Sad Loss of Reatta.... FIRE

[The1iLost]

hey guys..

So here's the scoop. I bought a 89 Reatta about three weeks ago. I LOVED the car. LOVED it... for all three weeks it lasted. Last night I lost the vehicle to electrical fire. It started in the dash while driving and in under 5 minutes it was engulfed. I attempted to save the CRT in the fire (got three of the four screws out) but a flame that was a little too close for comfort decided to change my mind.

DAMAGE:

The entire interior is gone. I mean GONE. The hood is scorched and so is the trunk. All the glass and mirrors are blown out.

PROPOSITION:

Is there anything I can strip off the car for you guys? Any little part you just need that I might be able to yank off before the wrecker gets here? I only have a couple hours I believe, but I'm certainly willing to try for you guys.

RECOVERED SO FAR:

headlamp motor

antenna motor

hub cabs

battery (1 week old!)

oh, and what is a thread like this without pics??

REATTA TOAST

Please feel free to post on here or e-mail me at soxincicny@gmail.com.

[Guest tomt]

wELL:

FROM THE PICTURES IT LOOKS LIKE AT LEAST YOU'VE GOT FRIENDS. I DON'T NEED ANYTHING, AND IT'S PROBABLY TOO LATE, BUT IT LOOKS AS IF YOU COULD PULL AND SALVAGE THE TEVES UNIT & MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY, AS IT LOOKS AS IF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND TRUNK WERE SPARED

[padgett]

Also the ABS computer (in trunk) and all four wheel sensors and brackets. I'd cut the harness wires about 4-6" past the connectors because you never know when you'll need a connector. Can also probably salvage the entire powertrain module including half-shafts and sub-frame.

If in central Florida, I'll help.

[Vincent Vega]

It's not that bad. It should buff right out. Seriously, Ouch! That is really sad to see.

[manikmekanik]

You never got enough time to really enjoy the car!

You should get another Reatta right away, and keep "Torchy" as a parts car.

I think you'd look coooool in a 1990 red/tan/tan ragtop with 16-way seats!

Especially a Texas car, (with no rust and new tires), which was awarded Bronze at the 2005 BCA Midwest regional meet!

And.... it's a steal at $10k, get it before it hits eBay!

See Attachment

[Guest F14CRAZY]

Sorry yo. I've been carrying a fire extinguisher in the hatch behind my seat, but it would have been difficult to put out a fire inside the dash. It's like our cars need a central extinguishing system

[The1iLost]

Sorry guys.. the wrecker showed up quicker than I expected. I didn't get much out of it. I had to move quickly because of town ordinances and had no where to store it...

She was cherry too, when I bought her. Perfect condition, just a fair amount of miles. Only a couple minor flaws including ac needing a recharge, sagging headliner, and window motor was burnt out on one side. Those were her only problems, and that's certainly nothing to worry about.

I did alot of research into finding a great car. You guys have a great forum here. Keep it up, and best of luck to all of you.

[Guest California_Reatta]

That is, without a doubt, the saddest sight I have ever seen. My deepest condolences on your loss. It looked like a beauty!

[Guest MauiWowee]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wELL:

FROM THE PICTURES IT LOOKS LIKE AT LEAST YOU'VE GOT FRIENDS. </div></div>

Dr. Frankenstein: "Get the bags."

Eyegore: "OK, Get the brunette, and I'll take the blonde." (rolls eyes) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest F14CRAZY]

Now now, you sure it's not the owner and an accomplice?

[Guest Reattaray]

It's a sad sight!! I just imagine how you feel. You should salvage the four rims and center caps also the tail light assy and the front turn signal assy's if undamaged. Sorry for your loss. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I quess this is a reminder to all of us that the condition of the car should be documented by photos and even an appraisal on exceptional cars!!

[Guest F14CRAZY]

Are you going to part out this car? Besides the interior, it looks like the drivetrain and some other things are in good shape.

And...are you going to replace it with an identical Reatta?

[Guest MauiWowee]

Sorry guys.. the wrecker showed up quicker than I expected. I didn't get much out of it. I had to move quickly because of town ordinances and had no where to store it.../quote]

Sounds like the car is gone. But perhaps it could be determined just which yard it went to?

[Guest F14CRAZY]

I missed that part

[Guest CL_Reatta]

That is a sad loss, except now I'm afraid that mine might catch fire like that. And with my luck I'll be at like the McDonald's drive thru when it happens <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> .

But really it's good to hear that you were not hurt, so at least now you have a good converstion piece.

[Howard]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Reatta. If there is any good news, at least you were not hurt. I've been a member here for a long time and I don't recall ever hearing of a Reatta catching on fire, wrecked yes, fire no. Perhaps you can find a replacement. Good Luck

[The1iLost]

Appreciate all the kind words guys...

Unfortunately it is gone off to salvage. I can't get any more parts, altough I really wish I could. I couldn't get my landlords permission to take it back to my apartment to strip. I did atleast get the center caps from the rims and the headlight motor and the power antenna.

Furthermore, I did not have the car fully insured, so I am out the money. It'll be a little while before I get back in the game and buy another toy. For now, the Jeep alone will have to do.

Now on the good side: I just drove the car from Ohio to SC and back, and this didn't happen on that long trip I also drove it from RI to Ohio when I bought it and it made it fine. Luckily, it happend 5 houses down from my apartment, with only me in the car (luckily the girls were in the other car), and I got out fine. Also, no other property was damaged.

If you take anything from this guys, it's definately enjoy every second of your cars. CArry a fire extinguiser, because it can happen to you. Finally, you get insurance for a reason... if you love your car, get it fully insured.

oh, and young frankenstein jokes are always appreciated :-D

[The1iLost]

Oh, if anyone here is in the cincy area and wants anything from that car, it went to riverside auto parts. Contact me if you would like a phone number.