What do you mean total loss?

[montegut]

Just heard from Hagerty about my claim on my '87 GT.  It was damaged in Hurricane Ida. Damaged windshield, bent drip rails, small crack over the passenger's window and paint scratches and scuffs all around the car. They called it a total loss with repair cost of over $7600! My insured value is $7500 so I can accept it as total loss and surrender it or keep it with a salvage title which has to be converted to a reconstructed title when repairs have been completed.  They will give me just over $5000 with salvage title. Have to decide if I want to look for a good replacement for $7500 or get it fixed and have basically a salvage title.   I am having a local shop give me an estimate.

[SpadeCustoms]

Having a salvage title is not a big deal honestly. The damage doesn't seem ridiculous to fix either. Did it have flood damage?

[Raydar]

Having a salvage title is not a big deal honestly. The damage doesn't seem ridiculous to fix either. Did it have flood damage?

Did it bend any of the structure, under that edge, where the drip rail is? Or is it all cosmetic (i.e. plastic bodywork and trim)?
Did you ever find drip rails?

Edit - I don't know about Louisiana, but in GA, I believe the shop doing the "reconstruction" must be licensed to do that work. There is a separate inspection facility that the car must be trailered (not driven) to, for the inspection. That may have changed, but it's how it was in the past.
Seems silly, for something like this.

Regardless... I suspect that, once it's repaired, Hagerty will refuse to insure it, or will have a bunch of... stipulations

[Fierofool]

Honestly, that doesn't look to be too serious.  If it were me, just based upon what I see in the pic, I'd withdraw my claim and have one of our paint and body men (John Champagne or Tha Driver) replace the top panel and windshield.  Is there any evidence that the A-pillar is bent?

We have a car with a good roof.  I may have a good drip rail out in my storage building.  If not, I know the Warrior Project car up at Tha Driver's has good drip rails on it as well as a good roof.  The Formula parts car that Ralph and Jimmy got from Pat also has a good roof, though I'm not sure if it's sunroof or not. 

Edited:  Just checked an old thread and Pat's parts car is a sunroof car.

[The Art Doctor]

I'd rescind this claim and file the glass claim only and keep the car with a clear title (assuming they will let you at this point).  Your rates will probably not go up (too much) then too.  Buff out the scratches and you have a good story.  This way you could sell it with minimal hassle if you need/want to without having to explain to everyone why it has a "rebuilt" title which scares most folks away.

Other option, what can you get for $7500, should buy you a nice low mile car.

BTW they have a "Family Heirloom" policy option that is a payout on claims with no collection by them of the vehicle for resale to reclaim some of their loss.

In GA, I believe, a private person can rebuild something like three cars a year without a license and get them passed, any more and you need to be an approved car re-builder.   Still get stuck with a marked title (85 and newer).

[montegut]

Thanks for the info and support. Will decide what to do as soon as I get the estimate from you friend with the body shop.

[montegut]

Good news. A local shop submitted an estimate to Hagerty that they accepted. Looking for drip rails. One problem after finding some is getting them shipped because of their size. Will tackle that problem later. Still waiting on insurance for a new roof. Hopefully get that done in a couple of weeks but progress.

[Fierofool]

That is good news.  I have drip rails in my storage building.  They don't need to be installed as soon as the roof repair is done.  Pick them up sometime when you come out to visit your daughter. 

Did you contact ThaDriver about getting a roof from one of his parts cars?  The Warrior Project car has a good roof and drip rals.  It would probably require a SUV or truck with a bed cover to transport back home. 

[montegut]

Thanks Charlie. I hope to be back up to Atlanta in March and can pick them up if available. Still trying to make a meeting! I didn’t contact The Driver because the damage to the roof has turned out to be minimal. Only cosmetic and should be easily fixed.

[Fierofool]

My initial thoughts were that there wasn't major damage.  SMC body filler will probably repair it if the body shop is knowledgeable of how to remove the panel without breaking the A-pillar section. 

Just let me know when you're coming out and I'll get the rail to you.  If you visit at any other time, I'm on the I-85 corridor, east of Atlanta.  Do you need both rails or just one?  I truly need the left one.  My left one was broken at the rear tip during the repaint. 

[montegut]

That is great. The left one is smashed. The right one only slightly dented and looks like it can be pulled back into shape.

[montegut]

I mean the right one was smashed. The left just slightly bent.

[Fierofool]

How's progress on the car?  Let me know when you're coming out this way and I'll get the drip rail to you. 

[montegut]

All repairs on hold right now. Still trying to get a roof on my home so we can start interior repairs. That's another story.

Hagerty has been great. They sent a check to repair my mustang right away. Worked with me so as not to total the Fiero but...the shop that agreed to repair the Fiero had their body man quit. They are trying to hire new body guy(s) now. I am going to take the car home and remove as much of the trim, tail lights, mirrors as possible and they will work with me on the price. Not worried about the shop because I know the owner and he has a great reputation.

Was in Houston this weekend and was able to make a quick pass at a "you pull, you pay" salvage yard. They had two Fieros and I was able get an outside mirror to replace a damaged one. Looked for the rear knuckle I saw one member was needing but no luck.

Charlie, my daughter said she could pick up the drip rail you have. I will get with her to see when she is available and then contact you.  Thanks

[Fierofool]

I'm in the Winder area.  I'm sure she knows where that is.  I can get it to her during the middle of the day, or if she wants, she can come to the March club meeting in Marietta on the 12th and I'll bring it.  Just let me know.