Undercarriage damage
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Undercarriage damage
Hi all been a long time lurker first time posting. I own a 2003 Zo6 pretty close to stock with the exception or a axleback and Intake. The other night I was driving home and I ran over what looks to be like a old belt tensioner or water pump that was in the middle of the road. It did some decent damage to the under-body of the car. Does anyone have any experience with dealing with this kind of repair work and cost? I any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Did you talk to your insurance agent and get an estimate? It could get expensive to get it back to original condition. Or if you don't care about that, you could patch it yourself.
Last edited by JR-01; Jan 15, 2018 at 05:35 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Looks like the floorboard got chew up pretty good.
Although I'm sure it SMC ( Sheet Mold Compound ) I think it can be repaired with run of the mill Fiberglass Repair Kit that can be picked up at any Auto Parts Store. If you have any experience with repairing fiberglass then it looks to be a fairly easy repair.
Although I'm sure it SMC ( Sheet Mold Compound ) I think it can be repaired with run of the mill Fiberglass Repair Kit that can be picked up at any Auto Parts Store. If you have any experience with repairing fiberglass then it looks to be a fairly easy repair.
Last edited by SG Lou; Jan 15, 2018 at 05:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I have a inspection Friday with a body shop that the Insurance company set up for me. That makes me feel a bit more at ease I was worried it was going to ruin my car and since its my dream car I have been stressing over it all day.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Looks like the floorboard got chew up pretty good.
Although I'm sure it SMC ( Sheet Mold Compound ) I think it can be repaired with run of the mill Fiberglass Repair Kit that can be picked up at any Auto Parts Store. If you have any experience with repairing fiberglass then it looks to be a fairly easy repair.
Although I'm sure it SMC ( Sheet Mold Compound ) I think it can be repaired with run of the mill Fiberglass Repair Kit that can be picked up at any Auto Parts Store. If you have any experience with repairing fiberglass then it looks to be a fairly easy repair.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I would like it to be as original as possible. It has a little over 15,000 miles. I don't know if I should stick with the body shops the Insurance company sends me too or find a specialist. I'm located in Florida near Daytona if anyone knows any good shops.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
If the Ins.Co. covers it then that's awesome.
I wonder if that floor board can even be had new from a dealer ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I hear ya loud and clear. Unfortunately the Ins.Co.will be looking at a hefty Body Shop bill as that side in question that the floor pan is busted on has to gutted from the inside, the floor panel removed and a new OEM panel bonded aka glued back into place.
If the Ins.Co. covers it then that's awesome.
I wonder if that floor board can even be had new from a dealer ?
If the Ins.Co. covers it then that's awesome.
I wonder if that floor board can even be had new from a dealer ?
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I would like to have it like new OEM finish. If the car had more Millage I probably wouldn't stress so much over it but she has just a bit over 15,000 miles on her. Ill keep you guys posted I'm sure its good knowledge to have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,347
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From: MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Looking at the photos, the floor pan shin has been breached exposing the Balsa Core of the panel. In the photo with the steel brace going across the panel, that brace has the studs that bolt the seat to the floor.
The brace appears slightly bent and will require at a minimum of some hammer and dolly re-work.
The floor panel is bonded (glued) to the structure using high strength adhesive and to remove this panel, it is possible for the "average garage Mech.
You will need a heat gun and some strong blade putty knifes, (heat the bonded area a pry with the putty knifes.
The Corvette Collision repair manual with details can be found at this link for FREE. http://www.genuinegmparts.com/for-pr...repair-manuals
There are floor pans available from many corvette "recyclers" and on a major e-actions site.
Cheers,
Goose
The brace appears slightly bent and will require at a minimum of some hammer and dolly re-work.
The floor panel is bonded (glued) to the structure using high strength adhesive and to remove this panel, it is possible for the "average garage Mech.
You will need a heat gun and some strong blade putty knifes, (heat the bonded area a pry with the putty knifes.
The Corvette Collision repair manual with details can be found at this link for FREE. http://www.genuinegmparts.com/for-pr...repair-manuals
There are floor pans available from many corvette "recyclers" and on a major e-actions site.
Cheers,
Goose
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My C6 is in the bodyshop right now, day 8 cause had the same problem has you, but little more damage.
My insurance is picking up for air dam, wheel well lining, radiator leak, and little paint under the front bumper damaged.
When done they will wheel alignment and I have to pay, deductible of $500.00.
Just kills me, the car is in the shop.
My insurance is picking up for air dam, wheel well lining, radiator leak, and little paint under the front bumper damaged.
When done they will wheel alignment and I have to pay, deductible of $500.00.
Just kills me, the car is in the shop.
Last edited by 1bdvet; Jan 16, 2018 at 01:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
My C6 is in the bodyshop right now, day 8 cause had the same problem has you, but little more damage.
My insurance is picking up for air dam, wheel well lining, radiator leak, and little paint under the front bumper damaged.
When done they will wheel alignment and I have to pay, deductible of $500.00.
Just kills me, the car is in the shop.
My insurance is picking up for air dam, wheel well lining, radiator leak, and little paint under the front bumper damaged.
When done they will wheel alignment and I have to pay, deductible of $500.00.
Just kills me, the car is in the shop.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,776
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
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I was told around 3,000 but still working since when they were taking parts off, found more damage.
What happened was a recap on the road I hit, and went under the right wheel, taking the car off the roads across median that had dip which we hit hard at 70MPH. Scared the hell out of me, but the front was busted up pretty bad, with radiator leaking.
What happened was a recap on the road I hit, and went under the right wheel, taking the car off the roads across median that had dip which we hit hard at 70MPH. Scared the hell out of me, but the front was busted up pretty bad, with radiator leaking.
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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
Body shops exist to ripoff insurance companies (and then the cost of higher insurance premiums gets passed down to all of us).
If you're going to file an insurance claim, I would get a body shop estimate, take the insurance check, then fix it yourself for much less. This is within your right/legal to do so.
If you're going to file an insurance claim, I would get a body shop estimate, take the insurance check, then fix it yourself for much less. This is within your right/legal to do so.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Jan 16, 2018 at 03:43 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Body shops exist to ripoff insurance companies (and then the cost of higher insurance premiums gets passed down to all of us).
If you're going to file an insurance claim, I would get a body shop estimate, take the insurance check, then fix it yourself for much less. This is within your right/legal to do so.
If you're going to file an insurance claim, I would get a body shop estimate, take the insurance check, then fix it yourself for much less. This is within your right/legal to do so.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Update
The grand total for the repairs at a Corvette specialty shop was $1250. 13 hours of labor $100 in materials and $437 for a new GM floor board. All in all i'm happy the with the work and that it looks like nothing ever happened to it.
Instructor
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Fantastic that you are pleased and happy. I for one am very happy for you.
Le Mans Master
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From: Wisconsin
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Great news that you were able to get the car fixed and at a reasonable price.