Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

So sorry to see that, what a terrible thing for someone to do.

Hope they catch the people who did it

I have many people to thank here in the club who helped me get this car painted, fixed, going, stopping, wired and just plain being the coolest car on the planet.

Looks like an underhood fire... or did the scumbags light the interior too?

The source of the fire was under the hood passenger's side.

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Sorry for your loss Darren. I know you've put a lot of time and money into your car over the last several years.

That's terrible! Sorry to hear this Darren! Did you have an ignition box mounted where the fire started? Craig S (ex club Pres) used to have a sweeper dash in his spare parts pile.

I was curious if the damage they did to the electrical to "hot wire" it assuming they did so may have led to an issue with the MSD box. Guessing an unfortunate side effect vs a deliberate act. A moot point either way as the end result is awful. Yours hits closer to home but I feel bad for the others who had cars stolen as well. Makes me want to revisit hiding a kill switch somewhere.

If I have any dash stuff left from my 70 elky to 4th gen camaro dash swap, your welcome to them...though Stan may most of it....not sure.

So sorry to see that what are people thinking?

WOW, just WOW. Words are not enough to vent the anger felt at scum thieves who think it's funny to steal what isn't theirs.

The fire may well be a secondary consequence and may have happened to you, but either way, it is really sad to see all your blood, sweat and tears sitting in that condition.

Did the fire department find it necessary to cut the cowl hood in half to open it ?????  Isn't there a latch under the bumper, like all other '72 Chevelles ???

Not trying to make light of this, put I'm seeing this as a blessing in disguise... Yes, the Scumbags stole your car... but the MSD box failed, caused a fire, and stopped them. Picture this... you are on the road with the littlin's, camper in tow, and you have an underhood fire!
Just thinking...

Darren We should have lunch sometime.

Arlind, sent to you PM with my cell.

4-door Chevelle wrote:

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There was a total of 9 cars stolen as listed on their Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/carshownationalscom-217461418285565/?pnref=story

 

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 I can see where a major car show would be a prime hunting ground for scum bags looking for "parts cars".

Difficult to see the damage as a blessing but if the alternative where to never see it again, you may be the lucky one.

American Autowire update kit is $600...every wire you will ever need from front to back. I've bought several now.

Did they give you a figure to buy it back ?

The 4 door in WI is trash. If the quarters are that bad, figure the floors and trunk are gone too...

Look further south for something cleaner to start with. I know a guy with a trailer who is always looking for an excuse to drive around the country. Maybe Stan can find a clean 4 door down there for cheap.

Sooo...I have been having fun scouring the countryside for a new Chevelle. I have been seriously looking at cars between about $13,000 and $23,000 in the 2 and 4 headlight versions. My goal has been to find the perfect combination of what I want and like about our cars. I have now owned 9 Chevelles since 1977 so I have a good idea of what I like. I am setup to look at a real 70 SS later this morning, how cool is that?!?

Back to reality...

Even though the insurance company estimate to repair the car came in over $23,000. Even though I show my investment at over $20,000 with receipts for most of it. Even though at retail value this is almost a $30,000 car. I got the phone call late yesterday afternoon the underwriters are coming in at about $10,000! Of course I highlighted the brand new $10,000 engine and tranny, the 6 year old restoration, the unique and irreplaceable nature of my car as well as the many custom aspects of the car. The claims rep was sympathetic and said he would go to bat for me to bump it up so I am still hopeful they come up with a much better number. I can barely buy a decent Chevelle for $10,000 and it ain't gonna be fast. They did say I can buy the car back at 10 to 20 percent so I definitely will do that. Since I live in an apartment I need to find a garage spot somewhere in the Twin Cities ( ANYONE? ) to take this car apart as there are still a lot of good pieces that I don't want to give up.

Anyway, I committed to buy a piece of property in northern Minnesota with a friend expecting a decent settlement. I am still going to do that as 10 acres and a house next to his 10 acres with a house deep in the woods is actually fulfilling a dream of mine. The place is completely off the grid with a wood stove in the house and I am going to make bike trails for the kids, a small pond to put a raft in and probably a tree fort to just play around and enjoy the family and nature.

I wasn't suppose to have to build another Chevelle. I was done and quite happy with what I have. I was going to give this one to my son and he was going to give it to his son. I do still have the drive and determination around my passion for cars but my 57 year old body reminds me that every major task or time that I "overdue it" comes with a high cost and I try to reserve my strength for work and the grand-babies. Of course, ice and ibuprofen help but I try to avoid pain.

Exhale. Focus. Wait. Go to a car show.

Dude, you're 57??? Wouldn't have guessed!

Aside from that, I feel for you. Keep pushing for the better settlement. Was your insurance written as "Agreed upon" value or market value? Was there an appraisal done for the insurance previously? Just trying to think of thins that would help your case too.