Fixing my car-let the games begin!

Okay, so you've seen the thread about the evil eucalyptus tree dropping a large branch on my car. Well, the insurance adjuster came out today and said (pending management review, estimates, etc) that my car's totaled. The fact of the matter is that it's very fixable, having only sheet metal damage.
I'm going to keep the car. He said that's ok, that they'd just deduct salvage value from my settlement. I've had it nearly 10 years and grown to love it, as it has loved me. Like an old dog, I'd rather spend a few bucks on vet bills than have to train another one.
Basically, the car needs the roof repaired or replaced, the quarter panels replaced, and the taillight section and support replaced. A couple of dents in the doors are easily fixed. It'll probably have a salvage title, so we're not talking value here. It's actually a great relief to take value out of the equation, as now I can do whatevertheheckIwant to it. It needs a full paint, so I can do it purple if I want! Maybe fins! Well, maybe not fins.
The race car-the famous 358-has 355 sheet metal in the rear. Maybe I'll do that and there will be two.
Well, here's your chance to take a shot a car design. Lemmeknow your thoughts. Put those drawing or photoshop talents to work and show me some ideas!
Maybe a berlinetta?
Maybe a speedster?
Leave it red or custom paintscheme?
Stripes?
Flames?
Flares?
Where does the exhaust exit?

 

Good for you!! Glad you want to keep her. Maybe some mods will be fun but nothing to crazy.

 

I think this is cool myself..
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the other Bruce's ideas of installing the Moose Antlers to aid in downforce..

and..

a rear trunk for golfclubs and dead bodies!

 

Wow, sorry about the car though great to be able to keep it. Weld on a roof and have the car wrapped in black chrome vinyl. So many options. Sounds like it runs ok?

 

Bruce,

Call me at the office tomorrow, I have a suggestion for you

Craig
310 937 6700

 

Runs and drives perfectly. Moose antlers for spoilers!!!
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Get it done, Bruce

 

Chaparral Wing in the back, it's a must have

Maybe one in the front also like on Chris's car

Then we can go Time Attack racing
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This is one of the 458 race cars that competed at the Ferrari Challenge race in Austin. This color would definitely stand out.
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Exhaust suggestions!!
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I like your way of thinking, Bruce. In the right hands, your car can be easily repaired. My F355 Challenge wound up on its roof during its racing days. It's still around today; a better car than it was eighteen years ago...
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Why doesn't the city buy you another one? You have lost value in the title, you have lost value because you are going to fix it yourself? Someone needs to pay you alot of money if you are going to go down the fixing it road.

 

It ain't about the money. That's not the issue, but a bit of a limitation. We're talking rebuilding my car here.

 

Would love to offer any assistance I can. I'm not an expert but have some experience in sheet metal, mechanical etc. I'm in San Diego and could drive up on the weekends provided you have cold beer.

 

Roger that. Then build this...
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Is have to see to it in person but is bet you can bring those fenders back. Little hammer little heat.

 

In my opinion you are letting emotions control your decision. Sit bad, take a breath, and think about it. It's just a car. See what they offer. Realize you don't have to accept their initial settlement offer if you find it unsatisfactory. You are entitled to be made whole (cost of replacement including any taxes, etc.) See what you can get. Ultimately, I'd take a negotiated settlement and go shopping.

If you do decide to fit it, which seems to be a decision already made, from the pictures you posted I would expect that a good shop would straighten the quarters, not replace them. Passenger side quarter looks like a couple of days work to rough out at most.

 

Glad your not letting it die & be parted out.

I'd say no to mods. And do allocate $$$ to other things that you don't see.
With that much weight hammering that much damage, expect the suspension to have suffered, the engine mounts, the engine to have shifted which means an engine bearing or two might decide it was time to pass away... There's lots of incidentals coming your way. Trust me, it's just not sheet metal.

 

With the right settlement, just think of what you can create! Make it totally standard concours or mod it like crazy - the opportunity is there with the right settlement. I don't know about anyone else but I didn't buy my 348 coz I had an eye on its value in 3,5 or 10 years. I bought it because the 348 is one of my dream cars and all being well I will keep it forever. I've wanted one since I was 15. I love my 348 not anyone else's, it was my first 348 and first Ferrari. What it's worth isn't important to me. It's not as if the damage is unknown, you have eyes wide open accepting of the damage and the road to repair. It also prevents another 348 from being taken away from us...so fair play. Good luck...

 

Yep, it's all about creating something.
It's not about the settlement. It's not about the insurance negotiations, nor who's liable, etc. I'm not a concours guy, and in fact perfect cars are boring to me. I want a hotrod 348. It's that simple.
I know there are some really creative guys here.
I want it a little or a lot different. I have the engine plan. Search the thread "355 throttle bodies on a 348" if you want to see that. Yes, it's going to have velocity stacks sticking up out of the engine cover. The big question is:
What to do with the body now that it's going to be worked anyway?

 

512tr engine/trans with 550 wheels, speciale rear treatment, lm lights. That'd be one hell of a hot rod.

 

Dude, I offered you my TB aka the Bushmobile for a blowout price that the insurance company should easily have covered for you. I'm talking big brakes and all. Well known..... Heck half of So Cal knows it.
Have you lost your mind? Vince, we need an intervention here. This is lunacy.

 

Fender and quarter-panel mods to accommodate more grip or just buy my Challenge car

 

...like this
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