Barney, 90 convertible totaled

[Chazzman]

My 1990 convertible was totaled, Barney please note this in the data base if you will.

In 1990, as a reward for 35 years of employment, I decided to buy the car of my choice. I narrowed my choices down to a ?Vette or a Reatta and the flip of a coin helped determine my decision.

This car (VIN 1G4EC33C1LB905534) was built in April 1990 and purchased by me in September 1990. It has been (and still is) an excellent vehicle, and while involved in several minor accidents, was faithfully restored after each. I enjoyed the prestige of owning this hand built car and also putting 118K miles on the Reatta.

One accident was a lady taking off too fast behind me at a traffic light and she tapped the rear, damaging the bumper and under panel. Another accident involved a deer hitting the headlight assembly. In another accident, I clipped a small truck?s back bumper (he braked hard unexpectedly and I was too close to maneuver around or stop) and the left fender exploded, resulting in replacing the left front quadrant with no frame or windshield damage. The final accident involved avoiding hitting a deer head-on and instead, went into what I thought was a small ditch. It took out the grill, bumper, radiator supports, AC condenser, and a list of other underbody damage. The paint was scratched along both front fenders and doors (and it had looked so good). The hood seemed okay. Both doors were sound, and wing glasses, power window mechanisms, and mirror assemblies were good. The repair estimate was almost $6400, the book value at $4600, and the insurance adjustor offered $6850. So I sold it.

For salvage information call 1-800-844-5750. The control number is 1067461.

I put all its maintenance and expense records in the vehicle even though it was being salvaged. At the time of the accident, it was costing me 49.3 cent a mile to drive it

The original top, while getting shabby around the rear deck and front windshield seams, did not leak. I was scheduling to get the top replaced in the not-so-distant future. The lining, tonneau mat, back glass and defroster were good. This car was kept covered and in an enclosed garage. I first used it as a daily 110-mile commuter car and then relegated into being driven twice a week, once a week, once every 10 days until my retirement three years ago, and since retiring about twice a month. I seldom put the top down, reserving it only for beautiful spring, early summer, and autumn days.

I put off repairing the tape player, or replacing the speakers (they crackle). The sun visor clips were broken and I decided not to replace them. The 16 way seats were operational and in real good shape as were the rest of the interior, console, and carpeting. The dash and all electronics worked. I also had a Buick Reatta dash cover protecting the dash. The motor and drive train were both good. The Michelin tires had 8K miles on them. The brakes and accumulator had about 6K miles on them.

I learned early not to open or close the headlights over 40mph, thus the headlight assemblies were okay, however the right headlight had just started flickering. Running into the ditch damaged the lights (they still lit) but have no idea how bad.

I still have possession of a pristine front tag-holder, one wheel centerpiece (slight abrasions), and the owner?s zippered book with engraved plaque, flashlight pen, air gauge, and pen. I can be reached at chazzman34 @yahoo.com.

[nic walker]

It is apparent that you were definitly attached....seems as if another is in order

[Greg Ross]

Quote:

The repair estimate was almost $6400, the book value at $4600, and the insurance adjustor offered $6850.

Mike ReattaDudes might comment on this, I think you may have settled too quick! Seems to me Mike had stirred up several settlements and the final offers were signifigantly more.

[imported_manateefla]

I feel your pain. My (adult) son was driving my 1988 Reatta and, to avoid a woman who was talking on her cell phone and changing lanes apparently without seeing my car, had to veer hard left, over the centerline and clipped a van stopped to make a left turn. Car is creamed from rear view mirror to rear bumper. I'm fearful the insurance company will total it out based on NADA Retail Book Value which, as we know, is not accurate for our beloved cars.

I'm the second owner, first being a dear friend so I know the car. I've put 83K miles on it plus his 50K makes the total 133K. As a female who dearly loves her Reatta I'm tearful and fearful at the thought of my baby in the junkyard!

I'd be interested in talking to you about the "totaling out" process and perhaps learning from your experience. I've never been through this before and could use the advice. I've also written to Barney. My email is manateefla@aol.com. I can then give you my phone so perhaps we can talk.

[Joe Bailey]

I am very interested in obtaining the 16-way seats!

Were they tan?