My ’66 GTO was stolen and destroyed. Update post #70

[Watchdog]

Most of y'all know that I am against the death penalty, period. There may be extreme instances where it IS warranted-but those are few and far between indeed. I have seen one so far in my career, when a thief sawed off the barrels of a mint Parker A grade. What happened to your GTO makes #2.

I know you're being facetious, and I know you know that as a general rule we don't execute car thieves in America.

Well, I mean unless you're a fireman in Illinois, then it's apparently okay.

 

[ColbyBruce]

For parts, try Year One in Braselton, GA

 

[snubbyfan]

I'm at a loss for words. Can't bring myself to give it a like.
I'm just hoping that they can restore it.
Even if they can, it'll never really be the same.
That's just a serious tragedy.

 

[Arizona Ghost]

SICKENING.

So sorry for your loss. I used to get upset when a new scratch would show up on my Vette, I can't imagine the gut-wrench feeling you must be going through.

This is exactly why I don't have nice things anymore, someone will come along and ruin them. People suck.

 

[ralph7]

Being a car guy, I know what that one was worth and my feelings are in line with everyone else here.
Hope somebody's face caused that broken windshield.
Just a damn shame.

 

[italiansport]

In my experience if they total it, they own it.

That's accurate but in general they will lower your payout and let you keep the car if that's your wish! I did that with a Porsche I owned that my daughter totaled and made out like a bandit on the parts.
Jim

 

[Doug M.]

One can hope that the offenders got serious injuries, as it appears at least one did. Might be worthwhile for the cops to check local ERs.

This is just sad to read and see.

 

[jrclen]

Sorry to hear about this. Criminals suck.

 

[625-7]

Where and I mean where are peoples heads at? Stupid kids with no respect. I'm an old Chief man from way back so I can appreciate the car and what I would do to the perps would get me banned from here and the general population. I'm glad I'm me. Holy train wreck Batman!

 

[Jinglebob]

Thank you all for your comments.

I spoke with the guys at the restoration shop Friday afternoon. They are confident that they can restore the car. They will try to use original parts if they can find them but it’s going to take some time and effort. These guys know what they are doing and have a lot of experience in car restoration. They recently restored an Olds 442 that burned in a garage fire back to its original condition.

The insurance company has been cooperative “so far” but this is going to cost a load of money. I suspect they will drop my coverage after this is all over or make it so expensive that I won’t be able to afford it.

As for the creeps that did this...crickets.

I’ll post pictures once the work is done and the GTO is back on the road.

 

[Jinglebob]

One other note

The guys at the shop said that once the car is restored, they will install a sophisticated kill system so the car can only be started by using a code.

 

[Targets Guy]

The guys at the shop said that once the car is restored, they will install a sophisticated kill system so the car can only be started by using a code.

That's good. I've got a kill system on my Mustang and feel a little better about it.

 

[amazingflapjack]

MOST STATES WOULD NOT ALLOW AN INSURANCE COMPANY TO DO WHAT YOU DESCRIBED. (just caught the caps!) This was not your fault, as I understand it. 3 years ago I was rear ended twice, and the resulting bills for my back being broken in 3 places were way into the 6 figures. Not my fault. I am still with them with no increase in premium. They have to do what your contract states. I had uninsured motorist coverage, so the coverage was significant, even if it was not enough to cover this life changing event. Glad I had it. Best to check with your state insurance commissioner-whatever he/she is called there, if they give you any gas.

 

[swsig]

Jinglebob,
When I owned cool cars (I no longer do ), I always joined the marque clubs. They provided great advice on care, maintenance and restoration. I'm not a member of the GTO Association of America, but they look like a pretty active group. I'll bet they will help you with parts acquisition and technical advice. In case you're not a member, here's their website:
About the GTOAA >> GTO Association of America

 

[Onomea]

JB, wonderful news!

(Re the insurance guys, I don’t know how that works but if they try to raise your premium I’d do a little research along Amazingflapjack’s suggestion.)

Really glad to hear that your guys have confidence in the restoration.

 

[BigBill]

I had a drag race muscle car I built. I had my eye on the car all the time.
I hated having it.

 

[DeathGrip]

The insurance company has been cooperative “so far” but this is going to cost a load of money. I suspect they will drop my coverage after this is all over or make it so expensive that I won’t be able to afford it.

There's a reason that collector car insurance if cheep, They know their customer base and know that the average car guy ain't gonna make a false claim.

As long as your car was reasonably secured. They make sure that I have a garage to keep mine in. If you take it for a ride and go in somewhere to have a lunch and it gets stolen it's not your fault as long as you don't leave the key in it.

I don't know your situation but if they're already talking to you about repair its obvious to them that you're OK.


I gotta ask, How did it get stolen?

 

[Grip_Maker's_Wife]

I am so sorry this happened! It makes me sad to see your beautiful classic so beat up and wrecked. I hope they find those responsible.

 

[ShivasIrons]

Usually, if it is a classic car specialist company policy ie... Hagerty, Grundy etc... They do a good job on the claims.

 

[Duster340]

Dang. That's a real kick in the nuts. Makes me sick to look at it. Sorry about your Goat man.