My turn.... rear ended....

[Zeke]

How can one keep a nice car anymore? Anyway, my wife has been using the 911 because she can, she likes it and it saves the Boxster, which is a nicer car.

Some girl bangs the back, no pics will be shown until I sort this out. Many of you know that I have one-off custom fiberglass bumpers. Well, I did. Now, how's this gonna work for me?

Do I take a customized car to the body shop for an estimate? What are they going to tell me when they see something they've never seen before? There is some damage beyond the bumper which is the normal stuff in their book like the taillight and the rear deck. The reflector is messed up as well, not bad, but not right.

Here's what I can say on my end. It took me 6 months to build the bumpers and I value them at $2000 ea. for the time it took and materials used. That's at less than 20 bucks an hour.

Let's hear some feedback that may help others in this situation that are running RUF bumpers or similar.

[kidrock]

Milt,

Man, I feel for ya Buddy. No experience here with the custom fiberglass P-car stuff...certainly, an experienced bodyshop will be able to repair the parts if not too badly damaged or replace if necessary.

My concern would be the cost of the modifications, and what you can expect to recoup if you allow an insurance adjuster to run roughshod over you. Don't let that happen...be prepared to show receipts for the mods, and the adjuster to try and punk you anyways. If that's the case, a good attorney will help make things go your way a bit more.

[Zeke]

In CA, we have a law that we may designate any legitimate bodyshop to perform the work. The adjuster can suck air, the bill is the bill. Now, he may argue with the shop's manger, not my problem.

What I'm looking for is advice on how to handle the situation when I get to the shop and the estimator asks if he can buy a replacement bumper from someone. Nope, only one of these in existence. It's the prototype of a product that never got made.

[Zeke]

Here are a couple of "before" pics. Ignore the mini ducktail project. That's another that won't ever see the light of day.

[johnsjmc]

Here it would depend on if I declared and paid insurance to cover my modified car. My car is covered by an agreed value policy which requires a detailed appraisal with photos to show condition and equipment. If I then put a non standard bumper on the car they would pay only up to the value of a stock replacement bumper (I bet a new 911 bumper is still worth alot).Special interest and collector car insurance has always treated me better than regular ins co have as they understand the nature of an expensive car . good luck.

[pwd72s]

Maybe take it to Kevin???

[johnsjmc]

I just looked up the rear bumper bar is $750 and each rubber bumper pad is at least $450 plus any other mounting parts on a stock 1980 SC. I would be sure to use such numbers when dealing with the ins adjuster. They will probably repair your glass bumpers like a corvette body and paint it for less than replacing a stock one.

[Zeke]

The fact that I didn't lose a factory bumper and boobies might come into play.

Kevin. That's a good idea. I might call him if he doesn't see this.

[mickey356]

Damn Milt, thats a shame. I guess you could look at the bright side being that the front didnt get dmaged tagging a lead car as a result. If I remember your front bumper was also a work of art. It sucks for sure, nonetheless.

[c0metdot]

Big frown. Sorry to hear. Glad its not worse.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by mickey356

Damn Milt, thats a shame. I guess you could look at the bright side being that the front didnt get dmaged tagging a lead car as a result. If I remember your front bumper was also a work of art. It sucks for sure, nonetheless.

I'm being strictly gratuitous in posting a pic in response. But yes, in my mind they compliment each other.

[Mitch Leland]

I'd give up my wide body for that... That's the best looking front end that I've ever seen. I'm surprised you haven't gone in business with the pair. I think it beats anything out there...

Good luck, I hope you come out with enough to make it right without dipping in to your own pocket. Are you going to trust the repair to a shop?

[dshepp806]

Man that DOES look good!

Hope it works out for you, Milt.

Best,

Doyle

[johnsjmc]

I,m impressed .

[dad911]

I suppose it is crunched too badly to make a mold from it?

I would think custom and/or aftermarket parts might need to be scheduled on the policy to be covered.

[LakeCleElum]

Milt - That's the best looking front bumper for a short hood I've ever seen......So, your 1st LUV damaged your 2nd Luv???

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm sorry to see this Milt. I've said this before, I would own a shorthood again if I could get copies of your bumpers.

good luck with the fight, make sure you are fully reimbursed for all the sweat equity in that beautiful rear bumper.

[NO LIFT]

Originally Posted by milt

I'm being strictly gratuitous in posting a pic in response. But yes, in my mind they compliment each other.

That bumper is awesome! I'd love to have one of those.

[Exotic118]

Wow, that is a sweet looking front bumper and rear bumper! Much cleaner than the US spec bumpers.

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by milt

I'm being strictly gratuitous in posting a pic in response. But yes, in my mind they compliment each other.

I've said it before Milt - those bumpers are/were a work of art. Though I had seen others, I had not seen this pic of the front before. Wow! Looks great!

Good luck with the repairs. If you could find a place to do a limited number of repops off that front, maybe it would help with the damage. Still sounds like a lot of guys are interested, though I understand the $$$ with that proposition can be a little tricky.

Glad no one was hurt.