how not to change your tires.

[TJ213]

First of all, I did EVERYTHING I was supposed to except stick around and watch.

Dropped my Elise off to the local Goodyear shop to have new F1G3s installed. My Father-in-law is the service manager and has been for 10 years. He is out on medical leave, but he met me at the shop this morning, because he understands the uniqueness of the car.

I handed them the tire tools and opened the Owner's Manual to the jacking instructions so they would be clear. We went over all the instructions and they assured me I was in good hands.

We (my father-in-law and I both left)

1 hour later I get a call about the "accident" and that I needed to come down...

WTF!

So this is what I found...



It get's better. They said they read the manual, but not to the point where it spoke about the 4-point lift. After the crash, they continued reading. Yipee for me.

The damage is inclusive of the rear clam, front clam, underneath the driver's door, and a nice puncture through the bottom diffuser around the passenger seat area.

More pics here... http://www.my914-6.com/crap

When I was there, they had a wrecker attached with a winch to the front end so it wouldn't come crashing down. After it cleared the lift, the front end swung around and crashed into some tool chests.

I'm mostly worried about the rear structure... the puncture underneath and the loss of value of the car (it's paid off free and clear)!

I've already called Dimmit in Clearwater and they are expecting the vehicle. Goodyear has filed the claim with their carrier and has promised to fully cover the repair. Luckly my FIL was there as a witness.

What else do I need to be concerned about in the repair/insurance claim? Diminished value, loss of use (not my primary vehicle), etc.

Dammit!!!! And I have the Central Florida Lotus Fun Run on Saturday which I've been organizing. Guess I'll have to drive the 911.

[AP1fun]

I would be sueing the he// out of someone.

[TJ213]

I know, I read the discussion and it sounds like the car will be totalled, because of the way they held it up after it fell off.

[Neil]

It's too bad you have to claim it. If you don't claim it, and just repair it, the accident would never show up on carfacts.

[EyesofFreedom]

Two words...

OH DAMN!

[TJ213]

I noted how the guy will be driving his 911 to the driving event, so I don't think loss of value will be too much of a problem, but Lotus Elises tend to be totaled pretty easily. I've also heard horror stories about any type of repair.

Fiberglass, light but brittle.

btw. the title of the thread was: fu@K, Sh!+, CR^P! DAMAGE!!!!

[AP1fun]

The Lotus is much like the NSX and more specific in this case is they share an aluminum chassis. Good luck not bending one after any collision. Hopefully it is totalled and the shop will have to replace it. A wrecked Lotus will most likely be worth little of nothing and used as only a parts car.

[admin]

Ouch, thats gotta thin out the wallet.

[TJ213]

This thread gave the elisetalk forums the most visitors ever. It also froze their site.

[boxcarracer0260]

all i have to say is HOLY SH*T that is some messed up stuff...and if you guys want some 411 on some companies let me know. Since i work at Kragen as a Manager i hear and learn a lot about mechanics, companies, etc. I will not bad mouth them or gossip but i can let you know if you should go there or not. I know most Goodyears are places to avoid but some are not. Just thought i should let some of you know.