Looks like the 85 300TD got totaled last night in Tucson - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Junkman · #16 02-09-2016, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

It does not fall back on my carrier if I did not elect to get collision coverage. Which I do not as a matter of course on low value cars. Liability, of course. comprehensive, usually low enough to justify. Collision coverage on a brace of low value cars, the cost exceeds the risk quickly.

What I'm curious about is whether the state of VA will cover me under the uninsured motorists pool. They certainly would if the accident occurred in VA. Whether that coverage extends to a VA registered car in another state is the question.

Jim

Reread what I said. "Anyone driving your car is covered to the limits of your contract wherever they are."

and

"The other person is liable and their insurance is the first payer. If they have neither insurance or money, everything falls back to your carrier."

Bottom line: The other person owes you money. Most don't have enough to pay more than this month's (or week's) bills and states frequently mandate that car owners have insurance.

Your carrier has to make you whole subject to the terms of your contract when the other person has neither money or insurance. As my computer programming cousin says "RTFM" to find out our carrier's liability or lack of liability.

Laws are state specific and the laws of the state where the accident occurred would govern.

I don't have comprehensive coverage on the SD either. Fortunately, the person that hit me had coverage, his carrier gave ~$3,000 and I bought the car for scrap value.

Good luck. Call your agent and check with the DMV of VA.

babymog · #17 02-09-2016, 06:35 PM

I have a feeling that the door skin peeling free and the salvage title are related Jim. If there's any evidence of shoddy repair work, it probably needs to be repaired properly.

JimFreeh · #18 02-09-2016, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

I have a feeling that the door skin peeling free and the salvage title are related Jim. If there's any evidence of shoddy repair work, it probably needs to be repaired properly.

Certainly possible.... We looked the car over pretty closely when we got it, especially where it was hit last night, which was the same location as the damage I suspect generated the original salvage condition.

I found filler in the RR quarter and to some extent on the RF fender. The doors appeared to be virgin sheetmetal, no doubt because they are not original to the car. I suspect that if I pulled the door panels, I would not see DB702 smoke silver...

Overall, I was not impressed by level of work done to repair the car. I think there was damage to both the A and B pillar in the original accident.
The doors maintained a misalignment, and if you look at the picture in post #50 in the free car thread, you can see the window frame misalignment.

However, at the price point of entry, I was willing to overlook quite a bit!

If the car was here in Virginia, I'd keep it and take to my bodyshop and have them pull the frame into spec then hang new doors and a fender.

However, being that it's 2500 miles away, I need to let it go regardless of the insurance outcome, as I'm certain it will be totaled. I'd love to be surprised, but I don't think the value of the car will exceed the cost to fix.

I'm more interested in getting this car into someone's hands who would do something with it, or use all the good stuff on the car. There's literally thousands of dollars of work done on this car mechanically, and it's a very, very nice engine (virtually no smoke out the back, even at night in the headlites of the car behind). Low blow by, also.

Even has CPO stickers on it, which suggests it was an above average car for the first part of it's life. I suspect it was still pretty when wrecked, otherwise, why bother?

Jim

97 SL320 · #19 02-09-2016, 08:03 PM

Don't be too quick to total the car until someone with practical body work experience has a look. ( yes I know you are miles away )

Door skins are not welded to the door shell, the skin is placed on the shell then the edge rolled over into a U shape. Sometimes a few small spot welds are applied to prevent cracking but that is about it.

Cars with plastic bumpers have a metal bumper support under the plastic. This support is often cut blunt and sharp edged. All it takes is the front door to fold in a little bit and the leading edge of the rear door to get caught and pulled off.

The condition of the door matters not, it is the door jamb that matters. With a bit of work and a rear door, this car can be safely repaired though it might not look "new".

wstetson3 · #20 02-09-2016, 08:44 PM

Laws are state specific and the laws of the state where the accident occurred would govern.

Agreed. But doing a brief search, it looks like UM is going to be the answer (not comp) unless the OP has liability coverage. If they have coverage, you should be good. It would seem that PD limits in AZ are 10k minimum.

Desert Panther · #21 02-09-2016, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

However, being that it's 2500 miles away, I need to let it go regardless of the insurance outcome, as I'm certain it will be totaled. I'd love to be surprised, but I don't think the value of the car will exceed the cost to fix.

I'm more interested in getting this car into someone's hands who would do something with it, or use all the good stuff on the car. There's literally thousands of dollars of work done on this car mechanically, and it's a very, very nice engine (virtually no smoke out the back, even at night in the headlites of the car behind). Low blow by, also.
Jim

Hello Mr Jim! I am local to Tucson. What kind of money were you looking to get out of it? PM me if you want. I could use a cheap (or free

) wagon as I have 3 Mastiffs and they wont all fit in any of my other vehicles. Been wanting to pick up a diesel wagon so I have something to take them to the Vet's office, dog park, hiking, etc. Thanks

vstech · #22 02-09-2016, 11:47 PM

if insurance doesn't cover it, and you want to get the car back on the road... I have an 85TD parts car, and it appears to be the same color.

I could be talked into setting two doors, and a fender on greyhound bus for a very reasonable labor charge...

Sugar Bear · #23 02-10-2016, 01:07 AM

Jim,

Having mentioned if it was in VA you would fix it. Have you considered getting it evaluated to see how bad it really is and then decide whether or not to have it trailered back to VA for repairs? A forum member has mentioned used parts available in the Carolinas, it would be nice to see it saved to ride again. Not too many wagons left, especially 85's.

Good luck with your decision!

Mike D · #24 02-10-2016, 06:43 AM

Damn Jim, sorry to hear this. Glad the wife is okay. Unfortunately, with a previous salvage title, the insurance company WILL "total" the car.

If Desert Panther can't use the car I'll make a bid on it. I've got a '81 CD in need of the engine.

Did you want me to take a look at the car for you? I'm available during the day.

JimFreeh · #25 02-10-2016, 08:07 AM

Here's some better shots of the damage...

Jim

JimFreeh · #26 02-10-2016, 08:09 AM

more....

JimFreeh · #27 02-10-2016, 08:13 AM

More pics....

JimFreeh · #28 02-10-2016, 08:21 AM

... to hear from the insurance company to see if the other driver even has insurance.

1) If not, I think I'm done. Much as I'd like to keep the car, I don't have the time or energy to deal with it. I'm looking at early retirement and downsizing due to cancer, and my dance card is full with prepping the house for sale and my other 7 cars.

2) If insured, first order is to try to have it fixed. I'll keep the offer of the doors and fender in mind and try to influence the decision toward repair. Too early in the game to speculate cost, offers, etc. Need to wait and see what transpires. If fixing it is not doable, I'll settle and see what the buyback is, then offer it to you local guys.

Keeping my fingers crossed that the perps have insurance.....

Jim

JimFreeh · #29 02-10-2016, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

if insurance doesn't cover it, and you want to get the car back on the road... I have an 85TD parts car, and it appears to be the same color.

I could be talked into setting two doors, and a fender on greyhound bus for a very reasonable labor charge...

Thanks for the offer!

Let's see how this plays out over the next couple of days...
I need the trim on the RR quarter as well.

Sure wish I hadn't scrapped out that 79 280TE I had in the back field last year.....

Jim

vstech · #30 02-10-2016, 08:45 AM

Looking at the rear door pic, in the front lower corner there is a ball of something... Can you take a close up pic of that?

The skin appears to have just been pinched on, rust traces all the way around are visible... Odd