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DRT Lakeside Posts: 62
6/30/2014
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Didn't get out to the desert as often as we wanted this year for various reasons related to heavy work schedules, weekends and breaks used up for college visits, etc. Anyway, I had planned to spend some of the hot summer months freshening up the samurai (everything worked fine already) with some spare wheels I already painted, tires, and maybe a minor OME suspension upgrade. In fact, I had just replaced the transmission output shaft seal as a start, and then...........
In the middle of the night last week, some clown smashed into the back of it, knocked it into my other truck, left his car (undriveable), and took off on foot. Long story short, CHP is looking for him, insurance is waiting, and the samurai is sitting wounded in my driveway. If they total it, I will likely buy it back and try to get it going again, maybe by the time it cools off. At least there are lots of samurai parts out there...
Photos of "Bucky"
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
6/30/2014
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Ouch...doesn't look tooo bad...broken leafs and such? Or is it really messed up?
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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anutami Posts: 491
6/30/2014
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Bummer, sorry to see that. If the repairs are within 70-75% of the value then your insurance will deem it a total loss. The damage estimate adds up pretty fast and I would guess they will say it is total loss. You will probably be able to buy it back for about $500 and then do all the repairs yourself. You will also have to get a brake and light inspection for about $200 and go down to the dmv a couple times to re-register it as a salvage title. I know this from experience  curios but what is the insurance waiting for? Do you have collision coverage for the samurai?
Nolan
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rockhopper Posts: 668
6/30/2014
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Sorry to see that. Hope they catch the guy or (girl)? for doing that. That damage could add up to thousands of dollars at a quality shops mechanics rate of $85-$115 / hr. Hope it works out for you and your ride is ready for desert season.
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DRT Lakeside Posts: 62
7/1/2014
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dsefcik wrote:
Ouch...doesn't look tooo bad...broken leafs and such? Or is it really messed up?
Not sure how bad it really is, but I am crossing my fingers. Could be as simple as straightening the hangers, getting new springs and adding new axles/housing + body work, or there could be plenty of other "hidden" issues. Transmission seems to move through the gears OK, but can't drive it since the wheel is bound up in the fenderwell. Just to check, I did look for Samurai frames on craigslist and when I saw a few pics, there is not much to them so hopefully mine is not tweaked.
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DRT Lakeside Posts: 62
7/1/2014
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Nolan (anutami) wrote:
You will also have to get a brake and light inspection for about $200 and go down to the dmv a couple times to re-register it as a salvage title. I know this from experience curios but what is the insurance waiting for? Do you have collision coverage for the samurai?
Nolan
If I can, I will try to get it back and do the repairs, as you say, I fear it is a total loss from their perspective. As far as insurance, I don't have collision on the samurai or the truck, but do have uninsured motorist coverage. Sounds like insurance is waiting to find out who was driving so they know who to go after..I suppose the owner could claim someone else "borrowed" the car, or according to the tow driver it is not uncommon for some to run home and report their car stolen. Right now the police report doesn't list a name. I am going to call today or tomorrow to see if I can move the process along some.
Stinks about me paying for inspection, etc.
In the meantime, I am pricing and locating parts I think that may be needed. Kind of enjoy that part--sort of like the Bionic Man TV show---"we can rebuild him; better; stronger; faster....." ............well maybe not faster
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DRT Lakeside Posts: 62
10/23/2017
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Hi All,
As with everyone, busy work schedule(s) and the trials and tribulations of life in general, we haven't been out to Anza Borrego hardly at all the last few years....maybe twice. I still check the site every few days though. We do have 2 trips planned in November this year
Wanted to share that after just over 3 years, the Samurai has been resurrected. I purchased it salvage from the insurance company for about $200 and with the $ they gave me created a budget (complete with spreadsheet) so I would not spend my own dough....I know how these projects can quickly get away from you with upgrades and the like. Happy to say I came in just under budget.
I am not a stranger to working on cars/motorcycles, but looked at this project as more of a learning and sort of therapeutic experience....plus an excuse for some more tools. I haven't learned to weld yet and definitely am not skilled with any kind of body work, so I left the dents where they were.
Turned out OK for an Off-Road vehicle and I had fun plus learned some cool stuff.
Here is a link to a google album with A LOT of pictures. Most of them have captions, but they often randomly decide to not show up; I think you can click the info button as well.
FYI as indicated, the Brake and Lamp Inspection was very thorough, and expensive. At least most everything was new, so there were no issues other than multiple trips to the DMV...
If you see a bright red samurai out in the park, come say hi.
On to the next project
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
10/23/2017
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Nice...looks like a front disc brake conversion? Seeing the garage paint setup reminded me of when we would do automotive painting in the garage, same thing, hang plastic up everywhere and we would also keep the floor mopped down with water to keep dust down and paint from sticking.
Nice work, thanks for sharing....
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
10/27/2017
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Always liked Samurais
Bounced around in one on the island of Lanai back in the 90s.
Looks like a great build
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https://www.anzaborrego.net/
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DesertWRX Posts: 135
11/3/2017
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We’ll keep an eye out for you! That was a lot of work and it’ll be worth it.
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