Oh dear. That looks very bad. It looks like the door has been affected too. But chassis straightening machines are amazing and obviously this car is worth fixing. Pete
Hi Pete Yes, The car is a sad sight. The door does close and latch, but the door jamb has been pushed forward and interferes slightly. The whole rear body work has been pushed forward and upward. There are creases in the roof on both sides. I went to the scene and got the rear fender off the tire and he drove it to my place for a few days so the insurance company can see it and a body shop can be chosen. It was amazing. I followed close behind him and the brake and directional lights were still working! Aloha Larry Image Unavailable, Please Login
These cars will never be totaled. Yes the insurance company might give up on it, but somebody will restore it and it will be perfect again. But this car will likely need to have the complete rear of the car stripped and rebuilt, thus it really will need up having a complete restoration. Like I said though, chassis straightening machines can do amazing things. Pete
Hi everyone Ron, Reece, zff, bdelp, Pete: The owner IS pretty sick about the whole incident. He has had the car many, many years and it was a very nice car. It will be fixed. I am sure. It might be that the main frame is OK. Just by eyeball, everything looks normal. The suspension and brakes seem untouched. Even the handbrake still works. Anyway, I will let him know that you all feel his pain. Pass, I will make him aware of your interest. He has knowledge of and connections in the collision repair business here so he will be pretty independent in the decision making. Aloha Larry
The last time I saw that car, it was Mauka-bound on Piikoi near Beretania. I was a few cars behind in a black Nissan GTR, trying to weave my way around to catch up to him. I just wanted a better look at that beautiful machine, but I think he saw me coming up behind him. He took off when I got close, and I didn't want to give chase.
DAYUM!! I saw it by La collezione last week. So sad to see it like that!! Hope nobody got hurt... Hopefully, it ll be back to shape soon
Work has started on the Dino. I find it amazing that they have made such good progress. They are still unsure of how much of the original metal can be saved. All in all, a very good start! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Kris You ask a very good question. I have given the issue some thought, but I don't have a good simple answer. I guess it is that "Hawaii" is "home" and I hope to add some content to the section. I was under the impression that cross posting was frowned upon in the internet forum world. Maybe I should put up a post with some basic info and a link to this thread. Hi Kevin The shop doing the work is on the Big Island. The car landed there because they have the "latest and greatest" frame machine in Hawaii. The shops that were considered on Oahu did not want to take on the job. Hi bdelp It IS good to see such progress. The owner is feeling much better about the eventual outcome. Aloha Larry
Hi Michael Thanks very much for your good wishes. I will relay them to the owner. Hmmm! I looked in my contact information for this customer and see that i have never taken note of the serial number. I will ask him and, if he has no objection, I will share the information. Aloha Larry
Running an iron over the wrinkles....;>) Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi I think that the brand of the frame machine has been mentioned, but it was the classic case of "in one ear and out the other": nothing in between to absorb the information....;>) The car is at this shop because they have the frame machine. It is supposed to be the best, most advanced unit in Hawaii. I will try to get the information and relay it to you. Aloha Larry