Easy fix!  Get out the bondo and keep the insurance money.

                                        Mike Garske

Edward Maglott wrote:
>
> I have some photos up of the damage to my vanagon:
>
> http://buncombe.main.nc.us/~emaglott/pp010/index.htm
>
> Got 2 estimates so far, in the $2000-$2500 range.  The VW dealer said that
> the 86 vanagon was only worth $1100, and they would total it.  The other
> body shop said the estimate was only $150 above the value for a regular
> vanagon, not a camper, and that with the rest of the vehicle being in good
> shape, they wouldn't total it.  I hope I come out OK on this.  All I've
> gotten from the other driver's insurance company in the way of contact is a
> form in the mail to fill out and send back with my estimates...
>
> My original post on this is below.
>
> Edward
>
> I was on my way this afternoon to have  a friend weld in my passenger side
> seat swivel.  Smacked into the left rear of a ford escort with my right
> front.  Its driver decided to make a left turn from the right lane, while I
> was passing them in the left lane.  I laid on the horn and the brakes, and
> got that sinking feeling as the car disappeared below my windshield.  Spun
> the escort a tad more than 90 degrees.  Last I saw the escort, I was headed
> right for the driver's door, so I'm glad I hit it farther back near the
> corner.  Unfortunately, enough of the impact occurred above the bumper to
> dent in the front pretty good, break the right headlight and side marker
> light and knock off the lower grill.  I'm not sure if the grill is broken
> or not yet.  Other driver was charged with a safe movement violation, but
> is claiming they were in the left lane already when turning left.  Officer
> doesn't go for that story based on the damage and how the vehicles ended
> up.  I may have to testify against other driver.  Oh well.  I hope
> insurance will help me out...  Vanagon is an 86 weekender converted to full
> westy.  Chrome bumper is all tweaked on the right side, but the big
> structure under it appears completely unscathed.  I was not afraid at all
> when i realized I was going to hit the other car, because I knew I had the
> battering ram technology on my side!