CRASH (My Redline aint very well )

Post by **redline** » 23 Oct 2004 02:30 pm

thanks to some prat pulling out from a junction in front of me and then stopping for on coming traffic the redline isn't very well.
fist I thought it was just the grill and N/S headlight but the metal inside the bumper has buckled and pushed the rad onto the fan (although rad not leaking ) weather has been to bad to check it out oroperly, front valance has a little dent but not sure yet about bumper mountings etc,
He couldn't have seen me coming when he pulled out.
measured the distance from where he pulled out to where I hit him and it was less than 75 feet coupled with wet greasy road I had no chance of stopping. and no room to avoid him.even from less than 30mph
I know if you hit someone up the rear its usually deemed to be your fault but its funny he hasn't contacted me since the crash, guess he realizes he was in the wrong for pulling out.
If I can repair it I will but don't want to go through insurance as they will probably write her off . will keep you informed. Its a shame coz although ive only had her just over a month she has done 2.500 miles in that time without any problem
I suppose its time to find out if the number is worth £400

Post by **SteveP** » 23 Oct 2004 02:45 pm

Damn! thats bad news about a great looking 340!

I hope that you can get it repaired, it would certainly be worth it.

Sure people will be able to help you out on here with any spares you're likely to need for the repairs, if you do it yourself it shouldn't be too costly hopefully!

Steve

Post by **Duvel78** » 23 Oct 2004 02:53 pm

Oh nooooo!!!!!!!!

VERY bad news!!! I'm really sad to hear that... I HATE now the month of October, it's always the same...

You redline is wonderful and must be on the road again!

Post by **Duvel78** » 23 Oct 2004 03:09 pm

Redline, I read your message again, I can't believe it happened to your wonderful 340

Post by **5lab** » 23 Oct 2004 05:09 pm

phone your insurance company, describe the accident to them, ask if it were your fault. it isnt always if you go into someone from behind - i mean, if i'm doing 70 on the motorway and someone doing 50 comes into my lane, its their fault..

any pics? if the rads been moved back onto the fan, it sounds like it might just have come off its mountings, my guess is you can fix it (or we all can) but it wont be as good as new, iykwim - it'll be bent inside. i did have a spare bumper but it went when i swapped them over.. soz

Post by **foggyjames** » 23 Oct 2004 05:16 pm

Give me a shout if you need parts like headlights cheaply. Sound like you'll need a grill, headlight(s?), front bumper.

Is the bonnet ok?

The 'radiator piercing' bumper support is a famous one.....

Let's get this car sorted - its far too sweet to scrap.

cheers

James

Post by **redline** » 23 Oct 2004 07:35 pm

Thanks for all the support guys. If it can be fixed it will be. I just need a break in the weather to get a good look at the damage behind the bumper. I have just sold a set of alloys(not volvo) on ebay, so once I am sure it can be repaired, I will be advertising on the forum for the parts I need.

Thanks again,
Mick

Post by **5lab** » 23 Oct 2004 07:41 pm

its dead easy to take the bumper off (front) to take a look. pop off the 2 bumper inserts, and then undo the 2 bolts on each side. you'll need a socket set with a ~14mm socket. then just pull the bumper gently forwards, and it should slide off the clips on the wings. dont take it too far away thou, cos the indicator repeater wires are only ~1 foot long

Post by **wjp01908** » 23 Oct 2004 09:11 pm

Bad luck redline

Let me know if I can help with any fixing - got a good range of tools and some time on my hands. Even if you need transport around to the scrappy for parts.

Got to get it on the road for Gaydon!

Will

Post by **foggyjames** » 23 Oct 2004 10:11 pm

wjp01908 wrote:Got to get it on the road for Gaydon!

Absolutely - that's the challenge!

cheers

James

Post by **redline** » 24 Oct 2004 12:50 am

Hi again ,Firstly thanks again for everyones support .
Will ,
(wjp01908 )can you email me at mikanjul@hotmail.com with a contact phone number , if you are around during the week ,I would value your opinion ( and may well take you up on the offer of help ) , It looks like I will need new front bumper, nearside headlight ,indicator and grill .bonnet has pushed back nearside by about 1/4 inch but should come forward ok, radiator will need replacing as the core has been pushed onto fan by bumper iron, very minor crease to front lip of bonnet . minor crease to front valance by number plate.as long as I can straighten out the area where the bumper bolts on I think I/we should be able to save it.
Pete Farrel,
as you dont live to far away ,do you have any of the parts I need ? again if you can email me a contact number we can talk bits and prices .
I think I just need someone to see it to confirm its worth doing then I can get started during half term.
thanks again every one

Post by **5lab** » 24 Oct 2004 01:00 am

if the radiator is just a bit dented (and not leaking) it should be fine - the loss of heat disserpation wont really be an issue unless your towing or in hot countries.

Post by **redline** » 24 Oct 2004 08:47 am

I may be able to save the rad by gently pushing it back once the bumper iron is removed but at the moment it is actually touching the fan

Post by **x19dude** » 24 Oct 2004 09:32 pm

I had an accident in my 340 about 4 years ago - some twat hit me from behind at a fair pace and I in turn hit the car in front(I was stopped at a set of traffic lights.)The damage to the front of your car sounds similar to what I had (as well as some damage to the rear - not too bad as she hit the towbar first!). Anyway, the insurance company of the person behind wrote the car off. I asked them that if I could get the car fixed for less than the value of the car (they valued it at £1000 4 years ago - a 1984 340) would they pay the bill and not write the car off. They agreed so long as it was fixed at a reputable garage approved by them. I supplied all the parts and even got reembursed for them by the insurance company. If you are lucky, the insurance company of the other party might do the same. After all, it can't hurt to have a chat to them. You should'nt have to pay to get the car fixed yourself when the accident was'nt your fault and explain to them that you dont want to have the car listed as an insurance write off.
Cheers,
Paul.

Post by **redline** » 25 Oct 2004 02:03 pm

Update on Redline,
taken front bumper off this morning and delighted to find the bumper bracket mountings bolt onto the car

taken the buckled ones off and Peter Farrell now to be known as SUPERSTAR not only has nearly all the bits I need but hes bringing them over to me tonight or tomorrow,
cant do much about dents in front panel but they wont show once new bits in place.
Thanks again for all help , support and messages of condolence but it dont look like we will be having a funeral after all