"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
08/24/2015 at 21:30 • Filed to: None
1
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"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
08/24/2015 at 21:30 • Filed to: None | 1
| 7 |
Checked out the damage from last night, and it doesn’t look quite as bad as I thought.
With the help of my dad (who drove ~200 miles just to give me a hand), I gave it a thorough parking lot inspection.
The fender and bumper cover are done, and so is the inner fender liner, but nothing was contacting the wheel. All of the front suspension and steering components appeared to be fine both visually and with the standard grab and shake test.
After un-jamming the steering wheel, it started right up. The only concern was the battery, which is in the area of the impact. It doesn’t appear damaged.
After some “careful” manipulation of the fender using Channellock pliers, and reattaching the bumper cover using a combination of the remaining plastic tabs and ever useful duct tape, it was time for a road test.
We ramped the resting up slowly, but eventually ended up on the highway. Everything seems alright, but I’m not sure if the steering has a bit more play in it (why are we not more aware of these things before an accident?). There are no vibrations apparent, but the steering wheel is now slightly off-center. I’ll be bringing in to my local dealer back home for an inspection and alignment within the week.
I have no idea when I’ll get into a body shop, but at least it’s drivable. The Patriot driver is very cooperative. I now have a claim number, and he texted me this morning apologizing again. It’s a start...
(We still have no idea about the Fiesta. He called the local police, and nobody has filed a police report. He didn’t think to grab the Fiesta’s plate number, and neither did I.)
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> Boxer_4
08/24/2015 at 21:34 |
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Pretty good tape job. I can’t believe your headlight is still in one piece.
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Boxer_4
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/24/2015 at 21:46 |
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The headlight has one tiny chip on the outside of the sealing edge where the fender hit it. The Patriot hit a good spot, I guess...
It’s not the first time the Forester has seen duct tape.
At least this time, I was less concerned about damaging the paint.
MM54
> Boxer_4
08/24/2015 at 22:06 |
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Ouch. Fortunately it does look like it’s a quick panel-swap to repair. The off-center steering wheel may be from a bent tie rod or crushed bushings causing some extra toe-in - the alignment shop will be able to let you know if anything got bent.
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Boxer_4
> MM54
08/24/2015 at 22:38 |
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Not counting part acquisition or painting time, it should be a quick repair.
The current plan is get it looked at this weekend when I’m home. Nothing feels loose, and there is no vibration, so I feel fairly comfortable with the ~80 mile trip back to one of my preferred shop. If not, I have what a friend of mine calls the “Jeremy Clarkson Repair Kit” (pliers, duct tape, and a hammer), and an AAA card.
smobgirl
> Boxer_4
08/25/2015 at 00:49 |
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I’m glad the damage seems pretty minimal. Anything that duct tape can fix...haha.
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Boxer_4
> smobgirl
08/25/2015 at 14:07 |
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Duct tape is really amazing stuff.
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Boxer_4
> MM54
08/29/2015 at 18:04 |
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It turns out the alignment was pretty far out. Most settings were a bit off, but toe on the left front (corner that was hit) was off by 250%. The car took and held an alignment, and everything else checked out.
The car is driving a lot better now.