopefully it'll be done today!!!

:LineWave::dan_ban::dan_ban::dan_ban::LineWave:

[Ldub]

Morning Tom.... I bet your on the edge of your seat. Are you picking it up this weekend? Congrads on your repairs and saving your vx from most certainly would have been the death and salvage yard.

X-2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Picked up the VX from the body shop yesterday & moved it to the alignment shop. Hopefully it'll be done today!!!

:LineWave::dan_ban::dan_ban::dan_ban::LineWave:

WOOT-WOOT...:dance:.:clap:.:dance:

[tom4bren]

Quittin' time can't come soon enough. It's ready!!!

[tom4bren]

Anticipation is killin me. I'm goin MIA to go get my rig!!!

[tom4bren]

Interstate 95 doesn't like me much. Hit traffic on way to shop & they were closed by the time I got there. Soooooo .... I was waiting at their door when the opened this morning. BZBZZZ is back in my driveway. I'll try to get some pix today but schedule is pretty tight.

Tech said that he did have to adjust my torsion bars to level it out but he was able to get it perfectly aligned. I noticed some bump steer when I was driving it to the shop & mentioned it to him. He said: "Yup, it was bad enough for that".

T4B is a happy camper now.

[VxSport]

Tom.. Good to hear you are no longer down for the count. Look forward to the pics. How is it driving? any problems.?

[evillecutter]

awesome!

[Ldub]

Tom.. Good to hear you are no longer down for the count. Look forward to the pics. How is it driving? any problems.?


awesome!

X-2 Bro...:thumbup:.:yes:

Glad to hear you're Back In The Saddle Again (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj3p59T69hA)...:dance:

[Vendetta]

Home sweet home.

-V

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

:_steering:cool!::dan_ban:

[tom4bren]

Well, Friday was the start of an interesting weekend.

After picking up the VX from the alignment shop & driving it around a little, we noticed a significant drip of tranny fluid on the ground when I was putting on a healthy coating of Back to Black. Back to the collision shop! It was just the lines at the radiator so he trimmed the lines & installed new clamps. No more leak. I was able to schlep some black RTV in the gap caused by the fender trimming so that I don't have a gaping hole anymore (I had never done that since the previous accident). I'll have to apply another coat before it's done though.

The front tire rubs more at full lock. I'm not going to worry about that though until I get the HD torsion bars in a few weeks.

We didn't leave for Philly till about 7:30PM. Hit lotsa rain (maybe a little snow mixed in) but that wasn't the problem. The problem was the wind. I was getting blown all over the place. I'll have to try to adjust the replacement steering box to try to tighten it up.

Then came Saturday. Sick puppy. She had some kind of infection that caused her glucose to crash & was on the verge of siezures. Spent the majority of the day at the vet & still had to take her to the animal hospital where she spent the night. She's now hydrated & her glucose levels are up (& white cell count down & red cell count up). She's on 2 meds now & acting like a puppy again. Now the only thing anemic is our bank account.

No rain for the drive home but the wind was even more worser this time. 3 hours of white knuckle driving and we made it home all safe & sound.

If the weather cooperates on Friday, I'll put the new shocks on & try to adjust out some of the worm gear backlash on the steering box.

EDIT: Oh Yeah, before we left for Philly I also installed the passenger side window regulator that I got from Buffy. Worked PERFECTLY.

[vt_maverick]

Sorry to hear that Tom and best of luck with getting the VX and puppy full recuperated!

[tom4bren]

BTW - the sanded/polished/clear-coated headlights look AWSOME!!! I'll get some pix up soon & keep Y'all posted on how well it lasts. The guy at the shop said that when he did his they still looked new after 2+ years.

[tom4bren]

Promised pix:


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1965.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1966.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1967.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1968.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1969.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1970.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1971.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1972.JPG

[Ldub]

You best getcha some grease zerks in them tie rod ends Son...:_wrench:..:yesgray:

Glad tha Bee is up & run'n agin...:thumbup:

[tom4bren]

You best getcha some grease zerks in them tie rod ends Son...:_wrench:..:yesgray:

Glad tha Bee is up & run'n agin...:thumbup:

Yah, they have the threaded hole (capped). I'll hafta pick up a small supply. Come to think of it, I have a gift card for AdvanceAuto sitting on the table at home.

BTW, the right headlight does not stick out 3/4" like the picture makes it look (just thought I'd mention that before someone made a snarky comment).

[JAMAS]

Looks good. Glad things are getting back to normal for ya.

[tom4bren]

I finally finished procrastinating and ordered the magnetbra today. I'm really looking forward to covering up those dings on the 'new to me' hood.

BTW(1), I noticed one of the lock nuts on the tie rods was loose. I've also been experiencing much more tire rub since the alignment. I think I'll stop in & visit the alignment dude tomorrow.

BTW(2), Puppy is completely healthy. She put on a growth spurt last week and I think she's a little bigger than Micro now.

BTW(3), I think I mentioned it in another thread but not here ... a few weeks ago I did get the new shocks (OME) installed as well. It was pretty straight forward. The only problem I encountered was that the lower bolt on both front shocks hit the half shaft before it cleared the shock mount. I ended up driving them past the half shaft for removal and installed them bass-ackwards on the new shocks. Simple solution to a PITA problem.

[tom4bren]

The tire rub wasn't due to the alignment shop lowering the front end. I found a piece of fender skirt sticking out. It was gone quicker than it took me to type this thanks to my handy Gerber.:)

Alignment guy noticed that one of the tie rod boots was missing. It musta been overlooked during install. I just ordered a set of 4 from Indy4X for $10. I'll install the zirks when I put on the boot.

Haven't put the magna bra on yet. VX, sunshine & I are never home at the same time. Hopefully I'll get'r done on Saturday.

BTW, anyone waiting on HD torsion bars from Indy4X? They still haven't gotten them in yet ... but should be any time.

EDIT:

I forgot to mention that I ordered 30 bolts for $27 ... but they reamed me on shipping for $18. It's still cheaper than Fastenal @ $3 each though.