My dumbass sister-in-law drove her husband's Elise to our place and parked in the driveway. When I got home, I parked behind her -- about 5 feet.
Our driveway is on slight incline, not much at all. She asks to borrow MY car to go to the grocery store (we're all making dinner).
Both cars are stick, I figure why not, she can drive the Lotus, she can drive a VW Golf.
I look outside just in time to see her smack the back end of the Lotus with my car. An audible crack -- from inside the house.
In short, the lotus has no bumpers. Just a CF shell. She put a big crack in it, which of course cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. $8000
Quote from: ducatizzzz on April 09, 2009, 04:00:23 PM
My dumbass sister-in-law drove her husband's Elise to our place and parked in the driveway. When I got home, I parked behind her -- about 5 feet.
Our driveway is on slight incline, not much at all. She asks to borrow MY car to go to the grocery store (we're all making dinner).
Both cars are stick, I figure why not, she can drive the Lotus, she can drive a VW Golf.
I look outside just in time to see her smack the back end of the Lotus with my car. An audible crack -- from inside the house.
In short, the lotus has no bumpers. Just a CF shell. She put a big crack in it, which of course cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. $8000
(http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=2576;type=avatar)
You can repair it yourself. Depending on the size of the crack. If you need any help with laying composites just ask, I'll let you know.
:o So are you gonna sue her for the damage to your car? ;D
I forget, where is reverse on the Jetta and on the Lotus? On all my cars that I've driven it's been on the far right either up or down, but on my dad's 135i it's on the left, up, right next to first. [roll] When I first got in his car it took me 10 minutes to get it into reverse. No joke. It was damn frustrating. >:( My dad, on the other hand, sometimes drops it into reverse when he takes off from a light. :o That was scary!
The only Jetta I've ever driven had reverse to the left of 1st. I usually bump the friction point when I'm in a strange car just to be sure. My Mom's Z3 has reverse beside 1st and I always have to double check ~
JM
IZ,
I was standing next to the post office delivery truck the other day and noticed it had giant rubber bumpers all around it.
maybe they sell multiples in a 'Family Pack'.
Quote from: El Matador on April 09, 2009, 04:09:55 PM
You can repair it yourself. Depending on the size of the crack. If you need any help with laying composites just ask, I'll let you know.
+1. I haven't kept up with the technology on the newer Lotuses (Loti?) but I once bought a totaled '67 Elan and put it back together again. And then proceeded to wreck it again. Still the best car I've ever owned.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on April 09, 2009, 04:00:23 PM
My dumbass sister-in-law drove her husband's Elise to our place and parked in the driveway. When I got home, I parked behind her -- about 5 feet.
Our driveway is on slight incline, not much at all. She asks to borrow MY car to go to the grocery store (we're all making dinner).
Both cars are stick, I figure why not, she can drive the Lotus, she can drive a VW Golf.
I look outside just in time to see her smack the back end of the Lotus with my car. An audible crack -- from inside the house.
In short, the lotus has no bumpers. Just a CF shell. She put a big crack in it, which of course cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. $8000
DOH, silly non-VW owner, she didn't push in then left and up for reverse! [bang] [bang] [bang]
bummer about damages...
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
on the bright side, its not your car with the carbon fiber body to it that is cracked.
first rule of driving, KNOW WHERE THE CONTROLS ARE!!.. guess she didnt' know where reverse was. [laugh]
Quote from: erkishhorde on April 09, 2009, 04:25:20 PM
I forget, where is reverse on the Jetta and on the Lotus? On all my cars that I've driven it's been on the far right either up or down, but on my dad's 135i it's on the left, up, right next to first. [roll] When I first got in his car it took me 10 minutes to get it into reverse. No joke. It was damn frustrating. >:( My dad, on the other hand, sometimes drops it into reverse when he takes off from a light. :o That was scary!
Same thing happened to me the first time driving a 911 turbo. Looked the a proper ass.
Wait a sec...
Don't all cars have a diagram of "what gear goes where"? Maybe it's a carry-over from owning one beater car after another in school, but I always check.
So yes, you have a serious problem: Thanks to genetics, your future nieces and nephews will probably be idiots ;D
(I keed, I keed)
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on April 10, 2009, 12:10:32 AM
Wait a sec...
Don't all cars have a diagram of "what gear goes where"? Maybe it's a carry-over from owning one beater car after another in school, but I always check.
So yes, you have a serious problem: Thanks to genetics, your future nieces and nephews will probably be idiots ;D
(I keed, I keed)
they do (have a schematic) but after talking to her today, she said the Lotus' reverse is pull to enter and the VW turns out to be push to enter.
i doubt they'll be idiots. she can't drive worth a shit, but she's a partner in big firm in DC (which shall remain nameless) that handles about a quarter of DoD contracts.. she's pretty smart, she just can't make the beast with two backsIN DRIVE
neither a borrower nor a lender be.
Shit like that always happens when I loan stuff .....last episode was when I loaned my f150 work truck to a buddy who drove it 10+ miles after the check engine light came on....grrrr
Quote from: rgramjet on April 10, 2009, 06:49:18 AM
neither a borrower nor a lender be.
Shit like that always happens when I loan stuff .....last episode was when I loaned my f150 work truck to a buddy who drove it 10+ miles after the check engine light came on....grrrr
i thought the "check engine" light was ALWAYS illuminated on teh F150s?? [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil]
I've forgotten what my dash looks like with the check engine light NOT illuminated...
JM
Quote from: ducatizzzz on April 10, 2009, 05:50:53 AM
i doubt they'll be idiots. she can't drive worth a shit, but she's a partner in big firm in DC (which shall remain nameless) that handles about a quarter of DoD contracts.. she's pretty smart, she just can't make the beast with two backsIN DRIVE
OMG, that's even worse, they'll all turn out to be LAWYERS!!! :'(
Sorry about the damage, tho.
Quote from: Bun-bun on April 10, 2009, 07:09:14 AM
OMG, that's even worse, they'll all turn out to be LAWYERS!!! :'(
Sorry about the damage, tho.
i'm a lawyer too, beeyotch! we are a family of them, so don't cross me!
but i had to forgive her.... here is a pic of my dumbass sister-in-law
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DML/8f2db97b.jpg)
That look on her face isn't helping her cause...
Cannot be repaired?!? I find that really suspect. Try going to a different bodyshop. My friend is a body veteran of 40+ years and he's fixed a couple Lotuses (Lotusii ?!?).
Quote from: Duck-Stew on April 10, 2009, 07:17:45 AM
Cannot be repaired?!? I find that really suspect. Try going to a different bodyshop. My friend is a body veteran of 40+ years and he's fixed a couple Lotuses (Lotusii ?!?).
The Elise body is all carbon fiber and it has a clean crack right down the middle of the rear. I don't know the details, but I was under the impression that CF can't be reattached once there is a split. I don't think the location lends itself to patching with a surface patch.
plus, he's not the kind of guy who wants a patched part, he wants it "as original"
Quote from: ducatizzzz on April 10, 2009, 07:20:53 AM
The Elise body is all carbon fiber and it has a clean crack right down the middle of the rear. I don't know the details, but I was under the impression that CF can't be reattached once there is a split. I don't think the location lends itself to patching with a surface patch.
plus, he's not the kind of guy who wants a patched part, he wants it "as original"
Oh, one of
those guys. Did you try to sell it to him as 'stronger than original'?!? Just a thought there.
Quote from: Duck-Stew on April 10, 2009, 07:22:53 AM
Oh, one of those guys. Did you try to sell it to him as 'stronger than original'?!? Just a thought there.
Nope, I did not get involved except to say "you will get a bill for my bumper damage, pregnant doges"
Sis just calls me all the time to complain and for backrubs.
'it'll be ok' backrubs or the kind that we need to refer to the other thread?
Quote from: Statler on April 10, 2009, 10:19:28 AM
'it'll be ok' backrubs or the kind that we need to refer to the other thread?
objection, inappropriate line of questioning!
you opened the door on direct.
there might be a badgering joke in there somewhere though. or at least a badger joke.
Quote from: Statler on April 10, 2009, 10:32:35 AM
you opened the door on direct.
there might be a badgering joke in there somewhere though. or at least a badger joke.
pleading the 5th.
and we don't need no stinkin' badgers
Badger joke or whats that water mammal with a wide flat tail?? All those furry little animals look the same to me....
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
QuoteThe Elise body is all carbon fiber and it has a clean crack right down the middle of the rear.
Are you 100% sure that it's carbon fiber? What Elise models version were cf? I thought they were plain vanilla fiberglass.
Leslie Neilsen: "Nice Beaver!"
Pricilla Presley: "Thanks. I just had it stuffed."
Quote from: rgramjet on April 10, 2009, 01:31:19 PM
Badger joke or whats that water mammal with a wide flat tail?? All those furry little animals look the same to me....
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: ducatizzzz on April 10, 2009, 07:20:53 AM
The Elise body is all carbon fiber and it has a clean crack right down the middle of the rear. I don't know the details, but I was under the impression that CF can't be reattached once there is a split. I don't think the location lends itself to patching with a surface patch.
plus, he's not the kind of guy who wants a patched part, he wants it "as original"
CF can be repaired.
You can get a *lot* of repair work for less than $8k.
If 'as original' is how he rolls, then he needs to sack up and open the checkbook.
Eh, I figure it ain't tizz's money so who cares if some mechanic somewhere is getting their next years boat payment off of someone who doesn't know what to do with their money?
Quote from: Langanobob on April 11, 2009, 07:01:53 AM
Are you 100% sure that it's carbon fiber? What Elise models version were cf? I thought they were plain vanilla fiberglass.
no idea, but i know his came with a hardtop and traction control, which i don't think is standard.
Is it 8 G's for the rear portion of the body or is it one piece? Is that just materials or an installed price?? Not so hideous compared to a $200 clutch cover or a $1200 CF tank...
Quote from: rgramjet on April 11, 2009, 10:44:25 AM
Is it 8 G's for the rear portion of the body or is it one piece? Is that just materials or an installed price?? Not so hideous compared to a $200 clutch cover or a $1200 CF tank...
8 for the part, i think it is one piece covering the lower part. i didn't look closely at it, but it was just for the part.
The body guy will likely keep the old part. Refinish it and sell it for $3K. I know I would....
Well sis in law's husb is a dick anyhow
^
I was going to ask you........this must be the bro in law you think is an asshole
a) It can be "fixed" -- that is easy. Question is whom does the work. I've seen enough carbonfiber F1 / IndyCar / IMSA GTP / Bugatti / Swedish supercar / etc fixed -- it isn't rocket science. Does it have to look exactly like "factory" or can "reinforcement panels" be added to cleanup cosmetics? (the latter can make it stronger as well)
b) $8K part -- that doesn't include R&R to access the panel probably if it is the one I think it is. (Also plan on waiting awhile for delivery of the part!) Start adding $$$$ from there for labor charges to get access.
c) Given it was your car hitting hers -- I'm assuming they want your insurance to pay for it (even though she was driving your car and hit her own husbands car)?
One of the problem with the Lotus Elise is the cost of repairs / service to them. It's like the old Jaguar XKE problem that is still encountered to this day. People could afford to buy them when new. Most weren't able to properly maintain them or fix them when damaged.
Quote from: MotoCreations on April 12, 2009, 02:09:04 PM
c) Given it was your car hitting hers -- I'm assuming they want your insurance to pay for it (even though she was driving your car and hit her own husbands car)?
I smell a setup...
;D
Quote from: MotoCreations on April 12, 2009, 02:09:04 PM
c) Given it was your car hitting hers -- I'm assuming they want your insurance to pay for it (even though she was driving your car and hit her own husbands car)?
nope
One more thing to consider is how Lotus will ship said part and if it will arrive damaged. I used to order GM parts for a body-shop. It's really common to see the larger items with shipping damage and I'm sure the part is located in England just based on the owner wanting the car 'perfect' again. [roll]
Quote from: MotoCreations on April 12, 2009, 02:09:04 PM
c) Given it was your car hitting hers -- I'm assuming they want your insurance to pay for it (even though she was driving your car and hit her own husbands car)?
I am guessing this will be a cash transaction
Quote from: Duck-Stew on April 13, 2009, 06:40:51 AM
One more thing to consider is how Lotus will ship said part and if it will arrive damaged. I used to order GM parts for a body-shop. It's really common to see the larger items with shipping damage and I'm sure the part is located in England just based on the owner wanting the car 'perfect' again. [roll]
I am thinking lotus probably takes a bit more effort in shipping their parts then GM
Quote from: Duck-Stew on April 13, 2009, 06:40:51 AM
One more thing to consider is how Lotus will ship said part and if it will arrive damaged. I used to order GM parts for a body-shop. It's really common to see the larger items with shipping damage and I'm sure the part is located in England just based on the owner wanting the car 'perfect' again. [roll]
i can tell you that
since he parks it on the street where he lives in DC, it gets hit a lot. he's had to get fender work on it about 10 times in the last 3 years.
the part comes encased in styrofoam. two huge pieces which sandwich the part and then a wood skeleton crate.
i went with him to the body shop once a while back. garbage truck had backed onto the corner.
it is crazy how much he's had to get done on that car. did i mention it has NO BUMPERS??
i don't mean hidden bumpers like a porsche, i mean, it has NO bumpers at all
Quote from: ducatizzzz on April 13, 2009, 06:53:33 AM
it is crazy how much he's had to get done on that car. did i mention it has NO BUMPERS??
i don't mean hidden bumpers like a porsche, i mean, it has NO bumpers at all
his must be a pre-2007. the newer ones have "hidden like a porsche" ones (in the front).
Quote from: derby on April 13, 2009, 07:21:00 AM
his must be a pre-2007. the newer ones have "hidden like a porsche" ones (in the front).
don't know the year, but he's had it for 3-4 years
This is a very common thing with Elises. Unless you have some special aftermarket clam, the clams from Lotus are fiberglass. Look at the crack, if the material inside is white it's fiberglass, black it's CF. New clams should be $3500 or so, depends on the dealer etc. $8k seems to be way high of a price even if that includes paint and labor. Clams are very simple to take off. They can be repaired but it depends on the size of the crack. Bigger cracks will destroy the structural integrity of the clam and it's better to get it replaced. Hardtop & Traction control are common factory options.
Go to lotustalk.com and see what they say. Those guys will be able to help you out with a recommended repairer in your area.
Quote from: Mad Duc on April 14, 2009, 09:58:22 AM
This is a very common thing with Elises. Unless you have some special aftermarket clam, the clams from Lotus are fiberglass. Look at the crack, if the material inside is white it's fiberglass, black it's CF. New clams should be $3500 or so, depends on the dealer etc. $8k seems to be way high of a price even if that includes paint and labor. Clams are very simple to take off. They can be repaired but it depends on the size of the crack. Bigger cracks will destroy the structural integrity of the clam and it's better to get it replaced. Hardtop & Traction control are common factory options.
Go to lotustalk.com and see what they say. Those guys will be able to help you out with a recommended repairer in your area.
it was black with the neon orange paint over it. this wasn't a "regular" elise.