Frame damage question.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Austin Tx
Frame damage question.
Well long story made short, the front right fender of my 2008 Coupe met up with a tree and caused some damage to the right frame. My car has been in the shop for a little over 3 weeks now but can't seem to get a hold of the frame rail for the 2008s, current estimate is another 3 weeks. My question to those that know much more than I, will the 2007 frame rails work with 08s? If they can't find the part are there any vendors that excel at keeping odd parts on hand? 
I just got off the phone with the body shop I need GM part 89023224 Right Frame rail.
I just got off the phone with the body shop I need GM part 89023224 Right Frame rail.
Last edited by GonzoTheGreat; Oct 24, 2007 at 05:52 PM. Reason: updated part info
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,762
Likes: 2
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine Texas
I recently saw a 07 Vette with SEVERE front end damage. The entire front clip had to be replaced. Over 30K in repairs yet the Insurance company would not total it. Insurance is getting pretty tough about Total Loss claims.
The sad part is that the front frame rails are stamped with the VIN. You might try to argue this with your Insurance company.
The op must have hit a ton if they cannot straighten the orginal frame rails.
Very sorry to hear about your mishap. Hope they can fix it as good as new.
Best
The sad part is that the front frame rails are stamped with the VIN. You might try to argue this with your Insurance company.
The op must have hit a ton if they cannot straighten the orginal frame rails.
Very sorry to hear about your mishap. Hope they can fix it as good as new.
Best
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Well long story made short, the front right fender of my 2008 Coupe met up with a tree and caused some damage to the right frame. My car has been in the shop for a little over 3 weeks now but can't seem to get a hold of the frame rail for the 2008s, current estimate is another 3 weeks. My question to those that know much more than I, will the 2007 frame rails work with 08s? If they can't find the part are there any vendors that excel at keeping odd parts on hand?
I just got off the phone with the body shop I need GM part 89023224 Right Frame rail.
I just got off the phone with the body shop I need GM part 89023224 Right Frame rail.
It took 7 weeks to get my C5 rear quarter frame rail, then the car had to be finished.
Many times frame rails are made when they are ordered, not kept in stock
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
You need to check with your DMV as any frame damage and the vehicle will need to be registered as a salvage vehicle which pretty much kills the value of your car.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,300
Likes: 6
From: San Antonio Texas
I recently saw a 07 Vette with SEVERE front end damage. The entire front clip had to be replaced. Over 30K in repairs yet the Insurance company would not total it. Insurance is getting pretty tough about Total Loss claims.
The sad part is that the front frame rails are stamped with the VIN. You might try to argue this with your Insurance company.
The op must have hit a ton if they cannot straighten the orginal frame rails.
Very sorry to hear about your mishap. Hope they can fix it as good as new.
Best
The sad part is that the front frame rails are stamped with the VIN. You might try to argue this with your Insurance company.
The op must have hit a ton if they cannot straighten the orginal frame rails.
Very sorry to hear about your mishap. Hope they can fix it as good as new.
Best
LOL
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Well long story made short, the front right fender of my 2008 Coupe met up with a tree and caused some damage to the right frame. My car has been in the shop for a little over 3 weeks now but can't seem to get a hold of the frame rail for the 2008s, current estimate is another 3 weeks. My question to those that know much more than I, will the 2007 frame rails work with 08s? If they can't find the part are there any vendors that excel at keeping odd parts on hand?
I just got off the phone with the body shop I need GM part 89023224 Right Frame rail.
I just got off the phone with the body shop I need GM part 89023224 Right Frame rail.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 1
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Austin Tx
I have been back and forth with insurance company that which I have to say hasn't really been unpleasant. They said the repair will need to exceed the value of the car, which they are stating at 40k. Thus far repairs are about 18k. I just hope its fixed just like new, I have it at one of the most respected body shops in the Austin area. What scares me is a friend from work had an frame incident with his C6 and says that ever since the repair it hasn't felt the same. Time will tell...3 maybe 4 weeks go.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
When I had my rear 1/4 frame replaced the body shop told me that the specs on a C5 frame with +/- 1/8" left to right and up to down. Now most frames are far far better then that.
when they finished my frame it was +/- .5mm left to right and up and down. ( this shop did a lot of viper comp coupes set up for racing)
You will need to get your wheels re aligned too. You will be fine.
but I do feel your pain.
when they finished my frame it was +/- .5mm left to right and up and down. ( this shop did a lot of viper comp coupes set up for racing)
You will need to get your wheels re aligned too. You will be fine.
but I do feel your pain.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,376
Likes: 1,004
From: Various places in Southern California.
Most states require a salvage title only if the insurance company has declared the vehicle a total loss. Some also require a salvage title when the vehicle has been flooded or when the damage exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle's value (usually 70% or 80%).
In the OP's case, if the repair cost is only $18K, it's highly unlikely any insurer would total the vehicle and a salvage title won't be needed.
You're right, though, that a salvage title really dumps the vehicle's value. It's hard to put a number on it, because the value will depend on the quality of the repairs, but something in the range of a 20% to 50% value hit isn't uncommon.
