Just bought it, smashed! (pics)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
My hat is off to you. 
You're one brave person to take on a project like this one. But, can you repair it the way it should be repaired without spending another 10 grand??? 
Good luck....
You're one brave person to take on a project like this one. But, can you repair it the way it should be repaired without spending another 10 grand??? Good luck....
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 21
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Originally Posted by WWK888
I don't mean to rain on your parade but do you realize how much it is going to cost to get the car fixed? I know you said you are going to try do most of the work yourself but parts alone will be a major expense. Are you sure the frame damage is repairable?
If you are approaching this as a project car and you are in no hurry to get it done then have fun. However if you were looking to pick up a Corvette cheap and be driving ASAP (which it what it sounds like to me), I am not sure if I would have gone this route. I would guesstimate parts and labor will run at least 10K. There are running Vettes out there to be had for around 20K that don't come with a salvage title.
Having said all that I do wish you luck. You ceratinly have your work cut out for you. Keep us posted with your progress...
If you are approaching this as a project car and you are in no hurry to get it done then have fun. However if you were looking to pick up a Corvette cheap and be driving ASAP (which it what it sounds like to me), I am not sure if I would have gone this route. I would guesstimate parts and labor will run at least 10K. There are running Vettes out there to be had for around 20K that don't come with a salvage title.
Having said all that I do wish you luck. You ceratinly have your work cut out for you. Keep us posted with your progress...
If you paid almost 11K for that car, you'll have at least another 5K in parts and another 1K in paint materials. Though your labor is free (in a sense) you'll still have 17-18K in that car.For that kind of money, you could have bought a nonwrecked C5.
I also think you'll have a problem with the frame. Being hit in the rear center will draw the rails together. Corvette frames are hydroformed aluminum and as they pull together, they will buckle in the sides so even if you get the frame rails pulled, you'll still have issues.
I hope I'm wrong and wish you the best of luck but after being in the bodyshop business for over 20 years, I think it's repairable.... just not economically feasible.
Good luck. Keep us informed.
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 39
From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08-'10
I'm afraid I'm with the naysayers. I have years of collision estimating experience and witnessed several rear end C5 repairs. This is not a simple repair. I wish you luck, but feel that you overpaid for the wreck and that the overall cost will exceed the value of the car. Lot's of lower mileage C5's out there for $20k. I hope I'm wrong, but keep us posted on the rebuild.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Well, when I entered this thread, I thought that by the title, you had just bought a Vette and then get hit! Glad to hear (in a way) that you bought it like that. Good luck on the project!!! And as for whatever amount of money you put into it. Don't listen to the naysayers. Heck, I bought a 1986 Monte Carlo SS for $5k and have put another $10k into it (new motor, rebuilt tranny) and still have another $5-6k min to put into it before it is done. For me, it is my afordable muscle car. Will the SS be worth the money that I put into it...maybe in another 20 years, but not now. I don't care, though. I get more thumbs up and people stopping me to compliment me on the SS than my Z06. Enjoy the project!!
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 15
From: Central CT
St. Jude Donor '16
Originally Posted by TonyC5
Konrad- You really care why some on here think you cant do it? 
Dont worry about it, your car, your money, your project..
My advice, have Grumpy lock this thread, get on to working on the ride and when its done come pick me up and lets go get a cold one, 1st one's on me..
Dont worry about it, your car, your money, your project..
My advice, have Grumpy lock this thread, get on to working on the ride and when its done come pick me up and lets go get a cold one, 1st one's on me..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 15
From: Central CT
St. Jude Donor '16
Originally Posted by zonsolo
Curious, you say you think you'll get by on $2500 in parts. Tub for the back is $900? How much does a hatch and glass cost? Also how's the drivetrain? You say it runs good, but can it move? Is the torque tube bent? How's the trans and output shafts? Gas tank survived ok? Just seriously trying to get an idea of those kinds of costs, as I have no idea.
Now go show us those "after" pictures.
Now go show us those "after" pictures.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 15
From: Central CT
St. Jude Donor '16
Thanks for everyone's support, including the pessimists .
I've asked to close this thread but keep on a look out for progress pics and updates.
It will get done...
Konrad
.I've asked to close this thread but keep on a look out for progress pics and updates.
It will get done...
Konrad
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 232
From: Youngstown Ohio
Why all the negitive comments????
Interesting how in Konrads first post he doesn't ask , "am I crazy", or "am I overpaying", or even "what do you think". Yet it seems that many posters are more interested in pointing out what he did wrong, what he should have done different, although he didn't ask, as opposed to just giving a good luck and let us know how it turns out. Bottom line is he bought the car and will have to deal with it. If in the end he has $20,000+ in it what does that matter, it is HIS money.
To Konrads credit he does seem to be taking most of it with a grain of salt attitude and with a sense of humor. Good for you.
Darion
To Konrads credit he does seem to be taking most of it with a grain of salt attitude and with a sense of humor. Good for you.
Darion
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
c5 corvette smashed in rear.
hey konrad i have some questions about the c5 you have managed to fix up. Im looking at about the same problem. perhaps you could ansswer a couple questions for me>
???? bryandanielmacho@gmail.com or 612-494-9055 thanks
???? bryandanielmacho@gmail.com or 612-494-9055 thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,375
Likes: 3,386
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
hey konrad i have some questions about the c5 you have managed to fix up. Im looking at about the same problem. perhaps you could ansswer a couple questions for me>
???? bryandanielmacho@gmail.com or 612-494-9055 thanks
???? bryandanielmacho@gmail.com or 612-494-9055 thanks
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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OP has not been on the forum since 7/7/22. Closing the thread.