Back on May 28 a lady blew a light and totaled my '04 MagRed coup (first pic), and we just settled the ins. claim yesterday (many mods covered), so I went to the junkyard today to say goodbye and get a few last photos. She was a sweet girl, pristine in every sense ... and she saved my life at the traffic light that day, as I saw that b*tch coming and stepped on it, trying to get out of her way ... almost. But the B caught me on the right rear wheel but pretty much killed my gal, who saved me from a true T-bone hit. The B was going about 55mph, and when she hit me, I spun around 180º, as the air bags and their smoke were in my face, and the music still playing -making it a very surreal carnival ride. But I was safe except for a blunt-force deep bruise on my lower right side (pushed against the tunnel).

So at the junkyard today (2nd pic) I looked her over, wiped her down with a towel, opened the one door that could still open, popped the hood and trunk and let her breath for a bit. Then thought she might like one more vrrooom, so put the key in (this is 4+ weeks all alone in the yard), and what do you know, she cranked right up! With the headers and Corsa pipes she was still the way loud proud gal she was before! The yard mgr came running over and was amazed she was still so alive. I then got back inside, closed the doors, CUT ON THE A/C (it was 98º today), and professed my love for her, dusted off the console and dash, and then said goodbye ... as I turned and pulled out the key for the last time. Very sad, and I did get emotional, she was my first vette -and best car I ever had (pause ...).

So now she'll be salvaged, and her engine will certainly live on, as well as a few these and those, but man ... it was very upsetting today, I'm getting a touch cloudy now as well. Anyway, the car was amazing and so well made ... so I went ahead and got another one 2 weeks ago (3rd photo), Go Vettes ...

 

WOW...good story.....glad your alright. Looks like your new Vert will make a lot of fond memories for ya as well.

 

You'll like the C6's. My best friend had a new C5 (2004) Vert and I spent alot of time in it and behind the wheel. Having done so made me aware of the C6 improvements.

The C6's are awesome Vettes. More power and built just as well. They also have more 'tech' built into them. My first Vette was a C6 Vert and I really enjoyed it. I did part with it, but got a 'Z' model as her replacement. My new baby has kept me from being sorry I did as well....!! Anyway....you will like your new vert....their great rides

 

Nice write-up!!

 

You made me tear up but sometimes we have to bid farewell to good old friends. I'm sorry about your car. At least you've already replaced the empty space in your garage.

 

I am a little surprised they totalled it out, but the engine and many parts will surely live on. Be happy that the C5 sitting next to you at the light in the future may have parts of you long lost love! But on the bright side, welcome to the world of the C6 and enjoy your vert! I am sure you will get your mods the way you like it and fall in love all over again!!

 

Nothing like closure.

 

Glad you are ok and nice new vette

 

Well, it was a busted wheel, bent axle, busted tranney, bent frame, separated quarter panels, demolished rear bumper ... but left 85% of the car pretty much untouched. Salvage value was $15K, settled for $32K (I was hoping for more).

 

Great write up. Good luck with the new one.

 

Best of luck with the new one!

 

Have fun with the new one. Recently saw my first one go too. Was tough.

 

So what did the Chicken head say to you after the wreck? I got T-boned several years ago by a girl in a crew cab f150 I was driving my crew cab dually 4x4. She hit me in the drivers door and broke my shoulder up pretty bad, took a year and two surgeries to get it fixed. When asked what happened she said she did not see me. My truck had a 6" lift and 35" tires, how on earth could you not see a white crew cab dually all jacked up. They said the lift saved me because her truck hit the lower part of my door.

 

Bet it was very therapeutic for you to write that.

 

Clif

 

Thrash,

I feel your pain. I've had two other Corvette's that were damaged by other's. For some reason Spring Break teenagers have a bulls eye on my wheels.

I had a 1988 that was side swiped on drivers side on Ocean Blvd. He hit he me so hard, that the ball cap that I was wearing broke the roof panel of the coupe. In addition, bent rims, flat tire, severe fiberglass issues, etc...

About 10 weeks ago I was heading home after work in my previous Silver 96 Collector's during Spring Break. A few kids were playing football near Ocean Blvd., when the ball when in the street. I stopped, the kids behind me hit me about 10 seconds later going 30+. Bad damage to back end & exhaust pipes

Be happy that we are both in good health & in better Vettes. Happy Holidays to you & all

btw, I would be happy to be driving either the 88 or 96 today, if not for the damage caused by other's. lol

 

F'n A brother!

 

So sorry to hear of your loss. Imagine if you were a few milliseconds earlier at the intersection. Traded in my C5 last year on a new Grand Sport it's a great vehicle. I know you'll like your new baby. The best thing is your still walking around to appreciate it.

 

sorry for your loss and your gain to relieve your pain!

 

Great story.

Congrats on the C6 and it is sad about the C5 but it did it's job admirably. Provided good memories and most likely saved your life.