OMG!!!!!! let send some prayers everyone!!!

[TraceZ]

"No fault state" means that YOUR insurance pays YOUR medical bills... Its still up to the "at fault" partys insurance to cover replacing/fixing the property dammage. The truck drivers insurance should cover the dammage to the car. New Jersey is a "no fault" state as well.

That is what I was thinking too. If there are witnesses placing the other drivar at failt, his insurance should cover the property damage to Joe's car. I'm confused as to why he is SOL on getting it covered?

[Joe 1320]

That is what I was thinking too. If there are witnesses placing the other drivar at failt, his insurance should cover the property damage to Joe's car. I'm confused as to why he is SOL on getting it covered?

I'm not SOL yet, guys. I've been spending time dealing with my injuries, now I'm at the stage of getting all the paperwork and getting an attorney to handle that part. But...... I'm going to ensure this rebuild is done right, I'm grateful to be alive, things will turn out fine in the long run. I know that I will put more care into the project than a for hire person. There will be a source of pride when I'm done, kind of a repayment of a debt that I owe. 10 years of faithful service and protection from harm. I sold my Corvette and bought this one when my son was about to be born. I've had it since January of 97 and she'll be back even better than before. You see......

We can rebuild her. Better than she was before. Better, stronger, faster.

I'm losin' it. but no matter what, this car will not be totalled.

[Joshu]

I've had it since January of 97 and she'll be back even better than before. You see......

We can rebuild her. Better than she was before. Better, stronger, faster.

I'm losin' it. but no matter what, this car will not be totalled.

I LOVE IT!

Joe, I think I can speak for most of the board that we're very impressed on how you're handling this whole ordeal. By that I mean we saw the pictures and I mean come on there was a TREE in your car! Doing this all takes alot of heart and will power. Good luck with all your recovery, work, legal issues, and T/A!

[TraceZ]

I LOVE IT!

X2!!

You're an inspiration, Joe! You've got me feeling motivated to come down to Florida and help you rebuild her!!

Bigger! Better! Faster!



It's really good to see you are in good spirits and have a positive attitude. I've got you in my prayers!

[Joe 1320]

X2!!

You're an inspiration, Joe! You've got me feeling motivated to come down to Florida and help you rebuild her!!

Bigger! Better! Faster!



It's really good to see you are in good spirits and have a positive attitude. I've got you in my prayers!

Now for something creepy. When I went to the last doctor's appointment, I was able to look at my wrist. You can see where my watch had taken an impact of some sort and was ripped off. I never did find the watch but it appears to have deflected something from slashing my wrist.

She's home in the garage now, I've got to take more pics. It makes me speechless every time I look at where the tree punched though.

If anyone wants to help in the restoration, think of it as a good chance to go to Florida on vacation.

[wolfdogs]

Now for something creepy. When I went to the last doctor's appointment, I was able to look at my wrist. You can see where my watch had taken an impact of some sort and was ripped off. I never did find the watch but it appears to have deflected something from slashing my wrist.

She's home in the garage now, I've got to take more pics. It makes me speechless every time I look at where the tree punched though.

If anyone wants to help in the restoration, think of it as a good chance to go to Florida on vacation.

Joe........that windshied stucture... how are you going to make that safe. most cars are totalled when that happens....?

[Gary94Formula]

Joe - I got to agree with Ken.. I know you want to bring her back to life, but it must be safe... Good luck with whatever you decide...

[FroSSty]

Let me tell ya, I have repaired worse!!! That pillar might be able to be saved. If not, you can most certainly get all of the pieces to put it back together. Like Joe said, he will be tearing everything off the car which is a great idea. Get it down to the bare bones and then take some more pics. From there I can give you a better idea whether or not it can be saved. I-CAR provides guidelines on how to correctly section a vehicle in various places, if it comes to that...Done right, a sectioned quarter and roof panel can be stronger than anything from the factory. Just remember, If its bent, it can be straightened...But if its ripped or kinked, it must be replaced...

[Joe 1320]

I got a call from the insurance adjuster. The police report states the other driver was cited, it also turns out he has the same insurance company. Thank God, his insurance policy will be taking over where mine stops! My medical bills will be taken care of.

The next part is bittersweet. The insurance company also is going to take care of the damage. The only hitch is that the car is a total loss. Every body panel would need replacement or a refinish, compounded with the dash being wasted and not to mention needing a new roof. The support structure above the firewall took an impact from the tree and is bent, so are the rocker panels. I'm having to face the reality that this one is indeed be done. I already have come to grips with the fact that I could never recover what I have into it. I bought it brand new (close to $30K sticker price) and added many thousands in parts and upgrades, tons of labor and she was a stellar performer for what she was. The paint was flawless thanks to countless coats of Zaino, as a matter of fact..... some scratches from the tree branches are only in the zaino and didn't reach the paint. I tested a couple of areas just to see it for myself. However, even zaino couldn't repel a large tree that punched though the car. I know I can never recover what I really have invested. I have to wait and see what they are going to come up with. It appears as though a replacement that is similar in equipment, modifications and shape only brings about $11K. I just have to wait and see what they come up with, they understand this was a specialty vehicle and more of a show car than something that is currently sitting in a used car lot. I suppose it helps to have a ton of documentation and receipts, I have an entire leather binder that contains all the modifications and custom touches, receipts for parts and build photos. I'm really bummed that I'm losing her, but I guess some things just need to happen. The reality is that this car will cost way more to fix than is practical as I am terrible at cutting and welding metal. If I owned a body shop, things may be a different issue. I am more of the mechanic than a body man, although I've done my fair share of body work and paint, much of this would have to be farmed out and it's not cost effective at all.



Now the part that is interesting, the other party who was cited is not returning the phone calls or letters from the insurance company. That is delaying the process. He never reported the incident to the insurance company and they need additional information from him before the paperwork can be completed. The biggest monkey off my back is the medical situation. The next biggest relief will be that there will be some kind of compensation for the damage, although I'm reserving my ultimate judgement of the insurance company until I hear what the final figures are. Even if I buy the car back for it's salvage price, it will have a certificate of destruction and cannot be rebuilt. So folks, there ya have it. It looks like I'll get at least blue book for the car, which I suppose is better than being out the whole thing.

In a way, this may be a good thing. Every time I would go out into the garage and look at the car, a really creepy feeling comes over me and I have flashbacks of a near death experience. I don't seem to have that feeling in either of the Camaros, it must be that particular car. I keep seeing a tree coming through the windshield and blowing out the door. Maybe that's a sign to just let it go.

In any case, it's back to the doc again tomorrow, I may have the stitches removed and more tests done on my legs. I'll keep everyone posted, you all have been so supportive during this and I'll never forget it.

[Gary94Formula]

Joe - I'm glad about the medical bills and sorry for the loss of the car, but I couldn't believe that it didn't have severe structural damage.

Good luck with the Insurance company and get better soon.

[Rhode Island Red]

Joe, glad things are moving along so you can move onwards with your life. It is sad the car won't be fixed but I understand where you are coming from. You only have so many resources and you must do what makes sense to your situation.

If you ever want another Camaro, I'm sure you can get a newer one with the same hp, if not more, for what they will give you. I know it wouldn't be the same, but then again don't eliminate yourself from future f-body enjoyment. Once again, glad you're alive and breathing

[Steel2686]

We're just glad you're okay, Joe.

[Joe 1320]

If you ever want another Camaro, I'm sure you can get a newer one with the same hp, if not more, for what they will give you. I know it wouldn't be the same, but then again don't eliminate yourself from future f-body enjoyment. Once again, glad you're alive and breathing

Actually......project 93 is going to get the headgaskets fixed and the installation of a few parts here and there. I have managed to collect an SS hood, intake, rear spoiler and wheels that should update the car nicely.
I'm still going to keep the 94 as a beater, albiet after a few things are fixed. F-body fever can never be cured. ya never know what the future holds.


Went to the doc again today and the took out the stitches. That wasn't much fun. I've had plenty of them before and no problems, these were a bit rough. Oh well, they are out and now more healing can take place. Gotta wait until next week before they decide to do an MRI of the knee. It's good to be alive.

['STANGETR]

Joe, Have you considered another T/A in the future? Ya know, your baby's sister might just be as nice if not better
I have see a lot of beautiful '96-97 T/A's for sale that are practically mint w/ super low mileage for around $10K. I've seen some beauties locally around me for that and than I think why didn't I wait to buy mine now! Oh, well, doesn't work that way. Anyways, is a T/A in your future, or just your Zeeeeees??

[Joe 1320]

Anyways, is a T/A in your future, or just your Zeeeeees??

No question. And when the time comes, it will be something special.