Slight update. My car is being towed to the local Chevy dealer tomorrow, Tuesdays, so the insurance adjuster can see the car there on Wednesday. Checked around for a reputable tow company that has a lot of experience with Vettes, spoke to the manager of the service department, he feels my pain, now have to try to develop a relationship with the adjuster when I meet him at the dealership on Wednesday. Alternatively feeling hopeful and then completely, utterly, pukingly sick. Ahh, we'll see how it goes.

Thanks,
Ken

 

 

I feel bad for what happened to you! I'm hoping it will all work out for the best!

 

So sorry to hear about this - I hope everything works out for the best.

I have three observations for you:

1. Although I am normally extremely anti-dealer, I think taking it to a Chevy dealer is a good move in this case. This will provide you with brand new OEM parts. Although this damage is not a warranty item, OEM parts AND thier installation are. If there are future problems with any of the replaced parts or the installation thereof, the dealership and/or GM will stand behind them. If GM finds out the car had water damage, they would most likely cancel your entire warranty on the whole car unless you had it fixed by a dealer.
2. It is essential that you develop a good relationship with the adjuster. He will have the power to determine what gets replaced and what doesn't. An honest and sincere attitude on your part can make a big difference on his view of your claim. If he feels you're trying to screw him, he will see through you and turn the tables on you. Keep in mind he has probably seen tons of water damage lately and hopefully is aware of the electronic nightmares water can cause.
3. Even if the car is repaired to your complete satisfaction and you never have any problems with it, the fact that it was in a flood will lower the value of it. I don't know how it works in your state, but in Iowa if a car has more than $3000 damage, the title is branded and that must be disclosed to future buyers. Read the fine print of your policy to see if that loss of value is covered, it may or may not be...

Good luck & keep us informed

 

DAmm thats sucxxs, Remember your parents feel as bad as you.
Flooding happens quickly. Really hope things turn outweel for you.

 

Normally, yes. However, the 'Vette, as well as many newer cars, have bearings that are sealed within the hub assembly. New hubs might be called for.

 

Was this salt water by any chance? If so, you may want the car declared a total. Fresh water is not nearly as serious, but still a bad situation. Good luck.

 

My '99 was flooded in the end of July and Geico totalled it. Did it look anything like this? (this is the next morning after the water receeded)

Do you know how far the water came up? Mine came up to the center console. Trust me you'd rather have it totalled as future electrical problems will be a nightmare. If it got in the footwell, most likely it submerged the fuse box and computer located in the passenger-side footwell compartment. Geico told me if it "hits the dash" they total it.

PM me if you want some advice that may help in dealing with the adjuster....I had a really good experience. Take your own pics just in case.

Good luck.

 

Hope any damage (if any) can be fixed. Good luck brother.

 

Sorry to hear about the situation. In addition to whats already been said, I would be very concerned about the electronics in the passenger side footwell.

Broad brush statement, but flooded cars are never the same, no matter how much work is done to recover them. Especially the high tech cars. Make sure the car is carefully checked out by a competent Vette mechanic before you sign off that the insurance claim is final. Good luck

 

Cjlaw, yes, the footwells of my car looked very similar to the picture you posted. I don't know if the water was ititially any higher although when I got to the car, the seats were not wet at all. Today the car is being towed to the dealership and I will meet the adjuster tomorrow. Are you comfortable sending me your phone number? I will be home tonight at around 7 pm est and would like to call you if you dont mind.

Thanks,
Ken

 

Ken,
Sorry to hear about your problem, by your description I would hazard a guess that the water got into the Body Control Module and perhaps the Engine Control module. I had water leak onto the BCM from the AC and it prevented anything from working. I would suggest you remove the BCM and dry it out as well as the connectors as a starting point to see if it will start. I would not worry about the drive train so much, the way I see it if oil can't get out water can't get in.

Mike

 

PM Sent. Read and then get back to me. I might be hard to reach tonight as I may need to attend a borough council meeting for one of my job sites.

 

Inquiring minds want to know....... What ever happened? How about an update??

 

Dude, I hate to be the one to tell you this but,.. sell the car as soon as you can talk to a vet (newer) vet mechanic and he will tell you about all the electronics and flooding sell it, get another, and dont look back

 

I just hope the Ins. Co totals this thing, otherwise the next owner is going to be a permanent fixture in the Tech Forum, all the while complaining to anyone who will listen about the electronic nightmare his C5 is.....

 

Have you thought about installing a pump and filter and making it a very large aquarium? Seriously, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that there isn't as much damage as you think. You had no control over what happened, so don't beat yourself up over it.

 

Ken,

Got your PM over the weekend. I'd be real concerned that they are not totalling the car and would start becoming "real interested" on what's being replaced. Think about what parts of the car were underwater and I would want all electrical and fabrics replaced. My water line was up to the center console and the car was totalled.

Just sent you a long PM. Take a read and feel free to call me.

Charlie

 

Don't forget that the floor pans are balsa. Not sure how well they are sealed. But water could make them swell.

Also, aren't there vents for trans & rear axle? Depending on how deep, there could be water inside as well.

I would hope for a total. Once you have an intermittent electrical problem that calls for a tow, you will never enjoy your car again. You will always have that on the back of your mind.

Rogers in Orlando and others have clean, late model, low mileage C5s. This could be time for a C6 as supply/price curves cross. You are going to be out money, but what is peace of mind worth?

Good luck.

 

Well, here is an update on my '04 Vette with flood damage. Initial estimate by Geico was for $6,710, for new PCM, BCM, brake hub and a variety of other electrical items. I don't have the list here, it is at my office. Car was powered up, no water in the cylindars, or motor oil. Water came up just slightly over the doorsill, you can see the dirty water line next to the rest of the car which had been freshly Zaino'd a few days prior to the damage. Supplementary estimate has brought the total up to approximately $17,000. Wiring harnesses and other stuff. Again, don't have the list with me now. Dealership service department told me that the adjuster is a real car guy and is okaying everything to make the repair top shelf. Geico is real concerned that I will keep coming back to them after picking up the car, with other problems and complaints. Hopefully there won't be an additional supplementary estimate needed. If the car has needed repairs costing 75% of the book value, then they would have to total it anyway, after all the initial repairs. Car was regarded as in "excellent condition" by the adjuster at the initial visit. Just waiting for the supplemantary repairs to be started next week, when the new parts get to the dealership. Taking lots of notes regarding every conversation I have with both the dealership service department and the adjuster. Will just have to wait and see.

Thanks,
Ken