AT-82Collectors

On 12/15 my pride and joy of 17 years 82 Collectors was hit in the passenger side rear quarter panel. Hit so hard if broke the wheel on that side. Busted that quarter panel, tore off the back at the bumper shocks and broke the driver side quarter panel. Broke some of the rear suspension and damaged the rear end because it had oil dripping out of it. The car was totaled. About 10 years ago I had the car repainted and it was always garage kept. About 4 years ago I put a ZZ4 crate engine it and had the 700R4 rebuilt to handle the extra HP. Insurance would not begin to pay enough to repair the car. The A-hole that hit me was doing something on his cell phone. Police would not elaborate. It may sound dumb to some but I feel like I have lost a best friend. I will have another 82 Collectors one day. Sorry for the long post, watch out for the fools out there.

Andy

Big2Bird

If your okay, that's all that matters. Cars can be replaced.

SwampeastMike

Be glad you're OK. Also take some solace in that C3s still have a decent insurance value.

Last year a semi dropped its driveshaft just ahead of my on a blacktop interstate on a cloudy night. A number of cars hit it before anyone was able to remove the driveshaft from the road.

My very well loved and very well maintained '99 Seville STS ($50k new) was totaled by the trucker's insurance company (A.I.G.) due to two destroyed wheels, two destroyed tires, a wheel bearing capsule, an "exploded" CV boot and a bit of cosmetic damage to the front cowling. Yes it had mileage--150k--but just the active shocks/struts that I replaced less than 20k miles ago cost more than my settlement and the adjuster was an utter ***. I bought the car from the insurance company for $50 (value they declared to them) and the settlement paid for the repairs (done by me but requiring me to buy a number of special GM tools) but it's now a "salvage" car with zero value to any insurance company. I had to cancel my comprehensive coverage and know that now matter how at fault any idiot may be who hits me their insurance won't pay a dime for what I still consider the best performing, safest and most comfortable car I've ever owned.

Torqued Off

Sorry to hear man, I understand your feelings and sense of loss.

Big2Bird

Just a thought:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-i-start.html

DUB

Depending on your coverage and vehicles value and if it is his fault...I would not yet throw in the towel. I do not know the insurance guidelines in your state. But if you had a really solid insurance policy on it at really good value...sometimes that can not 'just total' it.....or at least in NC it is that way. I have had MANY Corvettes that got really 'kissed' hard and the damage all could be repaired. What it boils down to is IF the adjuster WANTS to take the time to estimate it.

So hopefully you had a strong valve on it.

DUB

7t9l82

crushing blow for sure. I'm the second owner of my 79. I knew the car since the day the original owner ( my best friend) picked it up. I inherited it when he was killed in a car accident on his way to pick me up to go to a car show.
Be thankful you don't have memories like that in your car
No, not all cars can be replaced. But if it happened to me major parts of mine would be used to make a copy,but that's all it would be a copy

Lobzila

First of all, glad your not hurt in the accident. Is that your insurance company saying this? Or the guy who hit you? Reson I ask is I have agreed value plan and wonder how it hold up should something happen to me or anyone else here would like to know the same thing.
P.S. I hate insurance companies!

jnb5101

Don't you just love cell phones? I went 70 years without one, and it didn't seem to effect me.

PHILB1

That sucks, remember to keep the Corvette passion, and start your new quest.

jim-81

Ugh, that's terrible. Glad you weren't hurt. Makes you want to take the guys cell phone and throw it as far as you can. I'm not an insurance expert but I got Hagerty's on mine and set it at 15,000 so I think if mine was totaled I would get that. It only costs me about $360 per year.
Jim

steersdad

You're OK. That is all that matters. Go buy another one.

AT-82Collectors

Thank you everyone for the replies. I was sore and stiff for a couple of days but that went away. My insurance will only pay up to 90% of the book value for repairs. On top of everything else the shop suspected it may have frame damage. Letting it go was the best decision for me. I could not get insurance from Hagerty because of the miles I put on the car. I drove it to FL every year and made several trips to VA Beach from GA as well as driving it some during the week. Believe me I WILL have another 82 Collectors but it has to be the right one. At my age I do not want to start over like I did many years ago.

This forum has been of great value and enjoyment over the years, I hope they do not boot me before I can find my next 82.

Be safe,

Andy

AT-82Collectors

Throw his cell phone? No, for several seconds I really thought of getting my 9mm from the car and having a discussion with the guy but common sense quickly took over.

Kacyc3

atleast you're ok, as mentioned before buy it back. Even if you dont repair it you can pull the good parts for the next one (still have the soul or heart of passed) and sell off the stock parts of the new one to help make it better.

jim in oregon

Andy..There was a nice C3 '82 very low mileage that a poster needed to sell..I'll see if I can find the thread for you..Glad you are OK..One has to watch the other drivers these days..MANY would not be safe operating an electric tooth brush..Jim

AT-82Collectors

100% agree

worship79

My sympathies! Glad you're okay and as said there might still be a corvette future for you

leadfoot4

My wife was sitting at a red light, this past summer, and got DRILLED from behind, by some old geezer that didn't realize the traffic was stopped. He claimed that he wasn't on his phone, but how could you not see the traffic was stopped, on a clear, sunny day???

ctmccloskey

It is sad to hear of the demise of any loved Corvette. I am sure there is another 82 just looking for you out there someplace. Good Luck with finding the next one and may your old Corvette always bring a smile to your face!
At least it sounds like you are okay.....