1999 Z/28

[MostMint]

Thanks for the explanation. I couldn't put it together from the pics what happened. I'm glad only the car took damage. These kinds of wrecks are why the IIHS does the offset crash tests.

Have you given any more thought to what you will do with it?

[markss327]

Looks as if the passenger's head hit the windshield...
And... being away from TSO for a while, this explains the GTO.
Sorry for your loss.

[MostMint]

When the passenger side airbag deploys it hits the windshield.

[wxo]

Just to clarify a little, the cover of the right side airbag is actually pretty heavy and is tethered on it's windshield edge with a strip of material. When the airbag deploys, it flips the cover up and slaps the windshield producing the damage. When we got out of the car after the accident and I saw the windshield, I looked at Maverick and thought his head had hit the windshield without his realizing it. He firmly told me he was very sure his head was OK and he had made no contact.

[markss327]

I'm glad to see ya'll walked away....
I like the Dodge Chargers... I see the state even opted for the alloy wheels.

[wxo]

Which brings to mind the fact that the troopers appeared almost instantly after the wreck. I asked them how they got there so fast and they said they were already there tending to a previous accident. Their presence could have been a factor in distracting the young lady who turned in front of me. You can see the white Blazer and the other car behind it in the picture of the cop cars. I think they may be the participants in the previous accident.

[Maverick]

Looks as if the passenger's head hit the windshield...
And... being away from TSO for a while, this explains the GTO.
Sorry for your loss.

Being the passenger, I was a little surprised to see that windshield. I was thinking I must have a really hard head since it wasn't even scratched. Had several people come look at my head with a baffled look on their faces.

[wxo]

I took a couple of hours tonight and puttered with the Camaro. I didn't need to use a sawzall. I was able to unbolt the remainder of the left fender and then remove the inner fender. The wheel came right off after that. Then I picked at some of the broken stuff on the left front and put as much as possible in the trash can. The damage to the inner fender structure and frame looks like more that I can fix. It's a shame to part out this car. It's just too nice.

Then I hooked up the battery and the horn started blowing again so I pulled the horn relay and stopped that. Then I started the engine and it ran fine. Next, I'm going to vacuum out the interior so that I can sit in it. Then I guess I'll take it off the blocks to see if it will move under its own power.

[wxo]

The Camaro has now moved under its own power. I was able to back it up about 30 feet onto the concrete driveway. There is no steering it though. Apparently the power steering reservoir was ruptured in the crash and all the fluid has run out. There is also some interference in the steering components that will not allow it to turn. Anyway, I got it up on jackstands so that I could look underneath and inspect the damage more closely. After looking around, I realize that this might be too much damage for me to expect a resurrection. I composed a Craigslist ad and will wait for some enthusiastic responses. What I get for the car or parts I will use to offset the cost of the GTO.
I have removed all the extra stuff I added and she is ready to go either whole or in parts.



Original, slightly defective radio back into place.


Bent lower control arm mounting point compared to the other side.




Crooked smile.

[Maverick]

The crooked smile looks like a scarred warrior that enjoyed the battle.

[markss327]

Wow, that lower control arm mount looks scary.
Do the doors fit? Is the roof buckled?

Anyway, Glad to 'hear' that the motor still runs OK.

[Fred32v]

It would take quite an effort, both time and money, to make that right.

[wxo]

Wow, that lower control arm mount looks scary.
Do the doors fit? Is the roof buckled?

Doors fit and operate perfectly. Roof was unaffected.

[wxo]

I think I've discovered something that could change my mind about fixing the Z28. I see LS1 engine cradles on sale on ebay and examining the pictures, it looks like the cradle provides the mounting points for the front suspension (lower control arms).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-02-Po ... 562e104ade
Replacing the cradle would eliiminate one of the major concerns I had about repairing the damage. There seems to be a ray of hope building here. Fred, get ready to pack your bags for Raleigh.

[markss327]

I'll bet a cradle replacement will also fix your steering (shaft) anomaly.
There is hope.

I vote - go for it.