Hurricane Flood Damage
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Hurricane Flood Damage
Luckily I was able to evacuate from Katrina with my C4. My 67 Firebird was under 14ft of water, body seperated from the engine for the restore. The complete interior, rims, and all new parts were still in the boxes under water. My dads 60 corvette was already completely restored but it had to be left behind to save the 2004 Lemans. It was also under 14ft of water. We are still unable to return to check them out. Does anyone know the best way to save the engine, body, frame, transmission, interior, electronics, etc.. after water damage. I have heard to drain the oil and trans fluid. Any other suggestions/experience from flooding is much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
As you mentioned, drain the engine and trans, fill the engine (completely) with kerosene and drain it out, put oil in the engine and squirt some in each cylinder, use an oil primer to get oil to the upper parts of the engine then roll it over several times by hand.
The transmission (if an auto) should be removed so you can get the fluid out of the torque converter and flush it out throughly. Then reinstall and fill with fluid. run it for a few miles then do a complete flush of the trans & converter.
The ECM I'd remove and open the case and let it dry out for a few days before I'd try using it.
The stereo is probably junk.
The transmission (if an auto) should be removed so you can get the fluid out of the torque converter and flush it out throughly. Then reinstall and fill with fluid. run it for a few miles then do a complete flush of the trans & converter.
The ECM I'd remove and open the case and let it dry out for a few days before I'd try using it.
The stereo is probably junk.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 125
From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
Really sorry to hear about your drowned cars. Here's hoping you can recover from that horrific storm! No doubt you have a lot more issues to deal with from it.
One question though: how is a 2004 Lemans worth saving over a restored 60 Vette?
One question though: how is a 2004 Lemans worth saving over a restored 60 Vette?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
flood
Originally Posted by Rich Silvestris
Really sorry to hear about your drowned cars. Here's hoping you can recover from that horrific storm! No doubt you have a lot more issues to deal with from it.
One question though: how is a 2004 Lemans worth saving over a restored 60 Vette?
One question though: how is a 2004 Lemans worth saving over a restored 60 Vette?
Good Question. There are a couple of reasons. We left in a rush and the 60 needed it's battery charged. Even though it was in top condition, driving in insane, most of the time bumper to bumper traffic, for over 10 hours in a car that is 45 years old with no a/c did not seem like I good idea. We have been through several hurricanes in the past and never expected it to be as bad as it was. We thought we woud be back home in two days like all the other times. All I brought with me was my c4, poolstick, and two days clothes, all the essentials. If we had more time we would have considered some way of pulling a trailer I guess.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
The 60 is restorable... The electrics might be killed, but the hard parts will be reclaimable. I would just do it right... body off, blast and POR the frame and replace the entire electrical system. The engine/transmission are reclaimable... It's a good thing it wasn't a newer car with all the high-tech electronics.
What I am even MORE glad to hear about is that you are all OK!!!!!!!! Cars and such can be replaced/repaired; people cannot.
What I am even MORE glad to hear about is that you are all OK!!!!!!!! Cars and such can be replaced/repaired; people cannot.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
I would disconnect batteries first. Then dry out all the electric/electronic stuff. If you power up things while wet they will likely fry. Once cleaned and dried they can usually be put back in action,
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
flood
Thanks for all the support and advice. From what I have heard almost everything is a loss, including the house, due to the water but we are glad to still be here.
Thanks
Thanks