FINALLY! I got my Mini back today from Stoddard Imported Cars, the Porsche dealer I had repair my Mini after that dumb chick nailed me in April. Talk about forever! However, they definately know their stuff. Very nice work, I am much happier with their work than Classic BMW.

I think the main things that caused it to take almost 2.5 months to repair my Mini were: A) A non-Mini (or BMW for that) shop. They had to order templates from New Jersey to straighten out the back end; B) The *****'s insurance company was balking on EVERYTHING... they refused to suck it up for a worn bearing, for example; C) Being a Porsche dealer, prepping the new Porsches takes precidence over repair work, weither it be a Mini or a 356; and D) It IS a Porsche repair shop. They're small, very **** retentive, and very good at what they do. Their paint shop is one of the only Lutro downdraft paintbooths in the US, and it shows.

Their people were very friendly, answered all my questions, and I could stop by at any time and they'd talk to me about what was going on at that time.

The paint work is excellent, both in and out. The trim is SO much better than the shop the BMW dealer sends out to. You can't tell the difference between the bumper and the trim in the back, whereas the front fender trim from Classic has a grainy look to it, with dips and whatnot from the molding.

Everything looks ok, the only things I'm going to go back for is a little more fitting on the rear trim (I can see the padding behind the trim from the rear window corner), and to straighten out the steering wheel. After alignment, the steering wheel is a tad bit off centered.

I have a shitload more things I have to bring back to Classic for warranty repairs, including a new set of shifter cables. It's squeaking and extremely tight AGAIN. This is my third set of shifter cables in less than 3 years... and my last set was just this spring! What pisses me off about that is that it's hard to shift, and I have a big meet/track day sunday! My appointment isn't until next thursday... Grrrr

I'm almost ready to put it up for sale. I want to get a really nice detail job on it, some excellent pictures, all the warranty stuff taken care of, and the diminished value claim taken care of as well.

I'm thinking of going for $20k. 2004 MCS, just under 39000 miles, 8 months left on the warranty with extended warranty option, Aero front bumper, painted trim all around, roof rack, driving lights, heated seats, heated mirrors, sport package, 17" white rims, 19" ADR GT rims/tires, 16" Fox 5 rims with Michelin X-Ice snowtires, Alta intake, M7 16% pulley, MSD coil pack, IK-22 plugs, Nology HotWires, BFP cowl scoops, Schroth harnesses and pads, Alta 22mm rear sway bar, slotted and cross-drilled rotors all around with Green Stuff on the front.... I probably forgot something, but you get the idea.

Think I'll get it? I have a 2001 BMW Z3 Coupe lined up, so I can't wait to be able to start posting it.

I'll have pics soon.

Now for a completely different topic: Anyone know where/have a donor Mazda Miata? I need a 91 or later trashed Miata. In that, I mean something that took a good enough hit to consider it a salvage title, but it needs a working engine, transmission, and suspension.

I'm going to build a Lotus Seven-type car. I just need the donor car, then I can start. I'm going to need a Miata engine, tranny, rear axle/suspension, brakes all around, wiring, ECU... pretty much everything. I you have one or any ideas where I could find one in/around Ohio, please, let me know. I'm on a very tight budget and am not looking for a nice car, obviously.

Has anyone else done this?

Whew. Long post. I'm out.

Nate
SteyrTMP

 

Try posting your request for a donor Miata on Miata.net. How did your back injury sort out?

 

I did post there, with not much of a responce...

As for the back stuff... should be done therapy next week... It still bothers me to stand for long periods of time; hopefully it will go away all together over time. My main concern is weither I am going to get anything at all from this settlement... do this sort of thing normally take this long?

 

I would imagine that you have a better chance of getting a line on a donor Miata on Miata.net than NAM; but who knows....

Did you ever get an MRI done? Not being able to stand for long periods of time would seem to be symptomatic of more than muscle inflamation.... If you have strutural problems (things like disc damage), the MRI will give a much better image than X-rays. What do your attorneys say about the negotiations with the other side?

 

They didn't see it necessary for a MRI scan... It's not really painful, just annoying after 8 hours of one position usually. Haven't talked to the attorney for a while; can't do much until all the medical crap is out of the way. Still paying bills, too.

 

Who didn't see it necessary to get a MRI? If you could stand for 8 hours before the accident, but now can't... wouldn't that seem to be a problem that just might be a result of the accident???? It is not as if 20 years has passed and there might be some factor besides the accident.... As a general rule, once you sign a settlement agreement, you don't get another bite at the apple; be sure all of your injuries have been identified and factored into the settlement.