Wrecked

Mikes5ate said:

Hello everyone last night I hydroplaned at 35 mph lost control and absolutely destroyed my mustang. I loved this car so much I bought it myself I am still in highschool and I think either part it out or scrap it. View attachment 89359

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I’m thinking of keeping my car and repairing it. I don’t have the funds at the moment but this car has a soul and it saved my life. I’m still in highschool but I want to repair this vehicle to the best of my ability. Am not taking it to a shop everything will probably be done at home or with friends help. Stay tuned for the restoration, (it won’t happen soon but eventually it will)

As somebody who went down a similar path, I would tell you that its worth it, but it is a very long and expensive process. Especially since your car has fairly severe structural damage. The cost to fix it, including tools, parts, labor, and paint and body work will cost you close to double what it would cost to buy a non-wrecked car like that one with a nice body. The type of work involved will be fitting sheet metal such that all your trim and all your windows and doors fit correctly.

I wrecked mine and bent the frame when I was 20. At that age, you do not make much money to survive and pay your bills, let alone have a project car, which is an expensive ontaking. If you do decide to keep it and repair it yourself, plan on it taking all your time and money for the next 5 years.

You pay for insurance for a reason. File the claim. You don't have to agree to any terms in the settlement - you can just say no. But if you don't file the claim, you will never know.

Mikes5ate said:

Well the thing is I’m 17 and we’re using Hagerty and my step dad said they might not cover it since it’s under his name so they aren’t reporting it.

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This doesn't make sense. If Dad owns it and you are licensed & he approved you driving it, then should be OK on insurance. Does his Hagerty policy have a stated value? I use Hagarty but haven't been in your position. Glad you are OK.

I am having a "deja vu" moment, especially because I see the Studebaker in the car list... and saw the color and model of your Grande'. My first 'stang was identical to that, right down to the color, pre-paint. I would say that the value of the car doesn't warrant repair, sadly. Chock it up to experience, and have the claim filed. Nothing to loose! Otherwise, part it out. Someone out there desperately needs Grande' interior pieces of that color.

Glad you're okay, that's what really matters. The car can be repaired or replaced.

BUCKWHEAT said:

This doesn't make sense. If Dad owns it and you are licensed & he approved you driving it, then should be OK on insurance. Does his Hagerty policy have a stated value? I use Hagarty but haven't been in your position. Glad you are OK.

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My best guess is the step dad's hesitancy may have to do with the the first item below - if the OP didn't have a regular insurance policy and his own daily.

https://www.hagerty.com/insurance/classic-car-insurance/does-my-vehicle-qualify

Mikes5ate said:

Hello everyone last night I hydroplaned at 35 mph lost control and absolutely destroyed my mustang. I loved this car so much I bought it myself I am still in highschool and I think either part it out or scrap

Click to expand...

Mikes5ate said:

Hello everyone last night I hydroplaned at 35 mph lost control and absolutely destroyed my mustang. I loved this car so much I bought it myself I am still in highschool and I think either part it out or scrap it. View attachment 89359

Click to expand...

In my early 20s I wrecked my 73 mach1 Q code, so I know how you feel. I had that car 6 years and loved it. It turned into a life’s goal to replace that car. Because life happens and there’s things like a budget it was impossible to replace it. Finally after 40 years I did with a 1973 Mach 1 H code. I felt the same way you do about a deep connection to that car. I used my first mach1 as a daily driver but the replacement is more of a monument to the 1st one. She is garage kept never driven in rain and taken care of . Do what you feel you must but if you decide to fix this one be prepared to spend a lot of money that you’ll never get back. It’s much easier on the wallet to replace it with another when you can.

BUCKWHEAT said:

This doesn't make sense. If Dad owns it and you are licensed & he approved you driving it, then should be OK on insurance. Does his Hagerty policy have a stated value? I use Hagarty but haven't been in your position. Glad you are OK.

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He’s honestly petty about it saying it would raise our rates

73 Mach 1 4 me said:

In my early 20s I wrecked my 73 mach1 Q code, so I know how you feel. I had that car 6 years and loved it. It turned into a life’s goal to replace that car. Because life happens and there’s things like a budget it was impossible to replace it. Finally after 40 years I did with a 1973 Mach 1 H code. I felt the same way you do about a deep connection to that car. I used my first mach1 as a daily driver but the replacement is more of a monument to the 1st one. She is garage kept never driven in rain and taken care of . Do what you feel you must but if you decide to fix this one be prepared to spend a lot of money that you’ll never get back. It’s much easier on the wallet to replace it with another when you can.

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I sold it today hard seeing it go but I will get another one, one day.