I got in a crash with my 350SDL today - Page 6 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sixto · #76 03-05-2015, 10:45 PM

It must be killing you not to be able to tear into it until the paperwork is settled

Sixto
MB-less

ROLLGUY · #77 03-06-2015, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

It must be killing you not to be able to tear into it until the paperwork is settled

Sixto
MB-less

That was the case until this afternoon when the adjuster said I could start the work since he got all the information and photos he needed.

Adriel · #78 03-07-2015, 08:07 PM

Rich, so glad you are alright, especially that insurance is actually moving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna

Ohh... right. Which would be better to fire? I guess the tensioner wouldn't destroy any other part of the car with it, whereas the airbag takes out part of the dash and blows air bag dust all over the place.

I hate air bags! Even when new are useless! My Focus ZXW ended up going into a concrete center divider (young and poor design of front wheel drive), buckled eight places, smashed up and crushed the drive line, but none, including the side bag that would have reduced the whiplash, didn't go off. What use is that?

Further, they must be replaced every 10 years to be reliable, according to Volvo. Who has done that?

S.R.S. seat belts need no special attention and hold you in the seat the same or better than S.R.S. air bags.

My Volkswagen has no tensioners, got hit in the passenger front, and moved less than the Focus tensioner belts. Folks worry too much!

Get in, drive, and if you are hurt, that's life!

How did our parents survive riding loose in a basket placed in the back with no restraint?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mytmousemalibu

I think there is a lot to be said for this! Also a shameless plug to go get involved in autocross. You need not have a sports car (though more fun) nor do you need to be the fastest guy on earth. Its a mix of aggressive driving and braking and can really get a person a custom to how there car might react in an avoidance maneuver or hard braking. Can teach you how your vehicle reacts to various inputs. I can honestly say it's kept me out of an accident or two. And on top of it all, its a lot of fun and not expensive to go try. Our local region club is $30 for non-members for the day and you can use a club helmet for free.

Ditto!

In my last accident was able to reduce damage by not hitting strait on and just about two weeks ago, hit construction dirt, and slid Dukes of Hazard style through the intersection!

Don't recommend it, but was a thrill!

Point is, unlike the Focus, know the limits much better, know it handles good for a S.L.S. wagen, and know how to focus and look away from the accident and to opportunity.

And I had loads of fun in the safety class! I surprised my teacher by how drastic I improved lap time, and was marginally "beat" by a G wagen, who mostly had A.B.S. going for him.

One other note, maintain your suspension!

You need it to apply the down force from the breaks. I didn't know mine was shot until I couldn't lock up the breaks due to slop. Put me at fault and got a very hefty ticket, along with the pain and agony seeing the classic I am custodian of damaged.

I also didn't ever think of both feet stop, teacher didn't even mention it!

Very good idea!

Still young and learning, and less wrecks than my age group, so not experienced.

ROLLGUY · #79 03-13-2015, 11:32 PM

It seems that the driver of the other car was "excluded", so their insurance is denying the claim. However, my uninsured motorist coverage will pay up to it's limit ($3,500).
I got a call from the adjuster and got some figures. He said the cost to fix the car is $20,000! He said the value is about $6,000 (based on "comparable" vehicles for sale in my area). That means I am only getting the $3,500 for now. I will have to work out the remainder of the monies owed to either repair or replace my vehicle with the other party. I will have no help from either insurance company for that. I guess the good news is that the car will NOT get branded with a "Salvage" title. I started taking apart the car today (photos will come tomorrow), and much to my surprise, the A/C condenser is just fine and holding pressure! Just a week or so before the accident, I replaced some seals in the system and had it charged. I will tow the car back to the A/C shop and have them recover the refrigerant before going much further. My goal today was to remove as much as I could in order to be able to start the engine so it can be driven on/off my trailer. I was able to remove the radiator, fan and clutch, and shroud. I removed the trans cooler from the bottom tank and hooked it up so the trans would work and not pump fluid out. Once I get the refrigerant recovered and condenser removed, I will break out the Sawzall and start cutting out bent parts. Stay tuned........

H-townbenzoboy · #80 03-14-2015, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel

How did our parents survive riding loose in a basket placed in the back with no restraint?

Easy. They weren't in major accidents. The ones who were in accidents probably ended up maimed or in your local graveyard.

eatont9999 · #81 03-14-2015, 09:39 AM

Rollguy,

I am glad to hear that you are OK!

I am late to the game here and it sounds like any advice I could add has already been mentioned. That said, maybe I can help with a few parts for easy money/trade. I have the airbags and controller from my 1990 300SE parts car if you are interested. PM me if you want to know more.

97 SL320 · #82 03-14-2015, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Once I get the refrigerant recovered and condenser removed, I will break out the Sawzall and start cutting out bent parts. Stay tuned........

Before you start cutting, rough pull out the bent parts as that will pull the reusable stuff back into position. Once you get to rough out status, sometimes making one cut ( say in the center of the rad support ) will let you pull the rest of the items out.

Cutting everything out as a first step makes it difficult to grab reusable stuff without damage.

ROLLGUY · #83 03-14-2015, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Before you start cutting, rough pull out the bent parts as that will pull the reusable stuff back into position. Once you get to rough out status, sometimes making one cut ( say in the center of the rad support ) will let you pull the rest of the items out.

Cutting everything out as a first step makes it difficult to grab reusable stuff without damage.

I had thought of that already, but was going to cut out more than I will need from the donor car. I have done this several times before. My body guy will only use what he needs from the section I will cut out. I need to talk to him about straightening, as his machine may be able to do the rough and the fine straightening. I know for sure the core support will need to be replaced, but the frame horns may be able to be straightened and not be replaced.

ROLLGUY · #84 03-14-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatont9999

Rollguy,

I am glad to hear that you are OK!

I am late to the game here and it sounds like any advice I could add has already been mentioned. That said, maybe I can help with a few parts for easy money/trade. I have the airbags and controller from my 1990 300SE parts car if you are interested. PM me if you want to know more.

PM on the way!

Rogviler · #85 03-14-2015, 01:05 PM

Wow, $20,000? Mine has no hope.

-Rog

sixto · #86 03-14-2015, 01:49 PM

FYI, the California small claims limit is $10K for individuals and $5K for businesses - Cases for $10,000 or Less - money_selfhelp

Sixto
MB-less

ROLLGUY · #87 03-14-2015, 03:14 PM

Well guess what, I went to Pick-A-Part today and found an SE that is white and grey just like mine (it was not there last week). I already got the bumper and am going back for the core support as soon as my battery charges (cordless reciprocating saw). I will also get the fenders and hood that I already removed. The only thing I need that I am not buying new is the headlights....Rich

ROLLGUY · #88 03-15-2015, 11:28 AM

I was able to get most all the parts I needed yesterday. They all have issues, but nothing major. The hood has a couple little dents in it, and both fenders have dents/bends in the wheel arches, but I am having everything painted anyway. I was able to get the hood, fenders, core support, bumper, corner light, filler panels (between headlights and bumper), hood hinges, grille, and headlight wipers. All I lack is the interior parts (airbag, SRS module, seat belt, and dash (maybe). I also am in need of a set of headlights, cooling fan and clutch, water pump pulley, and a few plastic items from the dealer (condenser fan shroud, fan shroud etc). I have a line on the airbag and SRS module from a member here, so I hope to cross that off my list soon.....Rich

renaissanceman · #89 03-15-2015, 03:23 PM

I just put 606 fan/clutch into my 300D, and I really like the way they work, as well as the price. The fan came from amazon for $25 and the clutch (Koolman brand) from an Ebay seller for $47. It moves a lot of air.

I can give you links/details if you want.

ROLLGUY · #90 03-16-2015, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renaissanceman

I just put 606 fan/clutch into my 300D, and I really like the way they work, as well as the price. The fan came from amazon for $25 and the clutch (Koolman brand) from an Ebay seller for $47. It moves a lot of air.

I can give you links/details if you want.

Yes pm would be best. Thanks, Rich