Be careful out there..
Discussion
Just wondered if anyone on here has had any major accident repairs carried out to their Griff?. Two days ago a car pulled out in front of me as I was travelling along the A14. I swerved to avoid him and lost control of the car. I ended up going through the central reservation, on to the other side of the dual carriageway and was brought to a stop by hitting a lamp post full on at the front. I was miraculously unscathed, but unfortunately the Griff is not in a good way.
The car is now at P R Wood at Southend. They are looking at it now and will send a report to the insurers in the next day or two. The front part of the chassis is bent. A lot of the front end is missing and the back is badly scratched. The 2 fans have been pushed through the radiator. The guy I just spoke to there says it should be repairable, and as the car is valued at around £24k it shouldn't be a write off.
Has anyone had to go through this before?. This is the first time I've ever had to claim on insurance so I'm not really sure what to expect. I guess I won't be seeing the car for a couple of months though. Can I use this as an opportunity to get some work done on the car as part of the claim?. Has anyone ever used P R Wood?.
I'm trying to luck on the bright side at the moment. I was about to have a respray, MOT and service. Now I'll get that as part of the claim. And at least I'll be getting it back in time for the warmer weather and the summer meets.
As the title says, be careful out there. Don't assume that the to$$er in the left lane doesn't actually want to turn right and will just pull out and knock you off the road. Good to know that the car is structurally solid though and will protect you in a 40 mph smash.
All advice very much appreciated.
Many Thanks
Mark
The car is now at P R Wood at Southend. They are looking at it now and will send a report to the insurers in the next day or two. The front part of the chassis is bent. A lot of the front end is missing and the back is badly scratched. The 2 fans have been pushed through the radiator. The guy I just spoke to there says it should be repairable, and as the car is valued at around £24k it shouldn't be a write off.
Has anyone had to go through this before?. This is the first time I've ever had to claim on insurance so I'm not really sure what to expect. I guess I won't be seeing the car for a couple of months though. Can I use this as an opportunity to get some work done on the car as part of the claim?. Has anyone ever used P R Wood?.
I'm trying to luck on the bright side at the moment. I was about to have a respray, MOT and service. Now I'll get that as part of the claim. And at least I'll be getting it back in time for the warmer weather and the summer meets.
As the title says, be careful out there. Don't assume that the to$$er in the left lane doesn't actually want to turn right and will just pull out and knock you off the road. Good to know that the car is structurally solid though and will protect you in a 40 mph smash.
All advice very much appreciated.
Many Thanks
Mark
I know how gutted you feel Mark. Hope you are OK and get back in that seat ASAP.
Looking on the bright side, think how pissed you would be feeling right now if you'd just had the respray and service. Now much consolation but hey, every little helps.
FWIW my insurance people were brilliant. Inspection was quick although sadly mine was a write off which I dearly hope yours isn't, and they paid up prompt with no horrible accusing questions.
Hope it all turns out well and keep us informed of progress.
Ian
Looking on the bright side, think how pissed you would be feeling right now if you'd just had the respray and service. Now much consolation but hey, every little helps.
FWIW my insurance people were brilliant. Inspection was quick although sadly mine was a write off which I dearly hope yours isn't, and they paid up prompt with no horrible accusing questions.
Hope it all turns out well and keep us informed of progress.
Ian
Hi Mark,
I had an accident in 2000 in my brand new audi TT. That was in Southend, can't remember the name of the garage that they towed it to though??!! I was travelling along a stretch of dual carridgeway at about 70 when someone pulled out in front of me 'BANG', like you I escaped unscathed, and to be honest the car didnt look too bad just the bonnet and front end pushed back but not as far as the front wheels, but the airbags did go off.
It was a fine line but they ended up writing the car off, from your description of the accident, I would be suprised if yours wasn't written off. My only advice would be to try and talk to the insurance assesor and find out like i did if it is 'nearly' written off, and if so as much as you love it, try and persuade him to write it off!!! Even though you can see one part of the chassis is bent other parts may be twisted and it would cost thousands in time to get the body off and re-jig the chassis, which is what really should be done which is why they will prob write it off IF they dont make sure it goes back to TVR for a geo setup and chassis realignment check??!!
The other issue is that if they dont write it off and when you get it back it handles bad, what do you do? you will feel guilty if you try and flog it and if they potential buyer knows its been in an accident they wouldn't touch it.
If you do get it back, i believe you can claim (on the other persons insurance) because now your car is worth less because it has been in a major prang and rebuilt but not written off?? Ask the insurance assesor about this?!
hope this is of some use??!!
Heres hoping you get it back for Spring???
Regards,
Lig.
I had an accident in 2000 in my brand new audi TT. That was in Southend, can't remember the name of the garage that they towed it to though??!! I was travelling along a stretch of dual carridgeway at about 70 when someone pulled out in front of me 'BANG', like you I escaped unscathed, and to be honest the car didnt look too bad just the bonnet and front end pushed back but not as far as the front wheels, but the airbags did go off.
It was a fine line but they ended up writing the car off, from your description of the accident, I would be suprised if yours wasn't written off. My only advice would be to try and talk to the insurance assesor and find out like i did if it is 'nearly' written off, and if so as much as you love it, try and persuade him to write it off!!! Even though you can see one part of the chassis is bent other parts may be twisted and it would cost thousands in time to get the body off and re-jig the chassis, which is what really should be done which is why they will prob write it off IF they dont make sure it goes back to TVR for a geo setup and chassis realignment check??!!
The other issue is that if they dont write it off and when you get it back it handles bad, what do you do? you will feel guilty if you try and flog it and if they potential buyer knows its been in an accident they wouldn't touch it.
If you do get it back, i believe you can claim (on the other persons insurance) because now your car is worth less because it has been in a major prang and rebuilt but not written off?? Ask the insurance assesor about this?!
hope this is of some use??!!
Heres hoping you get it back for Spring???
Regards,
Lig.
Thanks for the responses guys. Well having looked at those pics mine doesn't seem as badly damaged. I'll just have to wait for the report from the bodyshop and see what happens. I'd like to keep it as it took me months to find the colour I wanted in the right condition etc. But one thing's for sure, even if it does get written off I'll be looking for a new one asap. Having had it for 8 months I've now got the bug.. I'll hopefully take some pics soon and keep you updated as to what's going on..
Thanks
Thanks
I also have only ever made one insurence claim in my life, and it sounds like very similar circumstances to yours. Only rather than being in the TVR I was driving the Impreza Turbo at the time. It was borderline whether or not it was a write off. The car drove fine after the accident ( not even any broken glass ), but other than the roof, every panal was bent. ( While avoiding the ~~~~~ who pulled out in front of me, I went through a hedge ). On the advice of a good friend in the trade I accepted the insurence company engineers recommendation to write it off. I was gutted as it was "a good one". However, as said below, how do you know what it will drive like after the repairs, and what do you do if it does not feel like it doesn't?
Quinny said:
Personally, I think every effort should be made to keep these cars on the road. As long as they can be repaired safely.
I wanted my car back because I knew it was a goodun, and I'd only have to go and find another, Ok it's had a bump, but I know it's being repaired properly and I know the full history of the car. If I had to go and find another, I could end up with an unknown quantity.
I wonder how many cars are out there that have never suffered an "issue" .
I personally know of 4 Griffs and a Chim that have all had somthing happen to them. So chances are if you had to go and find a new one there are no guarantees it'll be better than the one you've got.
Again if I had a TT or a Scooby, it wouldn't bother me if it was written off, these cars are still in production. But 1 less Griff is 1 less Griff for future owners to choose from.
AIMO of course, and all subject to the car being repaired to a high standard. The last thing anyone wants is a bodge job, death trap ending up back on the roads.
Totally agree with what you said Andy.
Mine looked in a right state and damage to every panel. Granted it was at very low speed, the chassis wasnt damaged and there wasnt too much mechanical damged, wishbone/radiator/steering rack, 2 wheels.
IMHO it was a good un before the crash and if anything even better now. And i wasn of teh same opinion try and keep a rare car on the road if you can.
BB
Quinny said:
I wonder how many cars are out there that have never suffered an "issue" .
Not many - all the cars I looked at had had repair work (much to the vendor's surprise on one occasion...). And I'd much rather buy knowing full repair details than find out later.
TVRs are built by hand. If they're properly repaired by hand, there should be no detrimental effect (nor any real difference in the finished article). The problem with monocoque cars is that a damaged body, even jigged, will never quite be as it was (IMHO).
>> Edited by griffter on Monday 23 January 07:27
[quote=halcyon griff]Just wondered if anyone on here has had any major accident repairs carried out to their Griff?.
Yes! Similarly to you I've had my Griff about 8 months and yesterday I got caught out by the road conditions exiting a tunnel on the A272 heading east towards Petersfield in Hants.
Left rear hit a damp muddy patch on a straight section which got me out of shape. Thankfully nobody was coming the other way and I managed to miss all the large trees on the right hand side of the road. However we got caught on a barbed wire fence smacking two concrete posts down in the process. Both myself and my girlfriend were fine (she was a star, very calm and collected!)
My p&j looked a right mess
, however the recovery company were great (Midhurst engineering) and although she was ontop of one of the posts and a fairly big bush they got her out ok and took me to Racing Green near Aldershot.
Oddly enough our dear friend and our regional RO for Bristol TVRCC was there and she kindly gave us a lot of moral support and a lift home last night. The chaps at RG were great and have said they've seen worse however because of the barbed wire it's going to need a full respray and roof panel and rear screen and I guess my insurance will want to make an inspection. Like you Halcyon it took me while to find and she's has been great so I'm hoping there's no chassis damage.
I'll post some pics later.
Remember, just 'cause it's blue sky and sunny dosen't mean the roads aren't damp and filthy, be careful out there everyone!
Rich.
Yes! Similarly to you I've had my Griff about 8 months and yesterday I got caught out by the road conditions exiting a tunnel on the A272 heading east towards Petersfield in Hants.
Left rear hit a damp muddy patch on a straight section which got me out of shape. Thankfully nobody was coming the other way and I managed to miss all the large trees on the right hand side of the road. However we got caught on a barbed wire fence smacking two concrete posts down in the process. Both myself and my girlfriend were fine (she was a star, very calm and collected!)
My p&j looked a right mess
, however the recovery company were great (Midhurst engineering) and although she was ontop of one of the posts and a fairly big bush they got her out ok and took me to Racing Green near Aldershot. Oddly enough our dear friend and our regional RO for Bristol TVRCC was there and she kindly gave us a lot of moral support and a lift home last night. The chaps at RG were great and have said they've seen worse however because of the barbed wire it's going to need a full respray and roof panel and rear screen and I guess my insurance will want to make an inspection. Like you Halcyon it took me while to find and she's has been great so I'm hoping there's no chassis damage.
I'll post some pics later.
Remember, just 'cause it's blue sky and sunny dosen't mean the roads aren't damp and filthy, be careful out there everyone!
Rich.
Griffrich said:
[ Oddly enough our dear friend and our regional RO for Bristol TVRCC was there and she kindly gave us a lot of moral support and a lift home last night. Rich.
All part of the service, dude!
Seriously, just glad I could help - that's what friends are for. And I guess after that Sunday lunch, you're worth it
Thanks BB & 55.
It's getting assesed by the insurance company tomorrow, I just hope she can be repaired, fingers crossed!
Both me and Sarah are fine and glad we're okay.
BB, I took a look at the pictures from your mis-hap and feel I'm in good company, still a bit shaken by it but it looks like I'm not alone.
Take it steady.
Rich.
It's getting assesed by the insurance company tomorrow, I just hope she can be repaired, fingers crossed!
Both me and Sarah are fine and glad we're okay.
BB, I took a look at the pictures from your mis-hap and feel I'm in good company, still a bit shaken by it but it looks like I'm not alone.
Take it steady.
Rich.
Sorry to hear your situation both. Son keeps badgering me to take Griff out for a run, but he'll just have to wait till spring. We live at the top of a steep hill, with a hairpin halfway, would mean having to drive through remnants of autumn leaves, mud knocked down from roadside (this is really a single track road) and a layer of "farm residue" plus any road salt.
Hope you have no problems with your Ins Co. and get your "cariads" back soon.
SAF
Hope you have no problems with your Ins Co. and get your "cariads" back soon.
SAF
I went to have a look at the Griff this week and things are looking a whole lot better than I remember them. Sure it still needs a fair bit done but I'm now quietly confident that the insurance co. will say yes and let Phil get on with repairing it. If the picture doesn't appear below then I've put it on my profile pics anyway..
[pic] http://community.webshots.com/photo/457389391/259371 [/pic]
It needs a new front end, radiator, fans, wheel etc. but is repairable. And being the colour it is I'll get a complete respray as well.. I should find out soon what the answer is going to be and then I've just got to wait until I get it back!!.
[pic] http://community.webshots.com/photo/457389391/259371 [/pic]
It needs a new front end, radiator, fans, wheel etc. but is repairable. And being the colour it is I'll get a complete respray as well.. I should find out soon what the answer is going to be and then I've just got to wait until I get it back!!.
Right
Mine totalled the nose and no chassis damage. Repair quote £6000. Actual £12000. The car has to be returned to as good as new.
The nose section of a Griffith 500 is now only available (from TVR)in LE style. It needs time to cure so bank on at least 2 months before the work starts. HL Gorner put mine in the low bake ovens as they repaired other cars to help speed things along. Because it is an LE front end you will need all the new lights and associated fittings.
I needed a new wishbone, new top ball joints (one had sheared and I insisted on changing pairs) a radiator (upgraded to a Peninsula ali one - I paid the diff), fans, swirl pot, carbon filter, hoses and pipes, air filter and trunking, hood repair and lots and lots of labour. They couldn't match/blend the paint so it had a full respray. Hence the cost.
It still wasn't perfect when I picked it up as my green stuff brake pads had "gone" (!?), the exhaust was 6 inches out of line, non-visible from the outside bits hadn't been painted and there was overspray, the top ball joints were the incorrect Saab version and it handled like a pig. A bit of TLC and a service plus Nitrons at Topcats and it is now better than it ever was.
In summary you will
1. Have to wait
2. Check the repairs thoroughly (get RAC,AA inspection)
3. Expect to be out of pocket
Mine totalled the nose and no chassis damage. Repair quote £6000. Actual £12000. The car has to be returned to as good as new.
The nose section of a Griffith 500 is now only available (from TVR)in LE style. It needs time to cure so bank on at least 2 months before the work starts. HL Gorner put mine in the low bake ovens as they repaired other cars to help speed things along. Because it is an LE front end you will need all the new lights and associated fittings.
I needed a new wishbone, new top ball joints (one had sheared and I insisted on changing pairs) a radiator (upgraded to a Peninsula ali one - I paid the diff), fans, swirl pot, carbon filter, hoses and pipes, air filter and trunking, hood repair and lots and lots of labour. They couldn't match/blend the paint so it had a full respray. Hence the cost.
It still wasn't perfect when I picked it up as my green stuff brake pads had "gone" (!?), the exhaust was 6 inches out of line, non-visible from the outside bits hadn't been painted and there was overspray, the top ball joints were the incorrect Saab version and it handled like a pig. A bit of TLC and a service plus Nitrons at Topcats and it is now better than it ever was.
In summary you will
1. Have to wait
2. Check the repairs thoroughly (get RAC,AA inspection)
3. Expect to be out of pocket
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