If you wanted to, you could take the settlement and negotiate the purchase of the salvage. Then, you could put like a FatMan stub on the front of the chassis and buy a new front end to put it back together. Usually, if I have already built the car, I am done if something like this happens. It sucks.
I bought mine back for the salvage value. I put it all back together with the insurance money that Haggerty paid me I was able to repaint the entire car as well.
How well did the FatMan stub fit up width wise to your Buick frame? Was it the correct width for the bumper mounts to bolt on and most important was the base for the radiator support in the right place? Another real important question is how well does the car drive with the FatMan suspension? I haven't gotten a salvage bid to buy it back yet so I really don't know where I am in this nightmare.
I agree that to buy it back is the best thing - but note that most banks/FCU's will not loan money on a car with a salvage title.
It mated up just like it should. We had a problem with the core support mount but it was because I misread my ruler. They fixed it. The car drives like a dream. I have 4 link rear suspension and coilovers at all 4 corners. This was my 2nd FatMan install and won't be my last.
The body shop manager at Planet Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep in Franklin MA told me that of all of the major auto insurance companies, Progressive was the worst to deal with.
Brad is an independent agent and represents many different insurance companies like Hagerty etc. Duane
Boy, that hurts to look at. Who says they didn't have energy absorbing front ends in the 50's? I'd look at measuring a 2nd generation Camaro subframe if you go that route. Get an RS or Trans Am and it will have nice spring rate, sway bar, and quick steering already. I know a guy who just put one in a Rolls Royce, and another who did it with a Studebaker pickup. The Stude drives and handles like a dream. If the Camaro track width is too wide, G-body, AKA "metric GM." Lots of neat parts made for them because of stock car racers and some of the parts interchange with S10 pickups too. Or for more hassle free, Fat Man, or Roadster Shop can probably help you out nicely.
Well I am going with a FatMan subframe. Has anyone tried out electric power steering? Flaming River is selling an electric system has anyone tried it?
I have not but a friend put electric steering in his Avanti and loves it. It should interface with the R&P just fine. re: FatMan stub. I have done two of these now and the last used coilovers. I won't ever go with the standard springs again. If you set up your front end right, the adjustability of the shocks lets you dial in your handling and ride. I put them on the rear with a 4 link, as well. I also boxed the frame which made it considerably stiffer and made the suspension work better. Good luck.
Rockable. When you converted to the FatMan stub did it still turn as sharp as before? FatMan says the ride height will drop 2 to 4 inches do you know how much yours lowered?
It dropped at least 2", hard to say how much overall due to tire size, old springs, etc. It's at a good height and I have plenty of turning radius. In fact, I had to put some rack spacers in to limit turning radius because the tires rubbed my inner fenders.
No but it looks neat. With the FatMan stub, a power steering rack is included. Just add a pump and 2 hoses. Why bother with electric steering?
I planned to go to AC, which requires a belt. My two electric fans require a 150 amp alternator which requires two belts. The crash wrecked my PS pump and pulley so I been thinking of maybe going to electric steering and doing away with the PS pump and using that belt for the water pump and AC. I have not connected with anyone that has put electric steering on their old car. My new GMC pickup has electric steering and it is great.
Just about all new vehicles have it and it is great. A buddy of mine installed it in his Avanti and likes it. Thats the only firsthand knowledge I have but Flaming River makes quality products. Go for it!
I went to the chrome shop today. The front bumper, bumper guards and bullets are to be chromed. The mustache and the hood ornament are pot metal to be chromed. All these parts came off my parts car and the chrome shop man said they were in real good condition. The bill will still be $5,000 minimum. The trip to Idaho was 620 miles round trip.
Well, follow up on my 52 Buick wreck. She is back on the road and I took it to Spokane last week to the National Buick meet. Got a gold award in the modified class. I installed a Fat Man sub frame. I installed Flaming River power steering. Diamond Back Auburn radials. My wife and I both agree you can not just relax and drive it, it is very sensitive. It has programable feature and I have not used that yet. I have found that the assist that works well in a parking lot is too much out on the highway. I am going to experiment more with it but I still am uncomfortable driving it for fear somebody will hit me or a deer will jump out in front of me. Oh by the way does anyone know of a 52 Buick mustache (pot medal bar that fits between grill and hood) for sale?
