My grandfather backed into my Trans Am

"Bandit" (2bandit) 11/28/2014 at 16:58 • Filed to: emma

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I saw it and was in tears. I need a new bumper. It's not like I just got done with a 2 year restoration or just finished a wickedly expensive paint job on it. My parents have yelled at me so much this weekend because of the crash as well as because it's my fault I bought a crappy old car that needs too much work. And why couldn't I just buy a nice Honda like every other kid, it's a money pit, it's too dangerous and unreliable, it takes up room in the garage, blah, blah, blah. Anyone want to buy a recently restored Trans Am for cheap (seriously... make me an offer)? Because at this point it doesn't seem worth the fight with the parents. I can't wait to go back to school and get away from them.

Not my car pictured.

MultiplaOrgasms > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:01

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Ouch. I can feel the pain.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:05

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You can't get rid of it just because of parents pressuring you, you have too much into it now. Also it's badass.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:05

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Glad is not your car pictured cause that needs more than a bumper. Vettel likes it and he is way better than anyones parents!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:05

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Your parents sound as adventurous as metronome.

PushToStart > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:05

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awhhhh shit man... I mean, is your grandpa not going to pay for it? If it was a regular incident he'd have to, so it seems like he should for this as well.

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:07

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HOLY SHIT WHAT WAS YOUR GRANDFATHER DRIVINg- hey wait i thought your car was black

Not my car pictured.

oh never mind

and i may sound like an angsty teen for saying this but fuck your parents if you have the money and space to back up your project keep it, its your life and you can control what happens

unless your parents are speaking absolute sense then you should listen to them

also restorations don't happen overnight it took my friend's grandfather 8 years to restore his chevelle

Bandit > PushToStart 11/28/2014 at 17:08

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He says he will, but my parents blame me for the thing and will probably force me to pay for it.

Bandit > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 11/28/2014 at 17:10

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They've been real assholes to me this weekend and I don't know why. This incident isn't helping at all.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:10

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How do they justify that it is your fault? That's crazy.

LappingLuke > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:13

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Your parents sound insane like my dad. Something about holidays really makes them go berserk.

Textured Soy Protein > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:13

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It's because people are assholes around the holidays.

Bandit > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/28/2014 at 17:13

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Because it's always my fault if anything ever goes wrong? That's the way I was raised, I've been taught that I am the least useful most undeserving person in the family.

Takuro Spirit > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:13

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Holidays, man. Fuck em.

Kailand09 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:13

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I'm getting a lot of shit from family for buying a FoST.

What I've learned from this process- cars are our passion. Other people have other passions they spend money and time on.

You keep being yourself and do what u like. You'll never be happy if you do what everyone else wants. Sure you listen to advice and think things through, but ultimately you have to interpret that and make your own damn choices.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:15

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I don't think I need to tell you how sad that is.

Bandit > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 11/28/2014 at 17:15

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The funny part is I have an entire extra front bumper ready to go if someone hits the one on the car, but he hit the rear bumper.

PushToStart > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:15

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what the hell... Screw that, take his money and fix it. If nothing else, then file an accident report as if he was a stranger that hit you in the parking lot. (Although it might be too late for that at this point.)

Bandit > PushToStart 11/28/2014 at 17:16

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I can't really do that... the Trans Am is on storage insurance and it was in his driveway (a mile from my house) because I planned on working on the cooling system over break.

ihm96 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:16

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You should point out that 95% of those kids buying "a nice honda" aren't actually buying them. Their parents are, and your one of the few kids who actually is able to buy and fix their own vehicle

jkm7680 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:21

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Why the fuck are they yelling at you?

If anybody, I'd be yelling at my Grandfather.

Side note: He better pay for it.

Bandit > jkm7680 11/28/2014 at 17:24

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They've all been angry at me all break for some reason. He said he will, I probably will have to pay for it though because my parents will likely make me.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:27

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Parents aren't always right. My Mom actually supported my purchase of a Fiero, no she encouraged and almost forced. But its been a bit of a pit and is usually in some state of disrepair and she has finally apologized for her role in the purchase lol. I say keep her, you love her right?

Bandit > CaptDale - is secretly British 11/28/2014 at 17:29

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Of course I do but I'm liking her less and less each day.

rockingthe2 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:36

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Personally, i would start keeping the car somewhere else if possible, but either was, tell gramps not to worry about it, trade the front for the rear, and color match the new bumper. Might be able to get it for under $300 and keep the family happy.

Thats me and my family though, obviously. You do what makes you happy in the end, I get endless shit for having a wife, kid, and taking my 2 seater car overseas with us instead of my wifes practical car. My car makes me happy and its coming with me. Fuck practicality, she wants a new car anyways and its MY car, not selling it.

Your boy, BJR > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:36

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sell the flaxen. DD Emma. Tell your parents to suck a dick.

Bandit > Your boy, BJR 11/28/2014 at 17:41

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Flaxen? I already do DD Emma

CaptDale - is secretly British > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:42

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Yeah, that show I feel about my Fiero, but there are those special days I talk to someone or I'm on a back road and she makes me fall for her all over again, but if you need a more reliable car, then that's another thing. I'm just saying don't let them choose for you.

Your boy, BJR > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:45

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*blazer.

Tell your parents to suck a dick anyway

PushToStart > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:49

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ahhhh damn... I still don't see why your parents won't let him pay for it?

jkm7680 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 17:50

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Wow, that's extremely stupid.

I suggest you get a storage unit, and work on moving out. I personally know that I couldn't deal with that shit.

Bandit > Your boy, BJR 11/28/2014 at 17:57

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Well... my plan for my next car is to buy a 944. I clearly have a love of super reliable vehicles.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:02

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Talk to your parents about why they're so bitchy. If they're just fucking you over for the sake of it, move out. I wouldn't take shit like that if I were you.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:04

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Wow, that sucks. Sorry to hear that :(

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:08

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Why were your parents yelling at you when it was your grandfather who hit your car?

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:09

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As a father of two kids (who will be driving in the next few years), I do not understand your parents logic.

Bandit > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 11/28/2014 at 18:10

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Nor do I haha

Bandit > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 11/28/2014 at 18:11

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I don't know, they just do that a lot. It gets old after a while, trust me.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:12

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I suggest you write them a letter asking them to explain themselves. And if they want to reply, have them write a letter back. It might help the situation with less drama and more thinking on their part.

Steve in Manhattan > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:14

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I told a story a while back about how, when my Volvo died (I was 18) I borrowed dad's Dodge Coronet to attend a wedding. Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD, stopped at a light, and Sargent Shriver (a Kennedy!) rear ends me. Dodge, a dent in the bumper and a slightly crumpled quarter panel. The Mercury Capri Sarge was driving was totaled. Called dad at the JCC, they wouldn't get him out of the steam room. Called Mom, said there was an accident - she said "who did you hit?"

The Kennedys paid off in a couple days, we only had to get one estimate from the dealer. Still, my father said it was my responsibility, if not quite my fault, but they blamed me. I just took care of taking it to the dealer, making sure it was done right, etc. Not as bad as your situation, but I've always thought they were bit assholish about it.

Steve in Manhattan > jkm7680 11/28/2014 at 18:25

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You never know the dynamic between the parents and the grandfather.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:29

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I'm sorry, what?

Your boy, BJR > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:43

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what's the appeal of a 944? Never understood that.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 18:53

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All I got to say is, Keep true to yourself regardless. I lost my job because of my parents, and they won't let me buy the car I want (even if I can afford the insurance), because:

It's too old

no airbags

dangerous

it'll blow up within a week.

and yes, keep the fight going, except keep it in a passive way, don't engage in anything. If money permits, store the car elsewhere, or just protect it from further damage in the garage.

This is coming from me, whose mother seems to enjoy getting into arguments, but hates the response back.

BJ > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 19:15

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Maybe it's as simple as them not wanting to store your car and worry about it, but they have trouble just saying it. Instead they get frustrated with themselves and take it out on you. Maybe they feel like you're a big boy and you should stop freeloading. (not my opinion, just trying to help you understand)

If they were grumpy with you before the accident, ask them about it. Set the car damage aside and reassure them that you'll handle the issue with grandpa like an adult.

If they don't want to talk, just hang in there until school starts.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 19:17

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Hey, Bandit. Keep you chin up Mate - keep the Trans Am, don't make it all for nothing - you're one of the few Oppos that I actually enjoy seeing regular updates from! Your blatant enthusiasm for that car is second only to your time and effort invested in it. Also, your parents will just find another thing to bitch about if you bin it. Illegitimi non carborundum.

Bandit > Your boy, BJR 11/28/2014 at 19:23

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My father had one a long time ago and I like the way they look/drive. They're pretty cheap and a more respected alternative to a miata.

Bandit > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 11/28/2014 at 19:24

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I'm at home for break right now so they're having to deal with me face to face!

Bandit > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/28/2014 at 19:25

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I have my heart set on the next car I buy being a 944.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 19:26

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:D This should be interesting.

Tell me about what you'd like, I'd love to help you find one. :)

Bandit > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 11/28/2014 at 19:27

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Thanks man.

George McNally > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 19:27

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What does your car look like?

Is your Grandpop gonna pay to have it fixed?

I know it can be tough with family stuff like this.......I put a crease the length of my my father-in-laws brand new Chrysler New Yorker back in the early 90's and never had to pay for it. He was parked in my driveway and backed my minivan into the entire side.

Bandit > George McNally 11/28/2014 at 19:32

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It looks like this.

George McNally > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 19:47

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Picture of the damage? That's a sharp looking T/A :-)

Bandit > George McNally 11/28/2014 at 19:54

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Sorry, I didn't have my phone on me so no picture. I left the car at his house because it isn't running too well right now, but I'm going over tomorrow to fix the engine issue and I'll get a picture.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 20:21

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Don't over think it man...the car can be repaired and family can be dicks. Me and my parents went through a pretty rough phase but everyone in my family was having a rough time at that point but it all worked out eventually. Hope you pull through without doing something as stupid as selling Emma.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 21:19

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As a Grandfather I have a prediction. This is going to work out okay.

It's nice of him to let you park it over there. Appreciate that. As I said it's going to work out okay.

aquila121 > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 21:23

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/sympathies.

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 21:24

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Whatever happens, don't get rid of the car. You've put way too much work into it to give up now.

evil2win > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 22:35

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how about "if you want me to drive a Honda buy one for me, if I'm spending my money I buy what I want" I know if I said that to my father I'd suffer abuse.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Bandit 11/28/2014 at 22:49

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Sometimes even in this scenario, a letter is the only way to explain your entire part of the story. My experience with discussion about heated topics in the family is that one or both sides doesn't give the other side the chance to completely explain things, or else simply doesn't listen to the explanation. I've never actually tried the letter while under the same roof as its addressee, but while away at university, the several days between mailing and receiving a response have been useful for helping think things over or let things cool a little.

As far as cars go, I guess I can't really comment. Sure, my own vehicles have always been a lot more broken than my parents, but my parents for a while were dailying vehicles older (but with less mileage) than mine. They were just a bit confused as to how I was breaking things like axle shafts when their issues were more to do with regular maintenance, or more accurately a lack thereof when I wasn't around.

Bandit > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/29/2014 at 01:07

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Well it will be a few years before I can buy one (got to get out of college) but I'm searching for a 1983 or a 1985.5+ year car with hopefully less than 150,000 and obviously a manual. A clean body is equally as important as solid mechanicals. I don't really care too much what the shape of the interior is in. Ideally I wouldn't buy the car for more than $4,000

Bandit > evil2win 11/29/2014 at 01:09

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I actually told my mother that when I bought the car. My father was supportive at the time of that.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Bandit 11/29/2014 at 01:17

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Well I'll be waiting and ready when that time comes, but just remember, you buy the best car you can afford first, specific colors and options come second. Lucky for me, 1984 was the highest production year, and my color is very common, the seats, I'm not sure on, but I saw another India red with sport seats on the Michigan CL, who knows.

Mechanical Condition>Body>Color>Options

You are right though, under $4000 is a great starting point. Not sure how prices will change down the road but it's a good start. You best have some left over for maintenance.

'83 cars are desirable for the manual steering rack and lack of a sunroof. And harder to find because of it. You can get the steering rack and swap it into any car. Also, wheel offsets are different between '83-86 and '87-91. The early offset allows more Porsche wheels to fit, even the later wheels will fit.

Dashes are a bitch and expensive to restore so keep that i mind unless you're good with vinyl and DIY.

evil2win > Bandit 11/29/2014 at 02:18

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It's been said that it's better to regret the things you have done, rather than the things you haven't done. There are a lot of people that don't understand why I have a list of cars that I'd like to own at some point in my life. If this is something you feel strong about do it. What we do and the memories we make doing them are what make us who we are. Be who you want to be.

TheMightyTexMex > Kailand09 11/29/2014 at 09:46

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Why are they giving you shit? Do they not understand that it is reliable, practical, and efficient? Or do they just see the ST badge and think "racecar"?

Bandit > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/29/2014 at 11:52

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I redid the dash on my T/A so I'm not too worried about it, and most cars in my price range will probably have a cracked dash anyways. I didn't know about the wheel offset differences, thanks for that!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Bandit 11/29/2014 at 11:59

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No problem, the interwebs will be your best friend here. Here's some reading to get you started. I'll be giving you an exam next week. ;)

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/9…

http://www.clarks-garage.com/purchase.htm

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 11/29/2014 at 12:26

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Was about to say something similar.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Bandit 11/29/2014 at 17:41

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Screw your parents. Seriously. This is some grade A bull crap. I'm sorry all your work went to shit since your gramps is an unattentive asshat. your parents better not make you cover this. If they do, I'll fly out there, and personally educate your parents on mental retardation ,and how they might be experiencing some at this point in time.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Bandit 11/29/2014 at 18:39

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Don't sell it.

When I first got on Oppo this car was still purple. I love following this build process and I have for long. I need to see it finally finished. Please don't sell.

Kailand09 > TheMightyTexMex 11/29/2014 at 19:21

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"too small, not safe, manual, you're going to go too fast ".

I bought it in the end because it's my car :-)

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Bandit 11/29/2014 at 20:30

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That's absolutely gorgeous

TheMightyTexMex > Kailand09 11/29/2014 at 22:00

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"Too small, not safe"

Fuck that way of thinking. Fuck it in the ass. I absolutely despise it when people say that to me. I don't even try to reason with them once that's said.

My Girlfriend's mom has a 2013 Edge but her husband wants to "upgrade" her to an Explorer because "It's bigger and safer". Yes. You read that right. Nobody rides in her car but her, either.

Good on you. Enjoy your FoST :)

Kailand09 > TheMightyTexMex 11/30/2014 at 01:09

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Yeah I got very frustrated with that line of thought. It's a thought stuck in the 70s, I even got the "it doesn't have as thick steel" line.

Part of my work is auto industry and we go through some crash testing. I guarantee a car with good safety ratings will be fine... They didn't want to believe.

And yes, I am very much enjoying my FoST. A few goofs learning the manual more intimately, and still need to practice incline and decline starts, but it's all part of the adventure!

That is, as my parents say, "until I get sick of the manual in a couple weeks". LOLWUT

Eggplant > John Norris (AngryDrifter) 12/01/2014 at 01:38

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Bandit, I'm sure your grandfather feels pretty bad about the whole thing. The fact that you've been able to work on the car in his driveway shows that he does support and love you all the same. It's just the bumper, right? Not the end of the world. It's a good opportunity to spend some time with your grandfather. I get the feeling that he'd appreciate it, too.

Dsscats > Bandit 12/01/2014 at 21:03

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What is this "Cheap" you speak of?

Dsscats > Bandit 12/01/2014 at 21:04

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Hate to say.....but pictures?

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Bandit 02/18/2015 at 05:29

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What utterly miserable people. How far are you from moving out?

Bandit > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 02/18/2015 at 10:26

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On the order of 3 years

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Bandit 02/18/2015 at 10:53

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Ouch. That sucks when you've got parents on your case. I'm very lucky in that mine are very supportive. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be when they aren't...

Tohru > Bandit 02/20/2015 at 09:40

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When you move out break all contact with them.