Crash - Fix or Replace?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: miami fl
Crash - Fix or Replace?
Hi Everyone. Had a recent fender bender. Someone ramed into my front end at at parking lot. Look at the pictures. Do you guys recommend fixing this or replacing the top surround? Also, I cant find anyone that wants to work on it except people that want to restore the car and charge about 18K to fix and paint the car. What do you all think?
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LINK - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/album.php?albumid=11992
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Brookhaven Mississippi
honestly if it were me i would replace it. just look at the differences in cost see what comes out best. if you can fix it yourself then of course thatd be the best option. but i couldnt do it. i would for sure have it replaced.. hate that happened to that beauty! ppl need to be more aware of their surroundings 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
is the other guy's insurance paying for it? 18k might not be as over priced as it sounds. a new front end is going to cost like 4,000 , then you need bumper, grill, bumper mounting brackets, etc... then labor
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Shelby NC
Put a surround panel on the car and don't let someone section it. Be sure it is put on all the way back to the windshield. It will keep its stock appearence that way--if done right.
---2 cents--
---2 cents--
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
It could be repaired, but it's a very difficult repair due to the compound curves and angles. For instance where the line comes in from the edge of the hood, past the headlight and fades. It will all have to be made with mat & resin. I wouldn't be surprised if the cost will end up about the same as replacing, just because all the extra labor.
I'd recommend replacing the surround. Also recommend using the one from Corvette Image. That's what we put on my '71 and the quality was excellent. It's $1K, but the extra money will be offset by less work to get it to fit properly.
I'd recommend replacing the surround. Also recommend using the one from Corvette Image. That's what we put on my '71 and the quality was excellent. It's $1K, but the extra money will be offset by less work to get it to fit properly.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
That kind of sound right. I got rear ended at a show and it didn't look like that. The rear deck was replaced and the back panel too, repainted the whole back and blended to the doors and replace other items related to the accident, final cost, $ 12,500.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 21
From: Abingdon MD
Ouch,
I was surprised to see the extent of the damage after you had labelled it "a fender bender".
I gather from the "someone" comment that this was a hit & run deal, correct? Do you have uninsured motorist coverage for this?
I would certainly get a couple of estimates from reputable Corvette shops to be sure that this gets repaired properly. Otherwise, you will badly hurt the value of the car, which will matter big time should you go to sell.
Check w your accountant also, as this is a true loss and may be deductible on your tax return. Let us know how this turns out.
Rickman
I was surprised to see the extent of the damage after you had labelled it "a fender bender".
I gather from the "someone" comment that this was a hit & run deal, correct? Do you have uninsured motorist coverage for this?
I would certainly get a couple of estimates from reputable Corvette shops to be sure that this gets repaired properly. Otherwise, you will badly hurt the value of the car, which will matter big time should you go to sell.
Check w your accountant also, as this is a true loss and may be deductible on your tax return. Let us know how this turns out.
Rickman