One less...

[roughashlar]

I'm sorry to have to report this; I feel like I have let all of you down. On Sunday morning at 7:15, I hit a patch of ice and put Horace, my new R/T, into a ditch. Most of the front end ended up taking on water-- in fact, the glovebox was soaked.

An adjuster will be out to look at him in the morning. I am really bracing myself for the worst. I know that in the end I should be thankful that I am okay; it took 2 tow trucks to get me out and one of the drivers said that I was really lucky that I didn't flip the car. I also know that I shouldn't care so much about a damn car... but I do. I only had Horace for three weeks-- in fact, my wife ordered my personalized plates and they haven't even shown up yet.

Thanks to you all. Johnny and I will miss Horace.

Peace,

Eric, M:.M:.

1992 Silver Spirit R/T -- "Johnny"
1991 Red Spirit R/T -- "Horace"

[Tudds]

That sucks... buy it back and part it

[Scottmon]

Glad you're OK and it was a more common red '91 car that got whacked instead of the super rare silver one.

[Omniboy]

if you don't buy it back I'm sure several people on this board would like to have it. Keep everyone posted on what the buy back price is.

[Shadow16V]

Give someone the option to save it rather than part it.

[roughashlar]

So....

At this point, we still haven't heard anything from State Farm regarding our claim. Our intention is to keep the car and slowly repair him. I'm still researching things like having a salvage title and what exactly that will mean. I'm sure I could never sell him-- after all, that was never the reason we purchased him. But I am curious about insurance, etc. If anyone can help me out, please feel free to do so.

I also have to be honest and admit that I am nowhere near the kind of mechanic who could handle a complete overhaul of a skateboard, let alone something as sophisticated as a T III engine and 568 transmission. So you'll probably be getting lots of questions, etc.

Thanks for your help and support.

Peace,

Eric, M:.M:.
Crow, Oregon

Proud Papa of the Dodge Brothers

1992 Silver Spirit R/T -- "Johnny"
1991 Red Spirit R/T -- "Horace"

[mopar2ya]

I see the vulchers are already circleing the carcas....

[roughashlar]

One last thing before I retire for the night...

I just had Horace towed back home. Upon his arrival, I started poking around. The only trouble codes I am getting are 12, 47, and 55. There *appears* to be no major damage under the hood, other than the alternator getting a good soaking. I will be draining the oil, cooling, and tranny over the weekend; a look at the dipstick and under the rad cap isn't showing anything to be over concerned about.

There is quite a bit of water on the floorboards; I'm going to try to get that out this evening and pull the seats over the weekend and get the carpet out to get everything dry. Interestingly enough, the air filter was bone dry.

More over the weekend. Any advice or hints would be appreciated.

Peace,

Eric, M:.M:.
Crow, Oregon

Proud Papa of the DOdge Brothers

1992 Silver Spirit R/T -- "Johnny"
1991 Red Spirit R/T -- "Horace"

[turboshelbys]

faster the better, i would not drain the oil, let it be a "barrier" to any water intrusion. pull the drivetrain and tear it down or get it to an engine shop ASAP, before rust sets in. you are on the right track by getting it dried out as fast as you can. be safe rather than sorry. i would not try flush and filling. if you turn the key to get it started, it only takes a couple of seconds to ruin the motor/trans. a little water can be a killer. you would be better off in the long run, especially if your keeping it, to tear it down and see the damage/intrusion first hand. good luck.

[speedyshelby16]

make sure there no water in the cylinder area too. As for a salvage title. In wisconsin you need 4 pics of the side of before being fix. Document everything purchased and you need to set an insection put with the state patrol before it can driven again

[abarguy]

Great for you that the damage wasn't too severe. We'll all be looking forward to seeing him successfully back in action.

[roughashlar]

I have good news/bad news then. The car has already been started and run by someone who didn't know what he was doing (aka me). The car turns over fine, idles fine, etc. I will most likely be draining the oil/ tranny and be refilling them with regular oil to let them circulate and clean out those systems... assuming that there is no damage.

--Eric, M:.M:.

[roughashlar]

One last update before I close the thread. I received a call from State Farm this afternoon. Surprisingly enough... they offered me a very favorable price for the car. Even more surprisingly... their scrap value (alias the buyback price)... was all of $248. Needless to say, I'll be keeping him.

Peace,

Eric, M:.M:.
Crow, Oregon

Proud Papa of the Dodge Brothers

1992 SIlver Spirit R/T -- "Johnny"
1991 Red Spirit R/T -- "Horace"

[Tudds]

hooray for Horace

[turbovanman]

Wow, $248 for a TIII car, damn!