My 'new' 2003 Grand Marquis.

[Piece-it pete]

Btw, after reading that I should mention I'm not out to screw anyone

Update: Life is good. The guy told my better half that he would call and start the process with State Farm (his insurance) and when I called them, he did, admitted fault, and started the claim. When this is done I'm sending him a thank you for being honest.

I spoke to my body guy and he said 'State Farm? I'll take whatever they give you. I usually make a little with them'

Here's the damage:



I know the work my guy does, it'll look new when I get it back! New hinge pins and perhaps regulator/motor/actuator as well. Pics when done.

The rental company said I'd probably get a Fiat 500. Have to admit I'm kinda looking forward to giving it a go.

Btw I did a little research. Turn out that the adjusters don't fear the word 'lawyer', but they don't like the phrase 'third party claimant', if you are, because you did not agree to their policies.

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Well met with the adjuster. It is.... drum roll..... 8 million dollars.

Still, $1500!!! Ye gods.

I need some input from you guys. The chrome strip on these that runs around the car at the top of the lower body cladding is badly faded as you can see in that pic. In a perfect world I would have it replaced and am awaiting an answer from a trim place on a total.

However, the body guy gave me the option of just painting it body color. What do you think?

Pete

[tjc78]

I think it would look wierd body color. If it wasn't recessed, it would probably work, but with the recess not so much. My .02.

$1500 seems low for that damage. I had similar damage to just the fender (and inner wheel arch) and the bill was almost $2000. Of course that was on a Toyota Avalon with three stage paint, so maybe that is the difference.

[Piece-it pete]

My bubble is burst

I saw the real problem was, he was really really busy. I suspect he didn't want the job. No matter, he'll never hear from me again (he should've been honest).

So blast it! Time to start shopping hard.

I found replacement for that trim and wil probably do it myself, so nice shiney chrome-y-ness

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Got a MUCH better quote last night, almost everything I wanted done (the main problem stuff) for an extra $100 out pocket. One more place at lunch today and I decide

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Wow I'm being a post whore.

Getting happy as the refresh on the stealth bomber gets closer. Picked up this for a smoking deal:



And it included a 16' 5 rca flat Memphis cable! As mentioned, while I've got the seats/carpet out I'm going to install new stereo wiring. That is 80 x 4 into 4 ohms, perfect, and it's cleancleanclean. I'll use the Antony amp I pulled from Faded Glory to run a factory sub setup (not yet JY pulled).

When I finally pull a factory sub 'cabinet' I'll measure the interior volume with water and get rec'd replacement subwoofer specs, and post them. It doesn't have to be a thumper for me, just fill out the bottom end.

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Got a MUCH better quote last night, almost everything I wanted done (the main problem stuff) for an extra $100 out pocket. One more place at lunch today and I decide

Pete

My last quote was - $770 LESS!!!!

And I've seen the guys work before. I'z so happy.

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Actually found a clean trunk liner. And, it's in. Let the refresh begin!

While I had it out I oiled the inside of the trunk down behind the rear wheels, surface rust was already starting.

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Quick Q - I'm working on getting the bits for the stereo upgrade.

The only thing I'm having trouble on is, I need a decent looking covered little distribution point for the trigger wire to mount in the trunk. Can be really simple. Any suggestions?

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

After digging into it I decided to just crimp-split the trigger power. Although you could use a single post power point and a safety cap along the lines of what they use to cover bolts on swingsets.

Parts for the refresh are starting to pour in, it's very exciting! Got the speaker wire, battery clamp, ground distribution block, main fuse and holder, and rear springs so far. Car goes to the bodyshop Monday.

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Dash trim, injector o-ring/filter kit, moog spring insulators!

Which I didn't need. When I opened the box the springs were in, Moog includes 4.

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Started installing the injector service kit.

It includes the O-rings, pintle caps, and basket filters.

It's almost very easy. I got 6 of the 8 done in about 30-40 minutes of pleasant auto-working. If it wasn't for having to pull off the TPS to get that &*% metal plate plate off the back over the drivers' side fuel rail (couldn't find my needed offset screwdriver) I'd of had them all done.

And here's the thing. I've had a slight miss that bugs the heck out of me. It DID get better, not gone, but better. So, was it the filters, or me doublechecking that all the injector/coil plugs were tight?

She goes in for bodywork today too

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Got the rental! But not a 500

It's a Versa. I've driven it 4 miles and hate it already!

Pete

[SVT98t]

Versa = poo

-ryan s.

[Piece-it pete]

You ain't kidding. The MPG is pretty good, and I like the OD off button on the side of the sifter, but gaa I can't wait to get the 03 back.

Which I'm doing tomorrow!!

Didn't get the rear bumper sprayed, too much extra, but it's not bad and the rest should be awesome

Pete