Ran over a tire!

jsmarcus · 07-10-2001, 06:30 AM

Hello all, here's another sad tale:

Driving home late one evening down a very dark Rt 78 in NJ, I came across a semi's tire tread in the middle of a lane. Because of the pitch-blackness and how quick I came upon it, BA_BLAM, right over it.

Front license plate ripped off, chin spoiler and valance crunched, a few underbody dents and a pulled rear valance. But all in all, my baby survived. Thank god, no rim, just the tire!

So, here's the point to the post. Does anyone know of someone in NY/NJ area that can help me get the valance back into shape? I'd rather not buy a new one, and I think with some elbow grease the valance can be brought back to life. I'm not the best with metal shaping and use the car as a daily driver. Can the car bedriven safely without the front valance or will I be exposing too much to the "road elements"?

....sniff sniff..... She's been through a lot. A deer 2 years ago, then a lady in a rice burner blew a yield merge onto a highway and pulled right in front of me (yikes!) now this. Perhaps a padded garage from now on?

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Josh
Black on Black '84 Carrera

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

My PO had a similar accident, replaced front valence and spoiler,caused damage to front suspension, scraped floor pans and damaged heat exchangers- all replaced under insurance.
Those tires are real tough! just make sure there was no other damage to underside appendages(wires/tubes/linkages).
I would have her up on ramps for a full inspection.
Hope this helps and she is back up and running soon.
Sorry, don't know anyone in the NJ/NY area,
Good luck
Ben

old_skul · 07-10-2001, 09:54 AM

I ran over a basketball a couple of weeks ago...but my spoiler and valance are already pretty much a mess, so no big deal. The car literally rolled on the ball so there was no underbody denting

Good luck to ya. Those valances can be a bear to keep in shape, and the spoilers are a mess if you drive them daily.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

telnetmanta · 07-10-2001, 10:59 AM

I know someone from the 914 side of the world who is a Paint Pro and is in NJ.

His name is Ed Villela, I only have his email address at the moment but he should answer you fairly quick. Just tell him Ben in SC gave you the contact info.

Ed : Evill914@cs.com

HTH,
Ben in SC

[This message has been edited by telnetmanta (edited 07-10-2001).]

jsmarcus · 07-10-2001, 12:06 PM

Thanks, Ben.

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Josh
Black on Black '84 Carrera