Fix or Scrap? Topic is solved

TRNorton · Post by **TRNorton** » 06 Jun 2024, 08:11

I came out from work to find my beloved 99 V70 had been totaled by a semi truck. I am the second owner - she has 95,000 original miles. Insurance company calls her a complete loss. Incredibly she drives great. Engine service has already been done up to 120,000 (timing belt etc) Brand new rubber. I am contemplating buying her back from the insurance company for a few hundred. I found a replacement tailgate and lights for $180. Bumper will have to be retrofit. I know she can never be made whole - but she could make a great river car for the farm, and I would prefer she live out her life running kids and rafts and hauling canoe, than to her rotting in a junk yard or getting crushed.

I don't have time to take her to my mechanics before having to decide to surrender her and my one concern is that it looks like perhaps my spare tire well has been pushed up against the rear sway bars. Does this look like a concern?

Thank you!

Post by **scot850** » 06 Jun 2024, 08:22

I would look at the rear subframe mounts and the subframe itself for damage. The fuel system and tank may be damaged looking at the hit this took. Also you will have to knock the RHS of the rear pillar outward as it is bent against the door. This may prevent he 'new' tailgate closing safely on the latch.

For what you are talking about its future life may be, it may work as you have less concerns on everything working.

Does the rear RH door open and close?

Neil.

Post by **Chuck W** » 06 Jun 2024, 08:43

Honestly, I would buy it back, and keep everything useful from it and buy a replacement car. That shell is toast.

Post by **Sveedy** » 06 Jun 2024, 09:08

Start a pole for laughs and giggles.

I vote - Scrap it.

Post by **foggydogg** » 06 Jun 2024, 10:16

A suggestion would be to retain salvage to keep your options open, then ask around for decent collision repair shops in your area. Some places will do a job like this on a fixed cost basis for an owner like you in this situation.
The damage to the quarter panel and C pillar mean it needs time on a frame machine.

TRNorton · Post by **TRNorton** » 06 Jun 2024, 10:28

The RR door no longer opens - the tailgate opens and closes but the bottom right frame of the hatch is crushed in on the car so a replacement will latch but won't seal - however if if I keep it on the farm as a river wagon I don't care about these things.
An issue with the fuel tank is another thing... It's been two weeks and I haven't been running her much but drove her about 10 miles home after the accident. No leaks of oil or gas.

Post by **abscate** » 06 Jun 2024, 11:16

River wagon for the last 5 years of life!

Let us know if you need help scavenging parts to make that work. Tailgate easy to find

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 06 Jun 2024, 17:11

Had you been in that wagon, it would have protected you.
I say Return the Favor and let it live on as a Wreckreational Vehicle.

Assuming the stereo is OK... Stereo’s OK, right? That’s kinda everything.

May the Force Be With You!

Post by **Krons** » 06 Jun 2024, 18:59

I vote fix too, it would likely save you again even in that shape.

A good painless dent removal person may get the quarter panel pretty good, and there is no law you can’t drive a car with a dent or two. Also an opportunity to learn bodywork, I’ve pulled a few dents with suction cups and Harbor Freight glue puller. Not perfect but way less noticeable.

A good body shop would take that on with a fixed budget.

Post by **scot850** » 06 Jun 2024, 19:55

What about this? It must be close by and possibly an opportunity to Frankenstein?

viewtopic.php?t=104600

Neil.