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So I Had a Wreck...

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Believe it or not, as far as I can tell from looking, the only part on the right front suspension thats got any damage at all is the bar where the anti-roll bar attaches to the control arm. Obviously I'll have it checked by a shop, but nothing else looks bent in anyway. I believe most, if not all of the shock was transmitted to the frame, which is why it bent. I was only doing between 10 and 15mph when i hit the curb, but because of the way the wheel hit it really caused a lot of damage. I think if I had had the superman reflexes to steer straight, the rim would have bent and messed up the suspension and I would have hit the street sign harder, but I don't think the frame would have bent.

As for body work, I'm pretty sure a new front valance is in order. It's about time though. This is at least the second time the car has been wrecked in its lifetime. When I pulled the motor, I found that the left motor mount had a serious bend in it, and if you pay very close attention to the grill, you can see that it's a few millimeters off from the other side. This didn't effect the driving in any way, as it was repaired well.

If I'm going to have to pull the body to get the frame straighten, I very well may sell the car at a much reduced cost. I don't really have the time or space for such a venture, and I'm really hoping they get get it straightened up the way it is.

Thanks for the kind words and help guys. I appreciate it.
 
Sorry to here about your accident....I know here theres is a very good frame shop called Chassis....I think their a chain so maybe you might have one closer to you..they should be able to fix that pretty easily.

Zack
 
Bummer Webb. I hope the car doesn't get sent to the salvage yard. Hate to see a TR6 disappear from the rod. Glas you are ok
 
I know you said you don't have the space for a project, and you are planning to sell the car. But...

There is at least one chassis on EBay. I believe it's a rolling chassis. There are various ads on the VTR site that may be useful.

As you can tell from the replies to your posting, most of us are encouraging you to keep the car. I sold my '71 about 25 years ago to pay my tuition. I regretted it ever since. I finally got another last month. Couldn't be happier.
 
I'll only sell the car if it can't be straightened. I don't have the expertise or space to put a new frame on my car, and if it would cost more than the car to have a shop put a new frame on, it will have to go.

Right now I'm looking for a cheap truck or Honda that I can use to get around until I come to a conclusion.
 
Webb, the Chassis shop did a great job for one of my Camaro's(a `72) that was rear ended by another Camaro....I think I have a "chassis" decal on my toolbox in the garage...I'll take a look for a 1-800 number or something and get back to you.

Zack
 
Just went out an looked...All it says is Toronto Canada and this number (416) 247-7863 .....From the looks of it they only have shops in Toronto, but if you want you can call and maybe they can recommend someone closer to you.....You really should be able to find a similar place near you I don't see why a frame shop shouldn't be able to fix that.....I do agree that replacing the frame is probably not the best option since you were considering selling the car anyway


Good Luck in your search for a shop
Zack
 
Webb,

Give Dave Crane a call at (252) 430-1334 He's in Henderson, NC, which is pretty close to the VA border. I'll bet he has a chassis for you. He may even give you tips on how to get yours fixed. Heck if you can get your car to his shop, I'll come and help you. He regularly lets customer work on their own car at his shop.
 
Thanks Shannon. I'm taking my car to a local frame shop with a pretty good reputation tomorrow, but if for some reason the damage cannot be repaired or the cost is exorbitant I will definitly give him a call.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry you are going through that; I'm sure it is a real let down.

I am interested in the tires you were running. If it is not a problem please advise the size, brand guestimate of tread like, air pressure etc. Any of this would be appreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

I was on Cooper Touring tires. The sidewall reads 195/65R15. They're slightly wider (by 10mm I think) than the stock ones. Good tires. They are large enough to keep the ride as soft as it can be, but they are still pretty sticky. They do rub the antiroll bar slightly when I go full lock though.
 
I doubt it. The reason it happened was because I was turning left about to go up a large hill, and all the water had drained down to the bottom where I slid. It had been absolutely pouring rain all day.
 
Web... this is kind of eerie, but that's almost exactly what happened to me in my TR6 the last time I drove it before I quit driving it, and eventually sold it. However, I didn't manage to bend the frame, but I did bend a wheel.

If you sell the car, you will head down the same path of 10 years of limbo I did! Don't do it!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Seriously, the frame looks fixable to me (based on the photo). And as others have stated, we're just glad *you* came out of it in one piece! Hang in there!!!
 
I have seen this type of damage several times and fixed it. I will say that it is best with the engine removed. It will also be critical to find a frame man who cares about LBC's and provide him with the specs in the manual. I hope your insurance is good.....
MD(mad dog)
 
Webb,
I am truly sorry to hear about your situation. Amazing how circumstances sometimes happen. Just when you wanted to sell your car.
You hand't mentioned the type of insurance you were caring. I carry the basic collision liability as required by law here in NM. Other than that I don't have any insurance coverage if I were involved in a similar incident. FINGERS CROSSED. IF you did have comp.insurance coverage, then your deductable would be the big thing to cover.
If not, you might consider getting a few estimates(written) and put that as the discount for your selling.

I know it's tough. Your pics will say many words in sellling your car online. IT's a beautiful car.
I hope, above all, you continue your plans on schooling.

I'm realistic enough to know spending that $$ on your education will payoff more than anything else. LBC's will be around forever.
All the best,
Jeff
 
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