Ok, I'm caught in a tight time frame.

I got the check from the Ins Co today for the full amount of the damages. But with the Expo right around the corner I'm afraid to miss out on it.

So here are my options tell me what you think. While reading the options please keep in mind that I'm really broke

Option #1
Take the chance and have the body shop start on the caR tomorrow and pray its finished by the 20th so I could get a wheel alignment. Now the gamble is if they don't finish the caR in time I'm SOL on the expo. but will have a repaired car. I would also like to sell the ae86 asap so I could buy the exhaust I want. I have two people very interested in it but don't have an answer yet- also If I sell the ae86 before the expo, I'll have enough $ for gas, the exhaust and what ever else is needed to get to the expo.

Option #2
Take the check from the Ins Co and get the exhaust I want, get the wheel alignment and have the cash to get to expo. Downside... I'll have to drive the car looking like ****. Also On the downside- If I don't sell the ae86 for the amount I want then I won't be able to fix the R when I get back from the expo for a while. and will be miserable

Side notes:
I need the wheel alignment for two reasons, the car was hit, and I have the Traction bars that were only slightly adjusted by me.
The muffler needs to be replaced, I have a used one from Ed (thanks again) and could just slap that on but would like the new system so if Jack or Willard want to butt tune the vafc they could... if they want to.
I also have to have the caR inspected in NJ as soon as I get it back and thats going to set me back a bunch. (no cat & tint )

I'm sure I'm missing some info, anyway... Please tell me what you would do in this situation?

thanks, Please be honest in your post. I'm going to go with the majority

Here is a pic of my car in its current shape, maybe this will help your decision ???

 

Option 1. You'd be the happiest that way. If possible describe your situation to the body shop to make sure theyd get the car done in time.

 

OK I asked the body shop today if they could get it done and his answer was yeah it should be no problem. "should be" has me thinking...

 

Up to you Rob! (as if it wasn't) LOL!

Don't know what to tell ya.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OK I asked the body shop today if they could get it done and his answer was yeah it should be no problem. "should be" has me thinking... </TD></TR></TABLE>

Doesn't seem like a problem then!

 

I would actually say option 2. The body shop will go by the insurance estimate, but still push for OEM parts.... the problem is sometimes it takes longer than expected for parts to come in (oem or aftermarket)... and if they find something damaged that is not on the estimatte because they adjuster took too basic of a look, then you are talking about a suppliment in which all work is stopped, the adjuster must come out again, come up with a new estimate, write a new suppliment check, and more parts ordered, and more time. You dont need to get the work done ASAP. Your check is good for 6 months, and when it goes in for work after the expo, if a suppliment is needed, the insurance company is still liable.... Thats my .02.

-Mythias

 

i have been in the same situation, and taken the gamble with the body shop, they did not get my car finished in time.... if it makes you feel any better, i will be driving to the expo with an owned front bumper...

 

if the car is drivable, find or borrow a rear bumper cover and the insert. maybe get those new with the ins. money. slap it on then go to the expo. send the car to the bodyshop after you come back.
you never know whats gonna happen an the track. or during the trip.
imo

 

I also have been thinking about that too....

 

Body shops are the last place you want to depend on for a deadline. Personally I'd say remove the bumper cover and rear section of te exhaust for when you're on the track, because who cares what it looks like? Also theres always the chance of something happening ON the track and you might as well wait until you're not constrained by the body shop and hoping that it gets done just in time. I'm sure they'll be plenty of Rs there with roadracing battle damage and you'll fit right in.

 

bah, thats barely a scratch. get an alignment and fix it when you get back.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I also have been thinking about that too.... </TD></TR></TABLE>

On the other hand have your "friend" at the body shop move it along, pronto ... and stand over him with a whip!

 

i vote take it to the shop asap as soon as you return from the expo. also, you should probably get a quote to get it painted the proper nighthawk black pearl that R's are supposed to have. phairy yellow

 

I would enjoy the car better if it was fixed and having it look like that...true that you would miss EXPO but I dont consider the vehicle fit for the drive there either...I would get it fixed to enjoy the real beauty of it!

 

how about option 1-1/2

have the body shop go to work, if it isn't completley done by the expo, take it anyway. (hopefully it's driveable.)

Just remove the rear bumper if they haven't repaired it etc..

Or..theres option 3 rock the '86 on the track

 

i'd go with option 1 if the bodyshop you are dealing with has a good rep and does good work that you have seen for yourself. otherwise, i wouldnt have them do a 'rush' job and half-*** it. ask the right questions such as how much time they'll need to get the parts in on time, and let the owner know how important the expo is to you. also, mentioning the possibility of you bringing in more of your friends "from the expo" to do some work to their cars will help your chances of the shop doing a fine job as an example for your buddies to see. they want the business.

you can choose option 2, but if i felt the way you did about the damage(and i would), getting to the expo would only be bittersweet. no sense going and be bothered half the time in your mind about the damage. how could you enjoy yourself and make the trip and dollars spent worthwhile?

either way, plan 1 has a better advantage of falling into place as you plan, esp if you can sell the other car.

 

option one.. and mayve if u can get some cash and slip the machinic a 50 he'd fix it faster.. i know you said ur broke but machines freaking take so long with stuff.. hope u make it to the itr expo ur looking so forward too

 

There is high probability that the body shop will not complete the car on time. From dealing with any accident that I had or my friends, I have never heard of getting a car early or on time, the body shops have always been late.

In your options you are mixing "needs" and "desires":

Needs: A car that is driveable and safe.
Wants: Exhaust, expo, etc.

If you meet your "needs", then you can get some of your "wants". Here is what I would do.

1. Make the car driveable and safe. I would put on the used exhaust, get an alignment and make sure that the bumper will not fall off. This will allow me to drive to the expo.
2. Then I would drive to the Expo, have a blast and fulfill this "want".
3. When I get back, I will sell the AE86 and see how much money I have left from the expo. If I don't have enough for my VAFC tuning and the exhaust I want, then I don't have enough. I don't buy the exhaust. I suppress this "want." But, still get my car fixed properly.
4. I need to get my car inspected so I need a cat and no tint. So, I need money for a normal exhaust and removing tint (or whatever, I am not sure about this, but I am sure that you need a cat and lighter tint.)

Above is just an example. I think you need to analyze what are your needs versus your wants and then fulfill your needs. By focusing on your "wants" you may end up with nothing.

 

You get that f'ing car up and running or i'll kick j00r *** Rob.

&lt;--Going back on vacation

 

Opie, You are sober??

 

fix the car later stunna

 

i would say option 1.... be smart not dumb... but honestly if you that broke were you are getting your gas money by selling that part then i think you should stay home but thats just me.

 

GREAT... now I'm more confused then when I first thought about this.

 

there is no confusion. fix it later! dont cash the check yet so u wont spend it. cash it when you get back.

 

expo = your money
fixing car = insurance co.'s money

dont take a chance on wasting your own money. the insurance check will last six months, your money has already been spent. plus, maybe you will win an exhaust while you are there.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RTW DC2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">there is no confusion. fix it later! dont cash the check yet so u wont spend it. cash it when you get back.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree, fix it later. Make the car safe, operational and available for expo and make an appointment at the shop ahead of time for as soon as you get back kinda as incentive.

Not like the car has to be beautiful to run with the herd, remember last year there were a few cars including that Scoobie with wrinkles and mismatched panels. And the way I met Ross was, he was rinsing off his banana for like the first time in a year or some such.


Anton--who will be with you guys in spirit, unfortunately though not in person to win gifts and then give them away to the R-speed crew.