Just saw this post, that sucks pretty bad man :(

Any updates? So sad to see a car this beautiful in this condition

I read the whole thread, however, I would seriously consider selling it for parts at this point. Or, having the underside checked out BEFORE dumping any money into the car. From the damage I see on the outside, all the suspension mounting points are gonna be way out of whack. Thats gonna be one crooked driving car if some $$$ isn't spent at the frame shop. Just not worth it IMO. And yes i'm aware of LT1 SS production numbers. Still doesn't justify getting all holy about it. In the end, it is just a car, metal and plastic. I would be sick if I was in your place too, however I would be seriously realistic about my decisions and keeping that POS.

Fix it
 

Get it measured. Any good body shop will have a laser frame measure system. The car will be clamped on a level bench. Then they will set targets at four equal points near the center of the car to create a "box" making sure the unibody is straight. After this has been done then they can check specific points like k member mounting points or rear trailing arm mounting points. Even if these are off its easy to be pulled back into range. Factory fit allows plus or minus 3mm so some measuments can be almost 6mm off when compared side to side (of course this is an extreme case). From the looks of it it doesnt appear to be too badly damaged. I would and can fix it! I love the earlier fourth gen front lights. Looks so mean

Edit: to have the unibody checked is 1.5hr industry standard. not including removal of any parts. so for under $150 you will know how straight or crooked this car is.

Hey guys sorry for not updating...I didn't get an email update that anyone has posted.

I am off from work for the next two weeks so I finally have some time to get the axle changed out so it can be at least a roller. I am taking it to S&T Auto as soon as I get the axle replaced to get the frame checked. If the frame is too damaged to repair, then I will obviously sell it out for parts. BUT....the guys at S&T are quite confident in their repairs that they also offer a lifetime warranty on it. They charge $90 to check the frame and then I don't remember what they said for each hour of repair.

So I will let you know how it goes!

probably about $45 an hour to fix the frame.

If you keep for a long time, in 20 years fixing that car will be one of the best things you did.

think about how many people would love to have there old cars back.


If they can restore some rusted POS first gen to a head turner...they can fix that.

Consensus :D Shitty news ,new fresh list of mods/projects:D

REAL shitty news...but yes, I'm already planning out what I want to do once I get the frame checked!

You say it was at the auction. Was it easy for you to purchase back? Did you have first dibs on the car? was there other people bidding ?. Sorry about all the questions and sorry about the damage. I've been wondering how the process of purchasing back from the insurance company works.

I just told State Farm that I wanted to keep the car and they deducted the salvage value from the claim payment. I then had to drive to the auction place and pick it up.

Sorry about he car definately a sweet ride. From the pics. unless the floor pans are ripped shreds i don't think it looks that bad good luck with the resurrection

even wrecked you can tell its a nice car... glad to hear that your fixing it man

any update on the ss?

No current updates....to follow though!

man i feel your pain ...good thing nobody got hurt. maybe you could look around for
a similar car ..a roller . then transfer the parts from your wrecked car .check
classified section good luck.

Are you going to keep the thread updated as you put it back together?

How's the car coming along?

How far is katy from OKC? I might have a rearend out of a 97 that has new axles, a new auburn diff, and 3.42's. If I still still got it and you will come get it then it's yours. I put a few blocks and dyno runs on it, maybe 100 miles and that is stretching it. Oh, it's got a cast diff cover also.

Just checked mapquest, it's about 450-500 miles and 7.5 to 8 hours away.