Well --- good news, bad news.

My painter called me this morning and said I should come look at the car to make sure it has my stamp of approval. Since it really something I am doing for the wife I told her totag along for the ride. We pull up and there it is... a beautiful sight to behold. At first glance it was hard to tell,


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint1.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint2.jpg



but, after we got a little closer, I could tell it was a beautiful color:



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint7.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint6.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint5.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint4.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterPaint3.jpg

I had never seen Tahoe Turquoise in person, and was only able to get one or two pics of it off the internet, but it's even more beautiful than I imagined. We walked around the car and even though there were a few imperfectins --- which my painter, Juan, assured me would come out in the final sanding, it was "muy bonita". After all: it was always meant to be a driver, so I wasn't too picky in the first place.

So we take off and go merrily on our way. We get home, I take care of a couple of errands, and I get a call from Juan about 45 minutes after we left:

"es Steve.... you need to come look at carro... esta problemo".

"OK Juan... I'll be there soon".


I pull up and couldn't believe my eyes. It seems that the tow truck driver loaded the car, strapped it down, and backed out. Unfortunately, he forgot to check to make sure that the driver's side door was closed:

(see below)



















http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterAccident2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/AfterAccident1.jpg

The driver unloaded the car and took off so by the time I arrived he was nowhere in sight (probably a good thing). Between Juan's broken english and my pequito spanish I came to the understanding that Juan and the tow truck driver were in a pissing match as to who's fault it was. Juan said it was the driver's fault because he was the one who loaded it and was responsible for it when it got loaded, and the driver blames Juan because he thinks it was Juan's fault. For obvious reasons I sided with my painter.

Conversations flew back and forth between Juan and the driver on the phone and Juan said all we could do is get another door and start over again. So I spent half the day seeing if I cold find a good original door anywhere in the area and, unable to find anything, I went to a reseller of repro doors and ponied up for a new door and hinges.

When I got back to the paint booth the driver was there. Unfortunately he doesn't speak ANY english, so my conversation went from me to Juan to the driver. When all was said and done, I followed the driver to his house, got him to pull a copy of his insurance, wrote down all the information, and used his 10 year old son to translate everything to him.

So, all in all, a pretty full day. Stay tuned for the continuance of yet a new saga in my life...... WHAT A HOBBY (and to think I quit playing golf because it was "too frustrating" :) )

HOLEY MOLEY!. i would be just a bit more upset then you sound.

I couldn't imagine.:sad: Sorry to hear and see that.

Well, whattaya-gonna-do? I was in shock, sad, angry and in dismay; all at the same time. I had a few hours to let it sink in but, in the end, what's done is done. No sense in getting all worked up about it. The only thing to do is get it back on track. I'm sure I'm not the only one this is ever happened to, and I won't be the last. As bad as I felt for myself, to keep it in perspective, I thought about all the labor Juan put into it. He's been working on it for over 6 weeks, and it's his labor and his pride of work that was damaged more severly than some metal and paint. He was pretty shaken up, so I felt for him. It's the idiot driver that got me riled up, but what could I do? Nothing... what's done is done... time to move on.

The fence took quite a beating as well. I didn't measure it, but my Tahoe Turquoise is on at least 50 linear feet of the guy's fence where it was painted:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/Fence5.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/Fence4.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day/Fence3.jpg


Life goes on. Like I told Juan: It's not an arm, or a leg, or a vital organ. It's a car, and it can be fixed.

Man that sucks Steve :sad: But it will get fixed and soon you'll be crusin' in that sweet first gen....Juan did a very nice job for sure......I can't wait to see it with my own eyeballs :thumbsup: Love the color too! NICE!! :yes: :D

Thats not gonna buff out....

Gosh, that is a roller coaster of a day! So sorry that happened to you...glad you have the personality to deal so well with it though. :thumbsup:
It'll be fixed in no time!
Sure is a pretty color!

i feel for you.a week after i got my car back i backed it into a tranny and scratched a big one in the side. i hope from him dragging it didnt bend pillar post from that fence.i hope you found a original door. most goodmark or aftermarket doors dont fit right.so if it isnt right when he bolts it on dont blame post just yet.get a good used door or if a friend has a door off put it on car first to see if it fits good.sorry for your pain i know how it feels in person.but bright side it can be fixed.

Car looks, er, looked great! Too bad about the door. Looks like Juan does a pretty good job! He should be able to make it as good as new. :thumbsup:

Looks like "Juan" fine paint job!

I would try paintless dent repair on that ,those guys can do great work. Just kidding your right that does suck. That door looks just like the one a customer brought to my shop, her brother had to borrow her new Dodge Dakota with less than 3000 miles to get a motorcycle, well he had one to many & got pulled over & was charged with DWI, a rollback took the truck & while unloading it at their lot the driver just unhooked the cable & reached in & pulled the E-brake lever while the bed was up the truck shot off the back with the door catching the car that was along side of it. Well I got it fixed ,you can't tell it even happened & I'm sure Juan can do the same.

Oh, by the way that is what we call hyper-extending your door!

Man that sucks! I feel your pain! You have the right attitude though, it's just metal and can be repaired. Good luck. Doug

Oh man, that thing looked very nice form the pictures. The body looked nice and straight. Our worst nightmare.:eek:

Well it doesn't matter. You were bound to scratch it hanging things back on.;)

Well it will add to the tale. It was looking awesome too. I might be hiring a defense attorney if it was my car though. That tow truck driver would have had a big shiner!

What are you going to run for wheels?

Steve,
I just read your e-mail. Sorry to see what happened. Juan did a fine job from what I can see.

Before you rush things, here's what I see. It is 100% the tow truck drivers fault. No if, ands, or buts. When I was getting my commercial drivers license one thing they made very clear. The DRIVER is RESPONSIBLE for their cargo being secured properly. Unless for some reason he can prove that your door latch failed there is not contest. I wouldn't have bought a single part just yet. The tow truck drivers insurance company will not even try to contest this. You need to get 3 estimates and present them to the insurance company. I can tell you the estimates will be far more than you think to repair that. A new door and hinges may not be the only damage. Do yourself a HUGE favor and get 3 estimates (not including what Juan will charge), go to three different reputable shops. sure it will slow down the repair/restoration project but, in the end you will be WAY better off.

Once again sorry to hear/see what happened. The car looked/looks great don't get in a rush now and settle. Take the time to follow this through. You will be happy you did.

Good to hear that you have the right attitude about this... Kudos to you.

The Camaro looks killer so far. Can't wait to see how it turns out.:beers:

Steve!! ooof. The car looks great!!!
It will fix no sweat.
I can get it running in a few hours...:D
Hang in there Friend!

Ouch! I would be willing to bet the “A” pillar is also twisted.

I agree with Royce, It’s 100% the truck drivers fault. If the truck driver has insurance your car will be properly repaired in a reputable body shop by a journeyman body man. Don’t settle for anything less. There is no need to have any further contact with the truck driver.

Thanks for all the compliments and words of encouragement everyone. Yeah --- it took the wind out of me at first but, as I said before, I have to keep it all in persoective. In the scheme of things it's really not that big of a deal.

What are you going to run for wheels?

Just picked these up:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/dreamweaver11/Stupid%20Stuff/WagonWheels.jpg


Seriously... I have no earthly idea what to put on it. I've never shopped for or bought wheels in my life, so that part of the journey will be new to me as well.

..... It is 100% the tow truck drivers fault. No if, ands, or buts. ......You need to get 3 estimates and present them to the insurance company. ....Do yourself a HUGE favor and get 3 estimates ........

I agree on the tow truck driver being totally at fault... so does Juan :)

Thanks for the input on getting 3 estimates. Since I have never gone through this I wasn't sure what I needed to do. Upon reading your post I called Juan and told him my friend who is familiar with insurance companies and how they work ( you:thumbsup:) advised me to NOT have him start work on the car until I get 3 estimates. I was on the phone with him for about 5 minutes --- the longest conversation I have had with him thus far --- and I think I got through to him. I told him to call the truck driver and tell him to call his insurance company at 8:00 a.m., and to have him push them to call me ASAP... Hopefully this will happen.

I know Juan is more than anxious to get this started and get it done. He is a very honorable man... he has only taken payment for the materials thus far and made it clear that he was not going to take any more payment until the car was completely done. He has a Corvette that he was supposed to start on this coming Monday, and I know that his heart just sank when this happened, for many reasons; the least of which was not the fact that he has worked for 6 weeks for no pay, and this weekend was going to be his big payday. As crazy as it may sound, I'm thinking about giving him 1/2 of what I owe him this weekend anyway. I would rather that it take another 6 weeks and have it done 100% correct than to have him try to rush and get it finished and have it not turn out right.

Just another leg of the journey.

Just picked these up:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/dreamweaver11/Stupid%20Stuff/WagonWheels.jpg



those are "tight" yo! what are those like 40's! nice touch.

Seriously, wheels make a car IMO.

Do you have insurance on the car? Call your insurance and have them deal with it.
My wifes car has been wrecked *not her fault* twice in the past 5 months. Our insurance company has been great about dealing with the other insurance company. I figure that's what I pay all that money for. I call them once a week and get an update. In the mean time, my car is getting fixed at a shop of my choice. (That's a CA law).

Nope... stupid me. Never got it insured. I've got the title, but have been waiting for the Bill of Sale ever since I got the car. I thought I had to have the car registered in my name in order to have it insured. I found out today that this is not the case but, alas, too late. Looks like I'll be dealing with it on my own. Since I have always had other people deal with issues like this in the past (bookkeeper for business vehicles, wife for personal) I have never had the pleasure of dealing with it myself. Looks like ignorance is not bliss.

You might check over at pro-touring.com and read about steve rupp's problem with Penny.
http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30261&highlight=penny

At first the insurance company for the at fault party wanted to pay like $40/hour in labor. After a little fight, they agreed to pay a quality shop a decent hourly rate to fix the car.

There might be something to learn from his story.

The good news for him is the car turned out awesome again!
http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showpost.php?p=315782&postcount=281

Your's will too. Good luck Steve!

Ouch! I would be willing to bet the “A” pillar is also twisted.....

How can I tell if it is twisted? Where do I look and what do I look for?

How can I tell if it is twisted? Where do I look and what do I look for?
There is not much to look for. If the “A” pillar is twisted the body man will have to straighten it to get the door to hang right. Body shops see this kind of damage fairly often and a good metal man will know exactly what is needed to fix it. If it is not fixed properly the door, fender, and hood gaps will be off. Just be sure to tell the body shop you want the gaps right.

Don’t do anything to the car until you talk to the truck driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will most likely send out an adjuster to look the car over for previous damage and make a ballpark estimate of the repairs. They will then advise you to take it to a shop and get an estimate. There is no need to shop for a cheap price here. I would take it to a premium body shop at a new car dealership. The guys at the body shop know how to deal with the insurance company. You should get the car back in the same shape it was in before the accident.

If you have some paint left over take it to the body shop. This is not to save money but to get a good color match. It might be a good idea to take Juan with you to check the car over when you pick it up. When you are satisfied with the body and paint work, Juan can get back to work color sanding and buffing it out.

Ask your ins company, mine would cover the car as long as I had proof it was mine when the damage was done.

Steve...OUCH! Sorry for your loss man :( Hey, car looks great and the door will be replaced and painted soon. Just think, the truck driver could have forgot to strap it down and it could have fallen off going 75 down the freeway. Ooo...not a pretty sight.

Cheer up...my car got hit the first day out after 1 year of stripping, sanding , painting and putting back together. I was 10 blocks from my house...June 1st 2002, when a girl on a cell phone with a baby in the car was talking on the phone and looking back at the baby in the back seat while she was going 35 mph. Went around the corner, past a stop sign and hit my $600 NOS fender!

I called the local PD and she pulled her boobs out of her low cut blouse and he didn't give her a citation. BTW, he was a Hispanic and so was she...after some words, I was told let it go. I showed my badge and said NO and get ready for my actions. I had a Accident Reconstruction done (free) and won ! So.. I had the officer reprimanded :)

Kev

Bad duty, Steve....I admire your ability to keep this in perspective.

I know what you can use one of those golf clubs for.

B

Beautiful color -- sorry to see that kind of damage, but as you now know its not that big of a deal to fix it -- its more of an inconvenience and a waste of time to have to go back and take care of it

Make sure he still has the paint code and the manufacturer so you can match the paint when the door gets fixed -- good luck with the project -- looking forward to seeing the finished car

So sorry to see ,yes you got a good attatude about it ,I have been there with tow truck driver as10 yrs. ago my 96 s-10 trans went out warrenty work towed to dealer ,he scratched the bottom rocker under the drivers door he said it was already there ,the truck only had 2,000 miles well I paid for that one ,was not a camaro or specialty car,but still the stress involved good luck and Happy Motoring I hope soon

Steve (Dream),
Juan did his job and you saw the almost finished product. He deserves to get paid, it's not his fault.

You need to get the tow truck drivers insurance and call them, they are in no hurry to call you. Sorry to say but, you will have to kind of be a pr*ck to get this sorted out. It's not the time to be friends with anyone. The reason I said take it to 3 different shops is because you will have proof of the dmagae and the FAIR repair cost. The insurance adjuster they send out works FOR them and is going to give you a low ball offer (you can bet on that). As Steve (Farm) mentioned there is likely more damage than meets the eye. While I think Juan did a fine job I am not sure he will be able to handle the damage if it is structural ("A" pillar). For the reasons Steve (farm) stated (door gaps, fender alignment, windshield fitment/leaks, etc..) this is why you want it looked at by someone reputable and not linked to the accident (Juan or truck driver). If in the end you find out there is no structural damage, then take the check from the insurance company and let Juan fix it, put the extra cash towards a set of wheels that aren't wooden, lol.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take our advice on this, you will surely be sorry later if you don't. Find good body shops in your area that have classic car experience. Some dealers and shops won't touch older cars.

Nice car, unfortunate event, good attitude, pay Juan for the whole job he did.

Get three estimates and ask the tow company their plan of action.

Wooden wheels would good if you were going to go off-road.

''I would take it to a premium body shop at a new car dealership. The guys at the body shop know how to deal with the insurance company. You should get the car back in the same shape it was in before the accident.

If you have some paint left over take it to the body shop. This is not to save money but to get a good color match. It might be a good idea to take Juan with you to check the car over when you pick it up. When you are satisfied with the body and paint work, Juan can get back to work color sanding and buffing it out. '' I don't agree with this at all !! What a kick in the balls this would be for Jaun,I would get three estmates have the adjustor look them over & the car. Tell the adjustor you want Jaun to do the work& if the pillar is bent he can take the car to a shop that could pull it out them Jaun can refinish the panels and that may include the roof & R.H. Qtr. depending on if Jaun has any paint left. ( The Ins. Co. does not need to Know this). You should pay Jaun for the work performed so far .Why should he have to wait it wasn't his fault that this happened, I would insist that he take the pay! I don't want to alarm you either but the tow truck drivers Ins. Co. is going to love the fact that you don't have ins. on your car. this may get ugly for you because of this.

I'm trying to understand why it might get ugly for me if I don't have insurance? I'm not arguing at all, but trying to figure out how my not having insurance comes into play. The car has never been driven since I've owned it. It has only been played with, worked on, and now painted. Even if I was insured on the car I don't understand why they would even be contacted in a situation like this.

Painter hired body shop to pick up car.
Painter hired body shop to bring back car
Tow truck driver damaged car.

Since I'm not even in the picture I don't see why my insurance company would be either. :confused:

I think 10 gallons of bondo will fix you right up.
Sorry to hear/see this,I had a 67 triumph spit fire that I restored alifetime ago,parked it a a girlfriends house on Christmas eve,this car was just painted,someone hit and ran it in the right rear quarter.I hurried and had it fixed ,parked it on the same spot on New Years eve ,same thing, same spot.It was very depressing to see it happen again.But I got over it with some special attention from the girlfreind.Hang in there man.It will turn out ok.
Kenny

I'm trying to understand why it might get ugly for me if I don't have insurance?

Tow truck driver damaged car.

Since I'm not even in the picture I don't see why my insurance company would be either. :confused:If the car was insured, report it to your ins co. they fix the car, at your place of choice, and then subrogate with tow company ins carrier.

Right now, you go to tow company and he/she says "Take a hike!" Now you have to take legal action against tow company. May take some time,and of course, money.

Doesn't matter Juan seen it happen, you hired him, so you cannot use him for a witness. Certainly, tow driver is out of the picture.

Sliding hammer and that little ol' dent will pop right out.

You're like me Kalif, we got a problem so let's just fix it and move on. If you let it bother you too much it'll take away from the joy of the car. Like Will said, Juan will fix it. It's got his signature on it and he'll want it nice when it leaves. Beautiful car!

I'm trying to understand why it might get ugly for me if I don't have insurance? I'm not arguing at all, but trying to figure out how my not having insurance comes into play. The car has never been driven since I've owned it. It has only been played with, worked on, and now painted. Even if I was insured on the car I don't understand why they would even be contacted in a situation like this.



I Own a body shop I've seen it happen ALOT , one adjustor told me that if the owner of his car only had liabillity ins. on his car he must not of thought it was worth anything . I strongly disagreed . they ended up paying for very minimaul (sp) repairs on the car. they told the owner if he didn't go for that they would just total the car. I know it's wrong but thats the way it was. I hope it doesn't go that way for you.

I'm trying to understand why it might get ugly for me if I don't have insurance? I'm not arguing at all, but trying to figure out how my not having insurance comes into play. The car has never been driven since I've owned it. It has only been played with, worked on, and now painted. Even if I was insured on the car I don't understand why they would even be contacted in a situation like this.

Painter hired body shop to pick up car.
Painter hired body shop to bring back car
Tow truck driver damaged car.

Since I'm not even in the picture I don't see why my insurance company would be either. :confused:

Steve - If you don't have insurance on any of the other Camaro's, except the '69 that's in pieces, I would insure them right away. I put insurance on my El Camino before it left my house to be painted. I was afraid of what may happen if it was not insured and the body shop burned down or it was stolen while in their posession or if it fell off the tow truck on the way home.

It only costs me $20 every 6 months and even though the car has never seen the road it is covered if my house burns down or somebody steals it etc.

Steve , I laughed , I cried . :sad:

FANTASTIC color though

Yeah... the ole' "hindsight is 20/20" thing... I know... I screwed up on that end of things, for sure.

I just got off the phone with the tow truck driver's insurance company. I spoke to a very friendly lady who did all the data entry to start the claim. Of course, she was nice since she is on the front side of the claim. It's when the adjuster's sink their claws into it that it might get ugly... we shall see.

Edit: Adjuster called me 30 minutes after I talked to the corporate office... we are supposed to meet out at the shop today for him to evaluate and see what kind of terms we are going to come to... to be continued.

P.S. - I paid Juan today and told him that I wanted to take it slow, make sure it gets done right, and have it inspected by a "Real Deal" body shop... he isn't capable of straightening a pillar anyway so, if it's bad, it will need to be done somewhere else. I did tell him that he was going to be the one to finish it but, because I paid him and I want it done a certain way, it may be a while. He was cool with that. Just have to wait and see how slow the wheels of progress turn with the insurance company.

UPDATE:

Well, it definately could have gone worse. I met with the insurance adjuster and after many pictures, discussion between him and my painter (adjuster speaks fluent Spanish :thumbsup:), I came to find out that the stars were alligned:

He told me that he is the only one inthe office that has an appreciation for classic cars and, in fact, owns a '65 T-Bird himself! It's was his first car he bought when he was 16... 10 years ago. So, although he is young in age he is old school all the way. cudo's for the Ford guy... I knew there was a reason for their existence :)

So, with the word "Total" being hinted about a couple of times, just as a potential by company standards, he "hinted" to me what I need to do in order for the company to do the claim. It seems that the whole side of the car needs to be redone... from quarter panel to fender nose... as well as the roof. They have to find a place where they can blend it to and, unfortunately, there isn't a distinct line where to make the cut. So more than 1/2 of the car needs to be repainted.

I told him I didn't want to put a reproduction door on it.. I want an original. So the next task is to hunt down a door, figure out how much it's going to cost to bring it up to the standard of the rest of the car, and factor that in with what it's going to cost to do the rest of the car... cut the clear, repaint, etc. My painter told him that he will have to figure out what time it is going to take to do that much of the car. He said he has 8 layers of base / color, and 4 coats of clear.

I'm open to any and all suggestions anyone might have on what to do / not to do. I guess that when this is over I will not be quite so much of the novice... BAPTISM BY FIRE :hurray:

Along with the whole left side & roof you will have to have the R.H. Qtr. cleared also. Just have Jaun step out the base towards the rear of the car & up the sail panel. All of the panels that are to be painted should be sanded with 600-1000 grit .this will be a advantage to you ,maybe have Jaun do this on the R.H. door & fender also and that car should look great. Things are looking up for you.

Great color...sorry to see what happened. Love to see it someday.

Try GM auto sports for a used door they had a couple good ones last time I was there. They'll usually go look for you...San Jose 408-432-8498...Steve is most knowlegable..

Lane

Glad to hear things are working out for the good! :beers:

Steve, I think Turner's Auto wrecking here in Fresno has doors.

Gary... do you have a phone number for them?

Steve - Jim Dyer has a lot of used parts, he may have a door.

Steve - Jim Dyer has a lot of used parts, he may have a door.

I went up there yesterday... no such luck.

Check GM Sport Salvage in San Jose, CA.... if not, ask Steve and Steve's Camaros in San Bruno.
My car is in the garage every night. Don't even think about it.... LOL.

I went up there yesterday... no such luck.

Sorry. There's a swap meet in Turlock this weekend, you might try there?

I'm planning on going to th eswap meet on Sunday (one day event). Keeping my fingers crossed.

Well, I got her home tonight. My wife came out when the truck pulled up with the car. She was saddened, but I think moreso for me that the car. I'm pretty much over it, but she knows how "into it" I've been so she feels bad. Oh well... I still say we got dropped in on the right side of the planet. :thumbsup:.

Tomorrow Juan is coming over in the morning to take the fender off. MY friend from Nevada is planning on heading down to be here around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.. He wants to check out the pillar and jamp before Juan takes the door off... if it's just a little tweeked he says he can probably straighten most of it out with the door still attached and, if we can find a door to match up to it, we can check it out before any decision is made. Things may not be too good, but they're certainly not that bad.
:beers:

I'm planning on going to th eswap meet on Sunday (one day event). Keeping my fingers crossed.

Well, I got her home tonight. My wife came out when the truck pulled up with the car. She was saddened, but I think moreso for me that the car. I'm pretty much over it, but she knows how "into it" I've been so she feels bad. Oh well... I still say we got dropped in on the right side of the planet. :thumbsup:.

Tomorrow Juan is coming over in the morning to take the fender off. MY friend from Nevada is planning on heading down to be here around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.. He wants to check out the pillar and jamp before Juan takes the door off... if it's just a little tweeked he says he can probably straighten most of it out with the door still attached and, if we can find a door to match up to it, we can check it out before any decision is made. Things may not be too good, but they're certainly not that bad.
:beers:


Kalif ,glad things are working out ,still makes ya feel not good I bet ,but all and all we are still on this side of the dirt ,things will work out ,good attitude,and good luck Happy Motoring..:beers:for you tonite ,I will have one for you afterwork

Sorry. There's a swap meet in Turlock this weekend, you might try there?

Turlock is this weekend :eek:
Dang, I thought it was next weekend and I couldn't go because I'm helping the kids move - again :o (gonna have to take the damn wheels off everything they own so they stay put ...)

Hey Steve, what time you going down to the swap ???
May need to take a quick trip over your way :thumbsup:
I made a quick call to another source, no left door assembly. I'll keep trying a few folks.
btw - saw you're add on 'craigslist' - http://modesto.craigslist.org/pts/454166414.html :D
You should try listing it in the San Francisco/Bay area listings ...
The listing for a "Left side door" is actually a 'Right' in the Sac. adds ;)
Have you tried calling the Mountain Muscle Car guy? (916-806-0923 ) he may have one in that 'collection' he would part with ...

John (Juan2)

Turlock is this weekend :eek:
...Hey Steve, what time you going down to the swap ???
...btw - saw you're add on 'craigslist' - http://modesto.craigslist.org/pts/454166414.html :D
You should try listing it in the San Francisco/Bay area listings ...
The listing for a "Left side door" is actually a 'Right' in the Sac. adds ;)
Have you tried calling the Mountain Muscle Car guy? (916-806-0923 ) he may have one in that 'collection' he would part with ...John (Juan2)

I got a PM from Gary and he said the meet starts at 6:00. Adam is on his way down here right now so he'll be spending the night and we will wait for you. Just let me know when you plan on being here and that's when we'll leave. I'll be up and about by 5:00, so anytime you get here is fine. Call me in the a.m. and we'll make a plan.

I did put it in SF Craigslist, but it didn't come through??? :confused:Will have to try again.

I saw that Sac ad... I sent him an email last night to let him know that his ad was mislabeled... I was all hot to trot on it too. The wife was cruizing the CL ads, called me, told me about it, and I was ready to fly up there. Oh well. one will show up soon.

The Mountrain Muscle Car guy will probably be there tomorrow... maybe I'll strike gold with him.

The Mountrain Muscle Car guy will probably be there tomorrow... maybe I'll strike gold with him.

He has one for sale here on TC:

http://www.camaros.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=21003&cat=500

I got a PM from Gary and he said the meet starts at 6:00. Adam is on his way down here right now so he'll be spending the night and we will wait for you. Just let me know when you plan on being here and that's when we'll leave. I'll be up and about by 5:00, so anytime you get here is fine. Call me in the a.m. and we'll make a plan ...

Steve, thanks for the heads up!
I'll plan on meeting you guys before 6:00 - I can see caffine will be involved it this ...

I say change both doors and get rid of the vent windows.:D

only real cars have vent windows!!! :yes:
I say change both doors and get rid of the vent windows.:D
sorry to hear about the car Kalif.... you'll get there!!! :thumbsup:

Eureka Squared:hurray:

I posted a WANTED Ad in 4 or 5 area Craigslist's Friday night to see if I could find someone who has a door. Last night someone responded to my ad via email and I just happen to be sitting at the computer at the time. He gave his phone number so, even though it was after 9:00, I broke one of my cardinal rules of not calling people after 9:00 p.m.. As it turns out:

He has a driver's side door
It's supposedly in good shape
He's a member of Team Camaro:D ........... but wait... it get's better....

So, he says the door is in his shop and he will check it out for me soon and let me know if he does in fact have one and what condition it is in. KOOL - So we spent 45 minutes or so talking about our cars, etc. and he tells me that he will probably be coming to the Turlock Swap Meet and would like to connect if possible and meet. I gave him my number and told him to give me a call and we would see if we could meet up.

Chapter II

My friend Adam drove down from Reno, NV. with a buddy last night and got in around 1:00... they wantd to go to the swap meet too. Vintage 68 shows up around 6:00 a.m and we all head out. When we get there we met up with Gary L., cruised around for a while, and then Adam and his friend split off. Adam calls me back in about an hour and tells me he just picked up a door for a pretty good price, and I thought I was good to go.

About an hour later I end up connecting with the TC member I talked with on the phone the night before and, as it turns out, he decided to load up the door.... on the outside chance that I would be there. So I told him that I already found one but... what the heck... let me take a look at it. So I follow him out to his car and he shows me this cherry driver's side door. It wasn't perfect, but it was way better than the other one that I just bought. So, I did what I always do... two is always better than one, so I bought that one too. To top it all off Vintage 68 brought me over an original set of RS trim and gas cap as a surprise.... the bugger still won't give me a price but, whatever it is, I'm sure it will be 50% off retail doubled less 10%, or something like that. Adam is going to take the door back to his house, soda blast it, and bring it back

Epilogue
This is a fantastic hobby, Camaro's Rule, but the people who are involved ... at least the one's I've met... and those connected with this site are, in the modern vernacular, "Da Bomb". On my way to a completed car... hopefully soon.

“True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing. (http://thinkexist.com/quotation/true_friendship_multiplies_the_good_in_life_and/8622.html)”

Somebody said that.

I have a 67 Door, not sure what side though? Pretty sure it's a left side door, so this might not help you out, unless the tow guy comes back to pick it up again.

I say change both doors and get rid of the vent windows.:D


Funny, that's what I told him when he called me the afternoon it happened :D

I have a 67 Door, not sure what side though? Pretty sure it's a left side door, so this might not help you out, unless the tow guy comes back to pick it up again.

I actually picked up 2 today... just in case. Thinking about stocking up on passenger side doors now, just in case they load it in the opposite direction next time.

... just in case. Thinking about stocking up on passenger side doors now, just in case they load it in the opposite direction next time.

:sad: Steve :D
Didn't you go check out the stuff we stashed in your red shipping container yesterday when you got home - or did you just go straight to bed :p
Inventory in there should now be + something like;
2 (or 3) - passenger side doors
2 (or so) - passenger side fenders
1 - drivers side door (Adam took the other to prep for Juan)
2 - drivers side fenders
along with a few bumbers, a hood, a cowl panel or 2, a gravel pan, a couple deck lids and - heck even I forget what all we put in there ...

If I find any other parts I'll drop them by :D

Turlock was fun :thumbsup:
Enjoyed meeting up with all these great guys and walkin'-talkin' cars :beers:

ps: thanks for the Hot-tub parts :yes:

Good Luck Kalif. I still would like to come up again and 'thrash' on the cars with you guys. Now that I have swapped the heads, I think it will make it up there. Ill have to get Vintage or Farmboy (anyone that is willing to teach really) to teach me how to properly tune a Holley carb....
Good luck, Im here if you need me.

John,

Yeah, Adam brought a bunch of stuff down and stuffed it in my container. I was pretty groggy by the time I got home but, as I recall, there's 2 extra sets of 67 RS fenders, a set of 68 RS fenders, a '68 passenger door, and extra 67 driver's door (the forst one I bought yesterday), a hood, 2 decklids, an extra set of bumpers and a partridge in a pear tree. He's got a couple fo full quarters for a 69 coming down sometime and who knows what else. Since I started with buying a complete car, running and driving, and then worked my way down to a complete car totally disassembled, I figured it's time to put it in reverse and go the other way: I guess I'm now colllecting parts and pieces of cars until I have enough to go from the bottom up. :)

Before Adam left last night he wanted to put my truck back together. He also brought me a 350 motor... complete... that he snagged out of his shop. Initially he was just going to unload it and stick it on a engine stand. Instead he and his buddy dropped it in the truck and put most of it back together. They couldn't find all the parts that the ding-a-ling that tore it apart tossed around the shop, so he's coming back after I pick up a bunch of parts and pieces to finish it.

Harley,
The guest house is empty now so if you and the family want to make a trek up this way just let me know. You guys can have the whole guest house to yourselves... kids will love to play with the "zoo" my kids have been building up.

... and a partridge in a pear tree ...

Dang, I missed that :D
I swear there is at least one 67 passenger door in there - don't remember it being a 68 (but, that's handy - I know someone with a 68 ;) ) ...

... he and his buddy dropped it in the truck and put most of it back together. They couldn't find all the parts that the ding-a-ling that tore it apart tossed around the shop, so he's coming back after I pick up a bunch of parts and pieces to finish it ...

They did !!!
We talked about it, but they were hungry and wanted to go get something to eat - and there was talk about 'sleep' or something else not important :boring:
Knew I should have brought 'work clothes' with me ...
Hey - did it take him less than 5 hours :p

Let me know what parts you're missing if Adam doesn't have them - I may be able to help ;)

A fall 'play-day' may be in the future Harley :hurray:

....Hey - did it take him less than 5 hours... :p

Well, I figure that you guys didn't make it back to my house until sometime around 1:00, and I figure that they probably didn't get started until around 2:00 or so. I got home around 5:00 and they had the motor, trans, and most of the bolt-on's installed. I forgot that we snaked the petcock off the radiator when we were doing the 69 way back when, so he couldn't go too much further. He says he has about 2 hours left, maybe 3 and it will be on the road again. I've got to call him later this morning, but I think he's planning on coming back tonight. We shall see.

Did I hear a 5 hour challenge again? Dont tell me I cant do something...LMAO!
This all started with a (correction here Vintage)..4 hour challenge from Kalif.
I will be lookin forward to more thrashing with you guys. Vintage Ill have to ask you to teach me how to 'dial in' my tune up on my Camaro. The guys here that have ridden in it are calling it, "the Monster". I guess its because when I punch it the front end lifts a little, the rear end gets squirly and it smokes the tires thru 2nd...kinda proud of that...sorry. :D
Let me know guys...

I am sick. I hear you it is hard to find a good pic of that color. My 67 is also going to be TT. I never even saw one until this summer. So here is some inspiration for you:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j65/BonzoHansen/NJFBOA%202007-06-30%20Chatterbox/IMG_2551Small.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j65/BonzoHansen/NJFBOA%202007-06-30%20Chatterbox/IMG_2478Small.jpg

Here is one also...a nickey....:thumbsup: Love the color and the stinger hood...:yes:

http://geocities.com/MotorCity/3652/1967/67fm3.jpg

Dub, while youre buying parts....

Go ahead and pick up a set of redlines for it :yes:

:sad: Steve :D
Didn't you go check out the stuff we stashed in your red shipping container yesterday when you got home - or did you just go straight to bed :p
Inventory in there should now be + something like;
2 (or 3) - passenger side doors
2 (or so) - passenger side fenders
1 - drivers side door (Adam took the other to prep for Juan)
2 - drivers side fenders
along with a few bumbers, a hood, a cowl panel or 2, a gravel pan, a couple deck lids and - heck even I forget what all we put in there ...

If I find any other parts I'll drop them by :D

Turlock was fun :thumbsup:
Enjoyed meeting up with all these great guys and walkin'-talkin' cars :beers:

ps: thanks for the Hot-tub parts :yes:

WHOA. Where did all that stuff come from? You were busy guys after I left.:eek:

P.S. What is Dennis' screen name again?

hey Dream thanks for the e-mail, nice paint job, i will have to give you a call to much typing here...;)..we need to catch up!

WHOA. Where did all that stuff come from? You were busy guys after I left.:eek: P.S. What is Dennis' screen name again?

Gary,

Dennis' username is : 69 L 89 RAG... great guy to meet, eh? He's been on the board for a while but doesn't frequent the site as much as we do... but wait until I sink my teeth into him... he'll become a regular :)

As for where those parts came from... Adam brought them down. He didn't even tell me he was bringing them... they just "Apepared" in my container when I got home. Another donation to the D-Dum cause :)... when he comes back he's bringing more "stuff".. It's gonna be christmas soon, so I guess he's just getting a head start


Chris - give me a call sometime... let's do lunch.

Dave - I have black and blue lines all along the driver's side of the car... is that good enough?

Dave - I have black and blue lines all along the driver's side of the car... is that good enough?

Redline TIRES, man. They look killer against that Tahoe Turquoise :thumbsup:

Redline TIRES, man. They look killer against that Tahoe Turquoise :thumbsup:

Gotcha AGIAN. Believe it or not, I actually kow what redlines are... the "black and blue" is in reference to how beat up my car is:D ... the score is offocially 12 to 9 now (not that anyone's keeping track), in my favor. Just say "uncle" and I'll stop.

Kalif, I feel your pain. Kelly just backed her van into the rear of the Camaro....:(

Update:

Adam brought one of the doors I bought up to Reno with him and soda blasted it --- he said the door is in real good shape and only had minor surface rust on the return edge on the bottom... no metal repair needed. He's bringing it back tonight and is going to swap the glass and wing window from my door into this one. With any luck, Juan will be working it into shape over the weekend and we will hang it to see how it fits up.... keeping fingers crissed that the pillar is not tweeked.

That's too cool! It looks like there are some good guys helping you out! It's nice to know there are still some good guys out there. I found out a few years ago, but there's no need to go into that here.

Post some more shots of your Camaro when you get some time...it's gonna be a killer car when you are done. Then you can enjoy the "fruits" of your (and all the good guys) labor!

Bring it out to Phoenix and let's cruise!:hurray:

Kalif, What is the latest?

Yeah, we need an up date...well I do anyway.

Well, the saga is far from over. It's a chicken and egg syndrome:


The tow truck driver's insurance copmpany adjuster told me that they will not deal with anyone except the registered owner.
I have the Bill of Sale, and the Title to the car. I can't register it until I get a VIN verification (because it is an out of state sale).
I tried calling the cop that verified my last title, but he hasn't called me back.
Both DMV and the CHP said I had to tow it down to get it verified. CHP said the first appointment they could give me was December 6th. DMV said they "may or may not" be able to do a VIN verification because the car is so old :confused:So, I currently have an appointment set for the 6th of December and, in the meantime, I am looking for a way to have an officer come to my house to do a VIN verification. Other than that, the door I poicked up at the swap meet a couple of weeks ago has neen soda blasted and primed, and I should get it back this weekend. When I do Juan will prep the door and fit it for proper allignment. When wi have a green light from the insurance company Juan is going to strip and repaint the whole car... he says it just won't look right otherwise. so, I am in a holding pattern until I get the car registered.

I always thought the title holder is owner, not who car is registered to. Ask any lease company. Ask the adjuster for the name & number of his boss. Keep going up the ladder there.

Juan is going to strip and repaint the whole car... he says it just won't look right otherwise.

WHAT???? Strip and repaint the entire car? Should be able to blend the fender and quarter.

UPDATE

Well, it's been a while. here's the latest:

I got the original door that I bought at a swap meet soda blasted, and then it was primed to save it until it got worked on.

Juan showed up on Saturday, and then again today (Sunday) to work the door and, while he was at it, I had him do a second deck lid for me as well (now I'll have one with a spoiler, and one without :D)

I have to get a VIN verification in order to register it --- out of state purchase --- and the first date I could get was December 6th (I made that appointment 2 weeks ago).

The day I take it to the CHP to get the VIN verification I am going to swing it by a frame shop to have them inspect it to make sure the pillar is not tweeked.

That same day I am going to go to the DMV to get it registered. Once that is done the tow truck driver's insurance company shouldn't have anything to hold back on.... they still insist that they won't cut a check to anyone except the registered owner.

I am compiling receipts to prove the "worthiness of my car" so that the insurance doesn't total it.

It's a headache and I just ran out of Tylenol.

Progress:

I made my appointment with the CHP over 3 weeks ago... I guess there a lot of car that have to get a VIN verification because he said they are always 3 to 4 weeks out. I called him yesterday and asked if there was any way I could bring it in one day ahead because it was supposed to rain. He said he couldn't do it because he was at the "desk" and had a lot of paperwork to do and didn't have any time for appointments that day (this was at about 9:00 a.m.). I tried to reason with him, telling him that my car had no driver's side door, no left fender and the hood and windshield + rear glass was all off the car. No sympathy, no negotiation.

Then I tried, again ain vain, to see if I could get someone to come out to the house to do the VIN inspection. Again, he would not budge. What I found interesting is when he said that if I were a 90 year old man, or a single moom with no family in the area, he would come out and do the VIN inspection. But, because I was a male and I (admittadly) had a trailer that he "couldn't be responsible that it was possibly going to rain" on the day of my appointment and I would have to either drag it oer there in the rain or make another appointment --- 3-4 weeks from now. What further infuriated me is when he, in essence, called me a liar:

I told him that I had gotten a VIN verification last year at my house. He told me that there was "no way" that this happened because they have to see it at their office, it takes about an hour, and they have to do it "in seclusion" away from the owner of the car. I didn't want to sit there and argue with him and told him I would be there if it wasn't raining.

I did some checking around, made a few calls, and decided to hook it up and trailer it to the DMV. The officer had previously told me that the DMV would not be able to do a VIN verification on a car this old because they wouldn't know where the hidden VIN's were an did not know what to look for. I took it down anyway. I drove it up to the stall, rang the buzzer, and in less than 5 minutes the guy at the DMV had the paperwork done. After that I went inside and got it registered. The thing that makes me mad is I believed this clown the first time when he told me the DMV wouldn't be able to do it... I should have checked myself and I would probably have my car done by now, or at least I would be close to haviong it done. Now, with the weather, it may stall it even further down the road.

I go back into the ring to do battle with the insurance company again. I met with the adjuster last week. He's definately not on the same track I am. He thinks that it will be fine if Juan just strips the clear off to the line on the quarter and "burn the edge" with the clear. I don't know what this means, but it doesn't sound like something I should have to put up with. It might just come down to me settling with them and going on my merry way and doing it the way I want it done.

Stand your ground cityboy...er...Kalif. If you have to, throw in a dip of snuff.

Do NOT go for the burn the edge with clear deal have the adjuster figure blend time for the roof and right rear qtr because there is no seam between them .

It would be different if the car wasn't just painted. They owe you a freshly painted car that matches. Stand your ground with these guys that's what we all pay insurance premiums for, even tow companies who hire not so smart drivers.

watching patiently....

Kalif if you ever get all of those cars done (and I hope the rest don't have so much drama), I'll buy some of those extra parts off your hands for my car ;)

Steve sorry to hear about your car. I hope it gets taken car of. It looks like he did a great job on the original paint job.

Hope you and the family are doing well.

Steve

Do NOT go for the burn the edge with clear deal have the adjuster figure blend time for the roof and right rear qtr because there is no seam between them .

Thanks for the advice. Here's what I have:

The driver's fender and door are damaged...unquestionably they need to be redone. The adjuster was talking about authorizing having the door and fender painted, and blending in the driver's quarter to the body line. I pointed out to him that the line stops a few inches short of the door, and there's no way to make a delineation. He said his company would probably only pay to blend it to the line on the quarter. So I understand you correctly, are you saying that the re-paint whould be both the entire roof and both quarters? I'm just wondering how far I can push this envelope and how much it whould be estimated / valued at?

It would be different if the car wasn't just painted. They owe you a freshly painted car that matches. Stand your ground with these guys that's what we all pay insurance premiums for, even tow companies who hire not so smart drivers.

Excellent point... well taken.

OK - I'm back in the fight mentally. I've been workin for over 3 weeks with no days off and I'm going to take a couple of days off here in the next week, put my program together, and fight the battle. Thnaks for the encouragement everyone.....


Stevea --- what the hay? Where you been dawg? Give me a call sometime. P.S. - P.M. me your "new" email.. I can't find it.

update - 1/16/07

With the advice of some of the members on this site I took the next step with the insurance company. I compiled a "portfolio" of extimates, pictures, lstings of like-cars (for comparative value) and whateer I could get y hands on. It comprised about 50 pages, Iputit in a binder, and went over andhand delivered it to the adjustor. I put a 2-page cover letter on it and ended it with what I felt would be a fair settlement. He said I should know by the end of next week.

Good luck Kalif,have been riding along with this Thread since your ordeal started ,Merry Christmas ...

good luck Kalif.

Hang in there Steve, It will be worth it...I'm sure you will be a happy camper before new years...:thumbsup: :D

Steve, you may get to the point they total the car if the repair cost is going to run out and if they feel they won't be able to satisfy you. Then you will need to figure out what it's worth that you both can agree on. Once done, you could likely buy the car back from them at a price you "could not refuse", although they may have to put "salvage" on the title. Let's hope it doesn't come down to this, but just wanted you to be aware of the possiblity. Charlie 69 RS and soon to be adding a 69 RS SS!

.... but just wanted you to be aware of the possiblity.

He discussed it. I've decided that I wouldn't let that happen. It's not the car's fault that it survived 40 years and, voila, D-Dub gets his hands on it.... and it ends up salvaged? I don't think so. If I have to walk away from the insurance company I will if that means preservice the title and keeping it out of salvage. Some things aren't worth the money.

Whatever happens I will, hopefully, be done with this saga so I can move on and get the car done. Once finished I can start a new adventure :D

Dub, sent you a PM.

He discussed it. I've decided that I wouldn't let that happen. It's not the car's fault that it survived 40 years and, viola, D-Dub gets his hands on it.... and it ends up salvaged? I don't think so. If I have to walk away from the insurance company I will if that means preservice the title and keeping it out of salvage. Some things aren't worth the money.

Whatever happens I will, hopefully, be done with this saga so I can move on and get the car done. Once finished I can start a new adventure :D

WOW.......I go to work for a few months and now I find this.......:eek:

You certainly have more patience and reasonability than anyone in my family. I would've just shot everyone involved and spent the rest of my life in prison.........no need to worry about what happened to the car...;)

You're 100% right about walking away from a "total and buy back" deal with a salvage title. :yes: My 92 Pete slid down my shop drive on ice 3 years ago and hit a tree in our yard. 15k damage to a 16k truck. I had 43k in receipts for repairs and parts from the previous 5 years.....the truck was rebuilt from bumper to tail lights. I declined having it totalled and needing to bid on it to get it back AND it would've had a salvage title.:sad: I ate the 10k in parts and paint and rebuilt it myself in a week.:D
Your car is WAAAAAY too nice to have that black cloud hanging on it forevermore. At this point, just take as much as you can get from the rip-off insurance company and get it straightened and painted to your satisfaction.:hurray:

I don't seem to ever have any "extra good luck" to give away, but I'm sharing what I have with you....:thumbsup:

Keep hanging in there, Steve.

And the hits just keep on comming.....

When I dropped off my little journal to the isurance adjuster last week he told me that he would be taking off for two weeks beginning on Deember 24th. It made me a litte nervous since it has already been over two months since I started this with this whole debacle but he gave me some assurance that it would be resolved before he left I didn't fret. Since I had not heard anything I thought I would give him a "courtesy call" yesterday. He was "in a meeting" and I left a message... never called back.
I waited until after lunchtime today to give him a chance to call me back... again, no call. I called the office and, lo and behold, he was "out on assignment". I left another message (to which he did ot respond) and called again 5 minutes before closing... nada. So, if he doesn't respond by tomorrow I will have to wait another two weeks.... good thing this is a large insurance ompany, otherwise I'd probably be getting the run-around :D

On the brighter side my painter Juan) is nowhere to be found. I called his cell phone today and it's disconnected! I called his home phone a bunch of times and there's no answer. I called the guy who hooked me up with him and he said Juan might be trying to avoid some guy who has been harassing him. He ended up getting dragged into court by this guy, won the suit, and now the guy is stalking him or something. Other than that, everything seems to be running pretty smooth around here.

And the hits just keep on comming.....

On the brighter side my painter Juan) is nowhere to be found. I called his cell phone today and it's disconnected! I called his home phone a bunch of times and there's no answer. I called the guy who hooked me up with him and he said Juan might be trying to avoid some guy who has been harassing him. He ended up getting dragged into court by this guy, won the suit, and now the guy is stalking him or something. Other than that, everything seems to be running pretty smooth around here.

Juan may have gone south for the holidays. That is pretty common.

Call the insurance company and ask for the guy's supervisor. Tell him or her the same thing you wrote about it taking 2 months and his promise, put them on the spot. If they give you the run around, call the insurance commisioner, their job is to make sure this kind of stalling doesn't happen. It looks to me like you have them on the run, avoidance is common when losing a battle like this. I think that you just need to push a little harder and they will do something for you. If not at least you'll know where you stand and you can move forward instead of in circles.

And the hits just keep on comming.....

When I dropped off my little journal to the isurance adjuster last week he told me that he would be taking off for two weeks beginning on Deember 24th. It made me a litte nervous since it has already been over two months since I started this with this whole debacle but he gave me some assurance that it would be resolved before he left I didn't fret. Since I had not heard anything I thought I would give him a "courtesy call" yesterday. He was "in a meeting" and I left a message... never called back.
I waited until after lunchtime today to give him a chance to call me back... again, no call. I called the office and, lo and behold, he was "out on assignment". I left another message (to which he did ot respond) and called again 5 minutes before closing... nada. So, if he doesn't respond by tomorrow I will have to wait another two weeks.... good thing this is a large insurance ompany, otherwise I'd probably be getting the run-around :D

On the brighter side my painter Juan) is nowhere to be found. I called his cell phone today and it's disconnected! I called his home phone a bunch of times and there's no answer. I called the guy who hooked me up with him and he said Juan might be trying to avoid some guy who has been harassing him. He ended up getting dragged into court by this guy, won the suit, and now the guy is stalking him or something. Other than that, everything seems to be running pretty smooth around here.


Wow...and I mean wow! I hope the very best for you. Merry Christmas. Don't let this spoil your holiday season...there are way more important things to worry about, right?:beers:

Again, Kalif, you have far more patience than most. I would be standing at the adjusters desk all day if that's what it took to get someone to respond. It was their insured that messed up the car and you have the right to a reasonable settlement in a REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. My feeling is they have abused that time frame and it won't hurt to remind them of that fact.....but that's just my opinion.....:D
Be thankful the car is in your possession and not locked away at the insurance co's impound lot, or Dissappearing Juan's place.....:sad: You may just need to make arrangements to have the car repaired and painted elsewhere and move ahead with it.

My life is certainly less complicated than yours right now and I wish you and your family a blessed and peaceful holiday season.....:thumbsup:

And the hits just keep on comming.....
... good thing this is a large insurance ompany, otherwise I'd probably be getting the run-around :D

On the brighter side my painter Juan) is nowhere to be found...


Well Steve, it's time to learn to paint it yourself :D
I just saw an add on 'craigslist' the other day for a paint booth in the southbay from a shop going out of business - if you can get rid of some of that 'work-stuff' that's in the way it will fit right in the secound bay of the shop ;)

Get the word around to some of his contacts you've met and he will probably contact you.
Like said, he may have run off south for the holidays, it is quite common.

I agree with the 'escallation' of this claim to his supervisor or the main office :thumbsup:
A quick call to 'headquarters' about a non-responsive agent usually gets the ball rolling agian in my experience with these things - they hate being bothered about the field office problems ;)

Hope all is good with the family and you have a great holiday season dispite this set-back :beers:

The other Juan :p

Sucks Steve, Just sucks!! If you didn't have bad luck.......... :sad: Did you happen to try to go buy Juan's place? I agree with the other Juan, time to kick this upstairs....They hate getting problems from the underlings....Good luck, If you do need someone to spread that paint around, my buddy just opened his own bodyshop, (right near Steve's Camaros in San Bruno) He can probably give you a good deal, he also does nice work... Give me a call if you want the info.....Hang in there man, I'm sure it will work out OK...Try to enjoy your holiday. Hey, you got your health, beautiful family, roof over your head, food on the table and a beer in your hand........could be a lot worse.....Mike:)

Sorry guys, but there's no winning when it comes to insurance.... We fought this battle as well after the storm and ....... Well, thats another story.. I do wish you luck Steve.

Oh yea, INSURANCE COMPANIES SUCK!
did i say that outloud......

dub, one thing I have learned in this hobby is patience. Not saying you haven't been, just a little more is required. It will turn out well.:thumbsup:

Here in Massachusetts we have 93A Bad Faith Law. I am unsure if they have anything like that in Cal. In any event, tell them you will be contacting the Insurance Commissioner

Web site with info on him http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Poizner


Kev

Thanks for all the advice, tips, words of encouragement and the like. Just to set the record straight I want everyone to know that this whole saga is not "runing my life", so to speak. Everyone has their own way of dealing with things... mine just happens to be to not get too wound up over things like this. I press on and do everything I think I need to do but, in the end, it is what it is. Life's too short to let the consequences dictate my attitude. There are laws:

The Law of Gravity
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
The Law of Sewing and Reaping (yes, it's a law... at least in my book)

Like Mike said, I have a roof over my head, etc. and this "problem", in the scheme of things, is of little consequence. I would much rather concern myself with matters of consequence (http://www.angelfire.com/hi/littleprince/framechapter13.html)(yes, Dave, you are supposed to read all of it :) )

So, here's the latest:

Thinking about what John said I called the guy who initially introduced me to Juan #1. After telling him my "story" he gave me Juan's son's name and told me where he worked. I called his work yesterday but he was already gone. I called again today and when I talked to him he told me that, yes, Juan went to Mexico for the holidays... good job Gary!. He said his dad will be abck sometime after the first of the year and he would have him get ahold of me. So at least this aspect of it can sit on the back burner for a while.

Now, the insurance company is a different story. I called twice yesterday to no avail. I called again this morning and, as would be expected, my adjustor was not in the office. I spoke with one of his co-workers and found out some "interesting" information. Unbeknown to me, there seems to be some sort of hangup in my claim. According to the guy I talked to, the notes in the system (maybe he wasn't supposed to tell me :confused: ) state that there is a problem with the "coverage of the insured"??? He started reading it out loud, then said "hang on a second", then basically told me thatI would need to sepak to my adjustor to get more information. He said he would personally hand my adjustor a message to call me today.

I called back again 4 hours later (still, no call from my adjustor) and, again, he wasn't in. It appears he came in, "returned messages (except mine:mad:), and went out again. That was at 4:00, and the guy I talked to said he wasn't sure if my guy was coming back or not. If he doesn't come back today I won't be able to talk to him until he gets back from vacation which, at best, will drag this out another 9 days.... maybe 16. I was able to get his "team leader's" name and extension and, if I don't get to talk with him before he leaves I will call her after Christmas an see what I can do.

So, that's it for now. No biggie.... remember... it's still just a car. I've got 2 healthy kids, a loving wife, a nice house, etc. Besides: it was the '67.... now, if it had been the '69 that this happened to, well then, that would have set me off like a rocket :D ---- j/k --- had to throw a little brevity in there for comic relief: this thing is was too serious. Have a great holiday everyone... Merry Christmas, Happy Festivus, whatever.

ho ho ho....
Wish I could help ya.
Merry Christmas

Good News

After my post yesterday I thought about it for a few minutes and decided to give it one more try, I called 5 minutes before they colsed the office and spoke with the sdjustor's supervisor. I spelled out the whole, protracted journey. When I was through I made it know that I was tired of running around and, if I didn't satisfaction immediately I would "take it to the next level". She said she would review the file and get back to me.

An hour later (which was, I think, after hours) she called me back and tyold me to "stop by the office tomorrow" (which is today --- Saturday --- ) and she would have an "estimate" ready for me. Not knowing what that really meant, and not really caring for the fact that at least it was moving in the right direction, I said that would be fine, and we ended our conversation.

I stopped by the office today... it's a huge office, and there was just one person there at the front desk. I told him who I was, he looked at me, shuffled some paperwork, and pulled out an envelope with some paperwork in it. I opened it up and

Good News............. I opened it up and..................?

Well?

Well?

Yeah! The suspense is killing me! :D

I can't believe it. He is lost for words.:noway:

I had to throw down a little "Christmas Jeer" before I let on with the "Christmas Cheer"........

I GOT PAID! :hurray::hurray::hurray:


"........ in the envelope was their estimate an a CHECK. We'll just say that it will be plenty to cover what needs to be done to finish the paint job.

Merry Christmas to me
Merry Christmas to me
Merry Christmas to me - eee
Merry Christmas to me

Geesh...
Great news ! Glad that part of the saga is over and you can get the car fixed after your body man is back from Mexico :)


Kev

I'm glad they did the right thing...finally. What's your estimation of why they closed it out now vs earlier when you gave them the detailed binder of comps?

....What's your estimation of why they closed it out now vs earlier when you gave them the detailed binder of comps?

I think it might have had something to do with the guy I talked to yesterday... the co-worker of my adjustor. I talked to him twice yesterday, and once the day before, and I think he was starting to "feel my pain". I was nice, but audibly getting to my wit's end. The last time I spoke with him I felt like he actually cared (even though he wasn't my adjustor) and he felt pretty bad for me that my adjustor had not even had the courtesy to call me back (my words). When I finished my conversation with him he assured me that he would give my message to my adjustor --- for the third time.

I don't know if it would have ended up with the check coming today or not, but I kno that someone in that office had to know that I wasn't going to go quietly into the night. They probably just wanted to get me out of their hair and someone inthe office said, "let's just cut this guy a check and get it off the books", or something like that.

When all is said and done they gave me a fair settlement. The time it took and the hoops I had to jump through made it kind of taxing but, in the end, it was worth it. I'm just glad that part of the saga is over so I can move on.................... to the next saga :)

Wow. All I can say is... Ay Carumba! Hang in there. It's going to be beautiful.

Jim

Good Deal!
Now we just need to get Juan back from Mexico!

Good Deal!
Now we just need to get Juan back from Mexico!


I think I hear what you're saying. If I'm not mistaken, what you are saying is...................................
























ROAD TRIP
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/dreamweaver11/road_trip.jpg

glad it all worked out for you!

.................... to the next saga :)

:D I'm glad you said it. My thoughts were that the insurance adjusters supervisor was neither FAT nor SINGING when she cut that check. I perversely await ACT III? Will Juan be allowed back in the country? How will the pillar work out? Will DMV leave a cryptic message on the answering machine? What twist of plot is around the next turn for our frustrated protagonist? :D

All the best! And of course, thanks for sharing, I certainly have learned a thing or two about how do deal with insurance co.s through your experience.

Merry Christmas,
Scott

...
All the best! And of course, thanks for sharing, I certainly have learned a thing or two about how do deal with insurance co.s through your experience.

Merry Christmas,
Scott

Happy to be of service! My goal on this site is to be an example of "how not to do things and, when you do, how to further exasperate the situation" by applying ignorance, stupidity and arrogance. I'm doing such a good job of it I think I will give myself an "A" for effort. In fact, I'm doing such a stellar job of it I'm thinking about writing a book.... think I'll call it "Humility and How I Achieved it".

Merry Christmas

Well Woody, you got it done. I for one have been watching this with all the excitement usually reserved for a championship game! The good guy won this time. It just goes to show you how these insurance companies work. They wear you down, hoping you'll go for their low ball offer, and it works ...........most of the time. They are not used to being challenged with conviction, you showed them that and they folded. Today; YOU DA MAN! Good luck, we'll be looking for pics of the finished product, hopefully you'll check out the tow company before you take it home. I'll take a double order of Spark Plug wax!

Merry Christmas

WOW! Finally got the dough, and you didn't have to go to court, or jail for loosin' it and punching somebody out.! Congrats and Merry X-Mas.:hurray:

Cool Beans Cityboy.

Glad you got happy.

Well Steve, Happy Holidays, looks like you got a nice present...:thumbsup: I want to see this 67 once you finish it up....I hope it goes smoothly the rest of the way...Like you said, thank goodness it wasn't the 69....;) Hope you and the girls have a nice holiday!! :D

Sounds like Christmas came a couple days early for ya Steve! Glad to here it worked out! :hurray:

Sounds like Christmas came a couple days early for ya Steve! Glad to here it worked out! :hurray:

X 2 for ya....:thumbsup:

"glad it was the 67 and not the 69"......:sad: what a jokester...:D

..."glad it was the s.67 and not the 69"......:sad: what a jokester...:D

I had to do something to lighten this thread up......... it was getting too serious :) Insurance companies, tow truck drives, workers fleeing to mexico.... a bit of levity to stir the pot would do us all good.

Glad to hear the positive outcome or this for ya Steve - you deserve it after what you went through :thumbsup:
Time for some holiday cheer and "moving on" ...

BTW - don't worry about that door pillar none - if it is bent, I've got a great big Pick-m-up and a good hunk of chain - we'll yank that bad-boy right back into position :yes:
Looking forward to our next 'intervention' :D

Feliz Navidad y-all :thumbsup:

The stateside Juan :p

Looks like your keeping it all in prospective, but did your wife wup up on the tow truck driver ?. Just kidding GOOD LUCK !!!

Looks like your keeping it all in prospective, but did your wife wup up on the tow truck driver ?. Just kidding GOOD LUCK !!!

We all know that me calling this car my "wife's" car is just a rouse... by doing so I can justify more cars :D. If it really was "her" car she would have had a lot more to say to the insurance company than I did, for sure.

On yet another positive note.......

I got a call from the insurance company again today (Christmas Eve?). The supervisor called and said that she heard that I was confounded as to why the check amount I received was less thanthe "estimate" I turned in. When I gave my "book" to my adjustor, I accounted for the estimate I got from a shop to repair the damage, plus the cot of the replacement door, hinges, cost to take the driver's side fender, hood, door off, etc. etc. etc. At their stated cost per hour for the work needed to be done, my estimate came up about $750.00 more than what they gave me. When I got the check I was satisfied that it would cover the work left needed to be done, but I questioned the employee as to why there was a difference and if he could tell me how they arrived at the figure. He said he didn't know but that he would leave a note for the supervisor and, if my repair "shop" (Juan #1 is now a shop :) ) said it would take more $$$ for him to complete it then he needed to give them a call before any work started and they would review it.

I figured, "What the heck... it's goo wnough, so I will just move on", and I never gave it a second thought. I decided to wait for Juan to come back from Mexico and I would just have him do the work. When she called today I found out that my adjustor never even showed her the information I put together... he just made me jump through a bunch of hoops, probably stalling to see if I would do it. When I told his supervisor that I put together a cover letter, detailing all the costs, labo, etc., she asked if I could email it to her, which I happily obliged. So, I may even be getting an additional amount to cover the balance of my estimate.. who knows.

Great to hear Steve...:hurray:

Heeeeeeeeeeee's Baaaaaaaaaaak!

Juan #1 got back from Meh-he-ko On Friday, He called me Saturday morning and said (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Let Roll!" So I met him at the shop and we went over all the details, inasfar as I could actually understand his responses and he mine :D. I'm pretty sure he said that he hopes to have the car back in the paint booth by the end of the month. And, if I understood him correctly, it sounds like what he is going to charge me to finish the car is about 1/2 of what the insurance company reimbursed me. So it looks like I got paid for "pain and suffering" after all. I kind of feel guilty and think that maybe I should spread the difference amongst all those who have suffered through this with me, especially to those who labored through all my long posts. But, after second thought, NAH! I'll just keep it:)

And, if I understood him correctly, it sounds like what he is going to charge me to finish the car is about 1/2 of what the insurance company reimbursed me. So it looks like I got paid for "pain and suffering" after all.Not so fast there Dub. As of January 1st minimum wage is $8.00 per here in Kalifornie. You will have to give Juan a raise! :yes:

So - our checks are in the mail right :D

So what's "our" next project there good buddy, The Steve's and I are waiting to hear ...

I'm in for the completed pics! :D I'm interested to see lots of pretty pictures for inspiration. I own an unrestored tahoe turquoise 67, so i'd like to see what I have to look forward to, hehe... Make sure you supervise the next tow truck! ;)

That's a heck of a good outcome, Kalif.
I'm searching the web as I write for affordable shipping to send mine down. You can commission Juan to use the rest on it............:D
Oh yeah, he'll need those "extra" rs fenders you mentioned and a complete trunk floor.... and a couple other "minar" pieces.

Party funds?










:D

Steve,
Just be sure that the same tow truck company is not in the close mile when you have it transported to and from getting fixed :) BTW..take the extra cash and go out and enjoy it!





Kev

Take that extra money and buy or rent a trailer... take no more chances :noway:

Take that extra money and buy or rent a trailer... take no more chances :noway:


I agree! :yes: Why take any additional cances with someone else "handling" your car. They don't care about it like you do, nor will they take care of it like you will.

So, ya want another project Juan #2? Well, if I get what I'm on to I will have a 57 2 door convertible in hand pretty soon :hurray:... It's been sitting in a garage for over 30 years and hasn't been driven. So, if that one comes into the stable we could have all kinds of fun.

As for the extra funds I plan on using them on the next get together... how about the January Swapmeet in Turlock? I'm thinking about taking a car there to sell. If anyone wants to come over Friday they can stay in the guest house. We could do up some steaks and 'taters on Friday night, marinate some ribs overnight, and come back for an late afternoon party... anyone game?

I bought a trailer :thumbsup: - I will be taking the car to the paint booth and picking it up myself.

MD - You might have to wait in line --- another local TC member caled me and wants Juan #1 to do his car. After mine is done he has to finish up a Corvette and, if the other guy likes the price, his will be next. One way or another I will probably have another car by Feb - March, just in time For Juan to begin again on something of mine, so you will have to get in line:yes:. Also, sorry --- I sold the other RS fenders.

If it wasn't for the hassles of the EPA, permits, and the county snooping around my property I would get a paint booth and not have to worry about transporting a car. THAT would be all I need to really get myself in all kinds of trouble.

Kalif, dont forget me!!! You know I wanna help!!!

Something goes down you or the Steves please give me a holler with a few days heads up to ask for time off!!

PLEASE! I feel left out.

As for the extra funds I plan on using them on the next get together... how about the January Swapmeet in Turlock? I'm thinking about taking a car there to sell. If anyone wants to come over Friday they can stay in the guest house. We could do up some steaks and 'taters on Friday night, marinate some ribs overnight, and come back for an late afternoon party... anyone game?

I bought a trailer :thumbsup: - I will be taking the car to the paint booth and picking it up myself.

MD - You might have to wait in line --- Also, sorry --- I sold the other RS fenders.

If it wasn't for the hassles of the EPA, permits, and the county snooping around my property I would get a paint booth and not have to worry about transporting a car. THAT would be all I need to really get myself in all kinds of trouble.

A 57 would be fun.....:yes:
Going to a swap meet in January would be too....:yes:

Having your own trailer is the best.......:thumbsup:

Damn, I should've pm'd you right away. How about you and the boys watch for a nice clean pair for me.....:hurray:

I have room in my shed for a paint booth too and have considered getting everything to start doing restorations, but I would have the same problems with the regulatory people.....:noway:

Kalif, dont forget me!!! You know I wanna help!!!

......

Not to worry... you're always welcome... you know that. Besides, you're part of the original "Dream Team" --- man!!! that sounded good!

Not sure if January is even close to being a good time to do another "Team Tear Down", but it would be fun to get together and eat some good eats, drink some good drink, and hang out.

Let me know when, I'm always ready to wrench! And of course have a cold one. :beers:

man I feel your pain!! At least it was someone elses fault though. I forgot to tighten the lug nuts on my wheels after a rear disc brake install at my house. I ran my car up the street to the painter where it sat for almost a year. New panels, paint whole nine yards. The car was beautiful. So, a year later, I go to drove it home right after its all done. All of sudden thud, I loose a rear wheel. I look out the window just to see my back left tire bouncing past me. I wish I could have blamed it on someone else. Lesson learned. Now that I look back on things though, i was actually lucky. I lost the wheel turning onto my street going about 20 mph. Moments before, I was running about 60mph.

Wow, that is so not right!!! Sorry to hear about it.

Congrats Steve!
Can't wait to see the completed car.

Oh - Is THAT the objective? To actually finish something? Jeez --- the whole reason I got into this in the first place is because I was told (by a very reliable source) that this "is a hobby where you get going on something, get distracted, lose interest, start another one, get rid of the first one, and begin again." Repeat indefinitely and then re-learn how to play golf so you can find something that's not so frustrating.

If I had known this was a start-to-finish program I wouldn't have signed up for it! I feel betrayed, dismayed, disillusioned and mis-something-or-other.

Let me know when, I'm always ready to wrench! And of course have a cold one. :beers:


GREAT!! The supervisors are gonna be there. $%#*^! There goes all our beer swillin'...:p

GREAT!! The supervisors are gonna be there. $%#*^! There goes all our beer swillin'...:p

Be quiet and get back to work Harley! And put that beer down.:D

Well, it looks like Juan is "back on the job". I haven't bothered to call him because I have been pretty busy lately but he called me today to say, "vaya a conseguirla hecho" (a little spanish lingo I translated off a site --- "Let's get -er done"). So, he's supposed to come over tonight, go over anything I want gone over, and planning on putting it back in the booth Thursday --- keeping fingers crossed. :hurray:

good for you kalif. man i felt so bad for you when you started this thread, now i have to read it everytime it pops back to the top. its more addictive than the "burried backyard treasure" thread!

cant wait to see it done (again)

I was just thinking about this today.

That's great Steve! Can't wait to see it finished! :beers:

Im always up fer sum 'renchin...! :D:D

That's great news.. this means we can drive your Camaro the 2,000+ miles round trip to Yellow Stone this summer instead of mine :)

That's great news.. this means we can drive your Camaro the 2,000+ miles round trip to Yellow Stone this summer instead of mine :)

Velly good, Weedeater. One fatal flaw with your theory, though:


This is the ;67 --- remember? Not the '69. Wurd on the street is that you wouldn't be caught dead in a '67.
Also, this is a Powerglide / 327 / LOPO car. We were going to share th driving, remember? Somehow I can't see you driving this car --- too far beneath you.
Aditionally, this car has no A/C - I can't see driving halfway across the country in a non-A/C car in the middle of summer.
Finally, I've never even started the engine beyond the first day when I fired it up for 10 seconds.... you really want to roll the dice? I know, I know.... if things got bad, you would just jump on a plane and ditch me.That is the conclusion of the "One Fatal Flaw" :D - Taking your "Z" is lookin better all the time, eh?

Velly good, Weedeater. One fatal flaw with your theory, though:

... Aditionally, this car has no A/C - I can't see driving halfway across the country in a non-A/C car in the middle of summer.


Soooo - his 69 Z has A/C :wacko:
Or is it a convertible :disco:

He does have nicer cars than you Steve :bow:

Just trying to help :D

I thought AC was standard on all Z-28's, unless it was a convertible, in whch case it was an option.

I thought AC was standard on all Z-28's, unless it was a convertible, in which case it was an option.

Yeah - now I wish I still had that case of "A/C delete" plates in my shop - I'd be rich :rolleyes:

Kalif, that is what the wing windows are for!!! :yes:

Van wouldn't know a good car if he saw one... :p

Velly good, Weedeater. One fatal flaw with your theory, though:


This is the ;67 --- remember? Not the '69. Wurd on the street is that you wouldn't be caught dead in a '67.
Also, this is a Powerglide / 327 / LOPO car. We were going to share th driving, remember? Somehow I can't see you driving this car --- too far beneath you.
Aditionally, this car has no A/C - I can't see driving halfway across the country in a non-A/C car in the middle of summer.
Finally, I've never even started the engine beyond the first day when I fired it up for 10 seconds.... you really want to roll the dice? I know, I know.... if things got bad, you would just jump on a plane and ditch me.That is the conclusion of the "One Fatal Flaw" :D - Taking your "Z" is lookin better all the time, eh?

Wow....tough crowd! :yes:

HOMEWARD BOUND

The "Saga" is (hopefully) over. Juan (#2) called me this morning and told me the car was painted and for me to come over and take a look. It's not a show car, but it's a nice shiny paint job and, according to Juan, in a couple of weeks when the paint is totally dry, he's coming in to do the sanding, buffing, etc. Then all I have to do is yank the drivetrain, go through it, put weatherstripping and trim on, install the front sheetmetal, grill, headlights, etc., fix the wiring that was cut when we replaced the quarter patch panel, and go through all the mechanicals. So, should have it on the road sometime on the second Tuesday of the first week of the third month of the year of the Dingo.

Here's some pics (I'll post more later)


Notice how there's NO crinkle in the door :hurray:


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2D.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2C.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2B.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2A.jpg



He ended up painting everything except the driver's door and fender, and the front valance.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2H.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2K.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2P.jpg

Looks great Steve! :hurray: Just make sure you don't use the same tow truck driver you used last time! :beers:

I love that color. Looks great!! :thumbsup:

Very nice Steve!! Nice birthday present for yourself! :thumbsup:

:thumbsup::beers:

A different angle:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2N.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2M.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2L.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2J.jpg


A couple of days before he was going to paint it for the second time I wasn't happy with the door / fender gaps. He took them off again and played with them for about a day:


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2G.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2F.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2E.jpg


Juan da bodyman -

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2S.jpg

OK - Now for the observation awareness test: What's different about the car now? Nooooooo --- not the dinged up door:D. There is something different about the car now than when I first got it painted (you can't play Zuma... I already told you).

Car looookeeeng good, Mr. Johnson!!

where is the hood?

Dreamweaver my Juan is bigger than your Juan.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g89/z10paceman/114-1498_IMG.jpg

Look at the 5th or 6th pic in the first picture set from the repaint... it's there

Dreamweaver my Juan is bigger than your Juan.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g89/z10paceman/114-1498_IMG.jpg

But I'll bet my Juan is cheaper than your Juan :D

You have a remote operated mirror (extra hole)?:D

I don't know much about wind wing doors.

You have a remote operated mirror (extra hole)?:D

I don't know much about wind wing doors.

Nope

No rear spoiler holes? Different deck lid? The car can move under it's own power? How many guesses do I get? Is there a prize? :D

No rear spoiler holes? Different deck lid? The car can move under it's own power? How many guesses do I get? Is there a prize? :D

2 out of 3.... Ding Ding Ding - we have a winner:D

No holes because I got a different deck lid. Now I have a "With" and "Without" decklid. Moving under it;s own power.... that would be a stretch.

A different angle:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2N.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2M.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2L.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2J.jpg


A couple of days before he was going to paint it for the second time I wasn't happy with the door / fender gaps. He took them off again and played with them for about a day:


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2G.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2F.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2E.jpg


Juan da bodyman -

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2S.jpg

OK - Now for the observation awareness test: What's different about the car now? Nooooooo --- not the dinged up door:D. There is something different about the car now than when I first got it painted (you can't play Zuma... I already told you).


What are the holes drilled in the quarters right below the body line for? By the way, car looks SWEET!

What are the holes drilled in the quarters right below the body line for? By the way, car looks SWEET!

I am assuming that it is for trim? Since I got the car without the trim attached I'm not sure. But Farmboy knows these cars, soI am sure he will chime in.

I am assuming that it is for trim? Since I got the car without the trim attached I'm not sure. But Farmboy knows these cars, soI am sure he will chime in.

The only problem with reusing the lower holes for the trim is if they do not line up the same way it keft the factory. I welded mine and drilled at installation.:thumbsup:

What is the extra hole by the mirror for?

Yep, theres to many holes. Looks to me like they are going to have be filled and the car repainted. J/K...... :D

There are NO holes in that location from the factory !!!!!
Someone may have added body side moldings in the past, but that doesn't look right...........:eek:

Yep, theres to many holes. Looks to me like they are going to have be filled and the car repainted. J/K...... :D

What I was thinking. That is a big hole. Geez Woody, do your homework.

I hate to ruin your day Kalif but these holes are not supposed to be in your quarter panels. :sad:

http://geocities.com/sdampier@sbcglobal.net/Team_Camaro/PaintDay2G.jpg

The extra hole that Gary spotted where your mirror mounts on the new door should not be there either. If you are lucky the mirror base gasket will cover the extra hole. If the mirror base gasket doesn’t cover the hole you will need to have Juan fill and paint it.

You are going to have to fill those quarter panel holes and spot paint the area. You should have also drilled the holes for the front fender emblems before you painted the car. :yes: I hope you have some paint left over. :D

It’s up to you Dub to make sure the front fender emblems get installed in the correct location. Do your homework and make sure these holes are drilled correctly. You should drill the front fender holes before you repaint the quarter panels just incase you need a paint touch up on the front fenders after drilling the holes. :yes:

mui bueno

OUCH, OUCH, OUCH.......

Man that sucks......I went back to the original pics and the holes in the quarter weren't visible in those pics.........It would've been so easy to correct this then.......:(

Steve, wouldn't the extra hole in the door be for a remote mirror cable ?? It would be SOOOOOO much easier to just add the remote mirror than mess with redoing the door too.

Kalif, Woody, Steve, Dub, Dreamweaver....whatever your preferred title is, I feel a deep sorrow for this continuation of "The Saga". That is such a beautiful car and color and it just doesn't end.

This message has been deleted by DjD. Reason: Not relevant unless Steve wants his thread moved to off topic.

Woody, do not despair. This hobby is two steps forward, one step back sometimes. I have been there. Just get Farm Boy over there and get the hole locations straight. I think you can buy templates for body emblem holes.

Man that sucks! I thought those holes in the quarters were a little odd. I thought i was the only person this stuff happened to. Speechless! :(

Well........hmmmmm......... not quite sure what to say (that's a first, eh?).

* Had a pretty rough day on Friday (birthday day)

* Saturday was like a mountaintop experience --- got the car back, thought all was good, took the day off, drove the 69 around for a couple of hours, came home and slept restfully for the first time in a long time

* Today -All I can say is that I'm glad I didn't log on until just now. Spent the day with the family at a rock and mineral show, picked up a piece of furniture, it was ALL good.... until I saw this.

I think I may just simply be in over my head with this whole car hobby. It's too late for me to lament over the fact that, of all people, I should have started out with a done car Now I'm in it up to my neck. A hole here, no holes there, this hole is too big, this one too small..... ARRRRRRGH! Woulda - Coulda - Shoulda. I've never quit anything in my life but I think this may have all gotten the best of me.

Steve...
Just put a remote mirror on the door and it will be fine. You don't have to install the cable inside if you don't want to. As far as the other quarter holes..i dunno why they are there but, they need to be repaired before you take the car back. Steve..you have been through alot however you need to hang in there on this....

Kev

My 68 had a remote mirror. I replaced it with a standard one and it covered the hole fine.
If you're looking for a pitted remote mirror, let me know.

If anyone knows how you feel Steve it's me. I learned from you guys that all you can do is push forward with all you got when things get rough. Don't stop now your almost there.:cool:

Remember when we all saw the pics of the bent door ?? Most people said " hang, shoot, maim, sue the b@$tard ?? You calmly explained that it was just a car......worse things can happen.
It's still just a car and worse things could happen. Forget the holes in the quarter for now. Drill the holes for the emblems and brush paint them to prevent rust....the emblem is going to cover it anyway. Go ahead with the mechanical repairs and drive the livin $h!t outta it. If people ask what the extra holes are for you can tell them they are an extremely rare prototype of Astro-ventilation.

Turn the computer off and go back to enjoying your family for the rest of today.

Man that really sucks about the holes I hope the paint can be blended in ok . Juan is going to be able to paint that car with his eyes closed, hang in there guy we are pullin for you.Third time a charm good luck one day it will all be worth it.

I'm curious were the holes came from ??
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Stripped/Driverquarter.jpg

Are there really holes there, or are we seeing a reflection??
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/dreamweaver10/67%20RS%20-%20Paint%20Day2/PaintDay2G.jpg

.........I think I may just simply be in over my head with this whole car hobby. It's too late for me to lament over the fact that, of all people, I should have started out with a done car Now I'm in it up to my neck. A hole here, no holes there, this hole is too big, this one too small..... ARRRRRRGH! Woulda - Coulda - Shoulda. I've never quit anything in my life but I think this may have all gotten the best of me.

No way. This car thing is an adventure and a journey. Every day I have to rein in my emotions trying to get mine 100% done. A month a go it was getting the trunk stripes repainted (because I thought all I had to do was buy a stencil kit :clonk:) and other chips I made by mistake. One was a real stupid mistake. I have worked on cars one way or another since I was a teenager. But I have never restored a whole car before, doing most of the labor myself. Next time we visit I will tell you everything it took me to get to the end.:beers:

This message has been deleted by DjD. Reason: Not relevant unless Steve wants his thread moved to off topic.

Soooo - his 69 Z has A/C :wacko:
:D

Vintage Air , Vintage 68 ... since I put in the big SB and TKO 600 I drive this car so much I got tired of feeling like I was in one of Steve's spas while I was driving.

Steve.. don't worry about it . easy fix and the paint looks great. I have a NOS remote mirror if you need one I will lend it to you long term.

Thanks for all the well-wishes and warm fuzzies. Not quite sure what I am going to do at this point. I went out and checked the car late last night. Yep --- holes on both sides of the quarters. The only thing I can think is that they had to have been there when I got the car. Everything about this hobby has been facinating as well as a learning experience ever since I have jumped into the waters. The reasons I got involved in th first place was because I have never ben mechanical --- with anything --- nor exposed to the whole muscle car side of life. Like everything else, being the epitome of an OCD personality, I went at it with total ignorance, full throttle, and misplaced confidence in what I might be able to accomplish. Now all I have is an unsettled feeling in my gut that I stepped into an arena that requires much more knowledge and awareness than meets the eye.

As for the holes in he quarters I can only assume that the previous owner had some sort of trim there. When I got the car it was stripped to bare metal and all the trim was off the car. I only have myself to blame for the ignorance of not knowing that they shouldn't have been there. I have too many things pressing me at work so, for now, I am probably just going to throw a car cover on it and tuck it away. I'll call Juan and ask him if he has any paint left over and have him bring it over. From there.... who knows. I just don't have the time nor the energy to deal with this right now, so I'll push it off to the side and forget about it for a while. I'm sure the saga will continue at some point down the road but, for now, I'll just press on with the other side of life and, at some point down the road, I will figure out what to do with this. Thanks again for all the help and encouragement everyone. To be continued...........

But I'll bet my Juan is cheaper than your Juan :D

I AM NOT Cheap - but I'm kinda easy ... :disco:
But I am the smallest 'Juan' in my family :sad:
Oh, wait, which 'Juan' are you talkin' about here ...

Steve, car looks great!

Don't worry 'bout them holes. We can fix them or (as the one germane thing "Wild 72" said to this thread :rolleyes: ) they could be covered by some aftermarket 'ding' trim to prevent parking-lot issues with this daily-driver for your wife - this still is a driver project for Val isn't it?
Pretty girl gets pretty car still right :yes:

The family is good, weather is getting better, the show-swap season is almost here, the birds are reproducing ( strike-that :o ), Van has a Z with Air and now is the newest recrute in the "Parts-Lend/Lease Program" :D we started for you a while back to get your project done and the 'boys' are itching to come over and work on something again soon - thingys are going pretty good in my eyes :beers:

You have a 67 assembly manual don't you? The measurements are in there for the emblems. I can come over to help you lay out the holes if you need - it ain't rocket surgery :noway:

Sit back - have another Scotch - the roses are just starting to bloom ...

(ps: - you posted while I was typing dang-it ...
YES - get any extra paint you can from Juan - we may need a bit later as we assemble.
Think of this like Golf - you bought good equipment and still weren't no 'Tiger Palmer', but you had some fun - go with that ...
You buddy John )

I went out and checked the car late last night. Yep --- holes on both sides of the quarters. The only thing I can think is that they had to have been there when I got the car.
As for the holes in he quarters I can only assume that the previous owner had some sort of trim there. When I got the car it was stripped to bare metal and all the trim was off the car. I only have myself to blame for the ignorance of not knowing that they shouldn't have been there. To be continued...........


Steve, the 2 pics I posted just above this are of YOUR car, right out of YOUR online photo album. I don't see the holes in the car on either side in the "stripped" section. Were they under the filler and Juan uncovered them ?? Why would he just leave them and not ask you or refill ?? These are just questions that nag at me. The fact remains that the holes are real, but you may be taking blame for something that others did ??
If I had the financial means, I would LOVE to take that car off your hands. How long would I have to live in the guest house and work for you to pay it off ?? :D Just kidding (kinda) taking a timeout with it will help when you're ready to get back to it.

The side moldings pictured only look good on those homely 69's and what are those GODAWFUL wheels ??;)

Not that I believe in Omens, but......... (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/601951168.html)

Call him ......get the VIN. I've always wondered if they scheduled these cars for same color and option production runs. It would be really interesting to see how close they are.
Hopefully it's also an inspiration for you to keep slogging.:thumbsup:

Not that I believe in Omens, but......... (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/601951168.html)


Steve :sad:
Your's will be much prettier than that one when we're done :beers:

Thanks for all the encouragement everyone........... I'm feeling MUCH better now































http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/dreamweaver11/Stupid%20Stuff/flu3.jpg


I went out to the shop and looked over the whole car. I only found one more hole... it's right between the shoulders, just above my eyebrows.

The reason I was somewhat nonchalant about the door getting crushed is because it was just something that happened, something beyond my control. I didn't blame my painter for what happened because it was the tow truck driver's fault. The comments made by Wild72 were unfounded, and unnecessary (thank you for taking them off this thread Dennis). Someone's ethnic background or the language barrier has absolutely nothing to do with what happened. The fact is that it is my fault. If I had known what to look for I would have spotted it. My ignorance is the only place blame can be placed.

That being said I appreciate the P.M.'s, emails and phone calls of encouragement. I'm sure I will get back in the saddle at some point. For now I will try to focus on the positives..... here's one:yes::

The fenders are the originals, so they have the holes pre-drilled and should be correct. I'm going to leave it at that for the time being and not take any pics of them to post, just in case the previous owner tricked one of the fenders out by installing a flagpole holder or something:cool: ---- maybe what I need in the future is a Professional Camaro Consultant to monitor my every step so I don't screw it up in the future. On second thought, if I did that, you wouldn't have me to pick on any more.................. Naw.... I'll just keep going in the same vein just so you guys have a little comic relief and a can to kick around. :D

Dream,

If is the worst thing you have happen you are doing good. :yes: The car is looking great, this is just a little bump on the road to restoring the car. Just have him weld the holes shut and blend in the quarter and move on, after all it's just a darn old 67 anyway right? ;):p

Keep your chin up and stay focused on the positive and you will have it finished and be enjoying the car before you know it.

:beers:

He can match that paint, heck he blended the rest of it by the door etc and it looks great. Have him do it now or say the heck with it and get a parking lot ddor ding molding to go there and call it done. Thing is I bet you spend as much for some molding to cover what you can have fixed. If he has the paint it's not a big deal. Weld em up, sand etc, blend it clear it and in a few weeks he sands and buffs it. You will never know they were there and guess what. You can still install that door side ding prenvention molding if you want!!

Open a cold beer or soda sit back in the hot tub. Have the wife rub your solders or feet and think about how happy she will be be driving it and that you gave it to her.

I gave my gal a Mustang Vert for Valentines day..........ohhh ya baby I am going to be taken care of for a very long time!! Get that Camaro together and give it to her. The gratitude payback is......well you can't post that kind of stuff here!!

Joe