Killin's too good for em.
Sad Ending to My Dart Build
- Thread starter BrianT
- Start date
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Ironracer
Gearhead
STERN
grimreaper
Cross Member
I'm so sad to see this. I hope things wind up working out somewhat equitable for you.
Thanks for all of the kind words of support everyone. This place is one of my favorite spots on the web for reasons like this. We will all move on together and I'll start on another project eventually.
I'll try to answer some of the questions the best I can. So far, State Farm has been cooperative and both adjusters have been nice guys and pleasant to deal with. They totalled the vehicle just from looking at the pictures I provided. I have some from the night of the accident and they look really bad.
The Dart was in my buddy's garage because he has a lift and we were working on it getting it ready for this show season. It was not a commercial venture and no money ever exchanged hands. He had the keys in a separate room and they busted the ignition and trunk lock to get at the contents. I still have my keys.
The vehicle was professionally appraised 5 years ago and insured for that amount. Since then, I have made improvements and always keep my receipts. I have two thick manila folders full. Plus I have TONS of pictures from last summer showing the work that has been done to it. I feel confident that we will be able to come to an agreeable amount to all parties. If not, I have my attorney standing by.
As to the POSs that stole it (they also stole 2 Harleys and a 1989 Ford Bronco from my buddy) the police have some solid leads. Within hours they had a suspect in mind who has been involved in nefarious conduct including suspected auto theft. Hopefully, that turns out to be his finger print or cell phone that they found in the car. I'm not a vengeful person and believe that eventually they'll slip up and get caught. I back the badge and trust the system. They'll get whats coming to them. My buddy on the other hand, is following up on leads and forwarding them on to the Sheriff's department. This is kind of big crime in a small rural area so the police are all over this case.
Thanks for your support everyone. I'll keep this thread updated as I receive more info.
I'll try to answer some of the questions the best I can. So far, State Farm has been cooperative and both adjusters have been nice guys and pleasant to deal with. They totalled the vehicle just from looking at the pictures I provided. I have some from the night of the accident and they look really bad.
The Dart was in my buddy's garage because he has a lift and we were working on it getting it ready for this show season. It was not a commercial venture and no money ever exchanged hands. He had the keys in a separate room and they busted the ignition and trunk lock to get at the contents. I still have my keys.
The vehicle was professionally appraised 5 years ago and insured for that amount. Since then, I have made improvements and always keep my receipts. I have two thick manila folders full. Plus I have TONS of pictures from last summer showing the work that has been done to it. I feel confident that we will be able to come to an agreeable amount to all parties. If not, I have my attorney standing by.
As to the POSs that stole it (they also stole 2 Harleys and a 1989 Ford Bronco from my buddy) the police have some solid leads. Within hours they had a suspect in mind who has been involved in nefarious conduct including suspected auto theft. Hopefully, that turns out to be his finger print or cell phone that they found in the car. I'm not a vengeful person and believe that eventually they'll slip up and get caught. I back the badge and trust the system. They'll get whats coming to them. My buddy on the other hand, is following up on leads and forwarding them on to the Sheriff's department. This is kind of big crime in a small rural area so the police are all over this case.
Thanks for your support everyone. I'll keep this thread updated as I receive more info.
B-i-n-g-o
Well-Known Member
Just saw this...I hate it for you, and hope all comes out well.
Kendog 170
Let the boy go !
This 68 is getting parted (not mine) not sure if the body is salvageable.
[FOR SALE] - 68 dart parts
[FOR SALE] - 68 dart parts
1969dodgedart
Big Block 440
That's a shame but imo totally fixable, imagine the back story you'll have to tell. Some what similar to the " black ghost" only with a theft recovery/ restoration.
Kendog 170
Let the boy go !
I was a body man back in the day. I always got the heavy hits. I agree it could be saved but your frame man better be top notch. May have to pull and then change a rail or two . Or replace front clip after pull. Maybe left rear rail too? JMO Would love to see detailed pics but if me might make me sick doing so.
I feel your pain and sorry to hear and see that. In 1998 I had my 67 GTS fully restored and stored in my basement. I had a problem with the 440 that a guy in Hueytown had built for me and he had it back in his shop. An F5 tornado came through and destroyed everything I wincluding my house. My daughter and I along with GTS were covered up in basement. Top mashed in, passenger door pulled open and touching floor, front cap had to be replaced and every piece of trim that I had restored was destroyed. The hood was off because of pulling engine back out was found about 3/4 mile wrapped around a tree about 15 ft in the air.
The bad thing was I hadn't got it insured because I had never drove it out the driveway and thought it was safe locked in basement. I didn't get a dime out of it but I fixed it back.
I sure hope your insurance takes care of it and you find what you need to get back to work, Joe
The bad thing was I hadn't got it insured because I had never drove it out the driveway and thought it was safe locked in basement. I didn't get a dime out of it but I fixed it back.
I sure hope your insurance takes care of it and you find what you need to get back to work, Joe
Kendog 170
Let the boy go !
Actually, after looking at the pics it may not be as bad as it looks.
MyD750
'71 Duster 340 TX9
Sorry to hear. I suggest keeping in touch with both the LE agency/detective handling the case AND making sure that the maximum charge the elements of the crime meet, are what he/she is charged with AND tried for. This will likely require you meeting with the DA and pushing them/holding them accountable. Depending on what kind of a record the suspect has, they will likely try to bargain this down. This isn't the 2003 family Buick they stole and totaled, this is a significant, "rare" work that is not going to be replaced easily. It was more than a "hunk of chrome and paint" if adult children (who grew up with great memories from the car) were moved to tears on hearing the news. Really sorry to hear. Best of luck in all going forward.
The car is safely stored inside now (again) and here are some more pics. I think the front end was hit harder than I initially thought. The front clip is pushed to the right so far that the right door is catching on the fender. There is also more damage to the right quarter as shown.
Why in the hell did they break my wiper switch and knob?!?!?!? We didn't try to start it because the wires to the ignition switch are all torn out, so we don't know if there's a knock in the engine. They also tried to pull out my fan controller from the glove box causing the car to overheat and boil over.
Why in the hell did they break my wiper switch and knob?!?!?!? We didn't try to start it because the wires to the ignition switch are all torn out, so we don't know if there's a knock in the engine. They also tried to pull out my fan controller from the glove box causing the car to overheat and boil over.
1969dodgedart
Big Block 440
Seeing all the pictures you've posted i still think its totally repairable and would be as good or better than before imo . Worth saving without a doubt. Strip the car down to just the body/ Put it on a bench at reputable shop / pull it back to shape/ replace all the twisted & damaged steel with amd panels & parts. In the end its your call what the path forward is going to be.
Sorry for your loss Brian. What a beautiful car!! I hope you can get it rebuilt and back on the road. As for the perp(s) I am going to guess.....a long rap sheet and don't expect much justice. Seems to be the norm nowadays. Good luck to you.
I have the Max with Hagerty. My DDs are with State Farm. My late wife wrecked her '01 Forester and I told SF we wanted to keep the car. They gave me a number less the deductible, what they thought the wreck was worth and cut me the check and it was enough to fix the car. I was driving her '90 Legacy and got whacked and Progressive did the same thing and we had the car fixed.
Rustyfish
Member
Ah that sucks Brian. You did me a favor, let me know if there is anything a local guy can do to help. Hopefully everything works out on the insurance side.
DiggerDart
Well-Known Member
I agree with what Iron racer said.
Swinger 340
Well-Known Member
L
Looks like it may be fixable. I would look into that route first.
Swinger 340
Well-Known Member
More than likely he knows the thieves. That's the sad part of it all.
Ironracer
Gearhead
Sadly, You're probably right! In one form or another
Dale Davies
Well-Known Member
I would, take his nutz. Too mmammany idiots out there these days and we do not want them procreating more of the same.
Ironracer
Gearhead
Heck Yeah ! Just put a stop to the inbreeding of that bloodline asap!
Wow Brian that is really sad. Sorry you are having to go through this. This however is a great site and I am sure we all will help out with whatever we can.
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