I got t-boned (Page 4/11)
theogre OCT 25, 10:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by sdgdf:
Are the frames different between 84-87 and the 88s? Can my 88 parts bolt up to an earlier frame or do I need another 88?

Many 88 parts won't fit early models. Example: most to all of Suspension & Brake part & cradle w/o Major work. Even then you have an "upgraded" those years & not exactly = to 88.

"Replacing" a Frame very often need new Title & Registration etc because has own VIN but in many places can Transfer a Tag if needed/wanted not just Vanity & other Specially Tags. But If has "Hot Rod" "Antique" etc tag, must apply for them again but keep number until state say yes/no.

E2A---> Early years may "solve" some parts problems... Can still get most of 84-87 Suspension & Brake parts.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-25-2023).]

Mike in Sydney OCT 26, 05:30 AM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sdgdf:
Are the frames different between 84-87 and the 88s? Can my 88 parts bolt up to an earlier frame or do I need another 88?

Many 88 parts won't fit early models. Example: most to all of Suspension & Brake part & cradle w/o Major work. Even then you have an "upgraded" those years & not exactly = to 88.

"Replacing" a Frame very often need new Title & Registration etc because has own VIN but in many places can Transfer a Tag if needed/wanted not just Vanity & other Specially Tags. But If has "Hot Rod" "Antique" etc tag, must apply for them again but keep number until state say yes/no.

E2A---> Early years may "solve" some parts problems... Can still get most of 84-87 Suspension & Brake parts.

[/QUOTE]

I wasn’t implying trying to swap the ‘88 parts to another frame and title it as an ‘88. From what I know of the Georgia DMV, the car would have to be titled as the same year of the frame. What I’m suggesting is to use your good parts on another frame. If you can find on ‘88 frame, well and good. If not, use your parts to construct again. Don’t let the insurance company wind up with hard to find ‘88 parts or the 3800, wiring harness, etc.

Good luck, Mate. I hope you find a replacement
Mike in Sydney OCT 26, 05:42 AM
Double post

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 10-26-2023).]

fieroguru OCT 26, 07:01 AM
At a minimum, the B-pillar and rocker panels are shot. Need to check in front of the battery and inside the wheel well to see how far in the damage goes. The rear suspension has issues as well, possibly a buckled lateral link, bent long lateral link bolt, or a torn cradle to lateral link attachment at the cradle.

It might be best to find a low mile 88 4cyl car and plan to swap your parts to it with the insurance $. I would try to maximize the $$$ you can get for the damage w/o losing ownership of the car so you can buy another one and transfer the parts.

Sage OCT 26, 10:19 AM
I have an 88' ttop chassis that needs a new home.

Currently has a modified Fejer 308 kit "sitting" on it...but not installed. Also have a N/A 3800 already mounted on the 88' cradle (not installed in chassis)

$3500 for the works.

HAGO!
Dukesterpro OCT 26, 12:27 PM
Im sorry this happened to you.

Im going to be honest with you, she's borked bro. Best plan of action would be to find a nice donor, and move stuff over. I have a complete non running 88 for sale if you need a donor.
Raydar OCT 26, 01:34 PM
Holy crap dude! Just saw this. That just sucks. I'm happy that you didn't get hurt.

Yeah. Your door pillar is toast. Probably the rocker, too. It may be able to be pulled, but it'll never be "right".
John can likely replace it, but it'll be difficult. Probably spendy. And will probably take a while. He's pretty busy with stuff, and has some ongoing medical issues.
(And yeah... something in the suspension - or cradle - is bent. Likely one of the lateral/toe links, a strut, or the knuckle itself.)

I would be inclined to take what you can get from insurance, while retaining possession, and buy Sage's frame. Or another 88 frame.
Transplant all your goodies. (You were going to swap a tranny soon, anyway... right?)
None of your 88 stuff will fit an earlier car, without some work. The rear cradle is fairly easy. The front will take a good bit of work and fabrication.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-26-2023).]

sdgdf OCT 26, 03:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Many 88 parts won't fit early models. Example: most to all of Suspension & Brake part & cradle w/o Major work. Even then you have an "upgraded" those years & not exactly = to 88.

"Replacing" a Frame very often need new Title & Registration etc because has own VIN but in many places can Transfer a Tag if needed/wanted not just Vanity & other Specially Tags. But If has "Hot Rod" "Antique" etc tag, must apply for them again but keep number until state say yes/no.

E2A---> Early years may "solve" some parts problems... Can still get most of 84-87 Suspension & Brake parts.




Ok I thought so but got an idea in my head, of why GM would produce different frames and the increased cost involved so wasn't sure of how they changed how everything bolts up.

[This message has been edited by sdgdf (edited 10-26-2023).]

sdgdf OCT 26, 03:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by Sage:

I have an 88' ttop chassis that needs a new home.

Currently has a modified Fejer 308 kit "sitting" on it...but not installed. Also have a N/A 3800 already mounted on the 88' cradle (not installed in chassis)

$3500 for the works.

HAGO!



I'd like a t-top car. Anyone know where I can get t-top seals at this point? You have the t-top glass themselves? Pictures of the car?

Edit: forgot, is this a manual car? I need to ditch my 4t65 and need a getrag or isuzu.

[This message has been edited by sdgdf (edited 10-26-2023).]

sdgdf OCT 26, 03:57 PM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

Holy crap dude! Just saw this. That just sucks. I'm happy that you didn't get hurt.

Yeah. Your door pillar is toast. Probably the rocker, too. It may be able to be pulled, but it'll never be "right".
John can likely replace it, but it'll be difficult. Probably spendy. And will probably take a while. He's pretty busy with stuff, and has some ongoing medical issues.
(And yeah... something in the suspension - or cradle - is bent. Likely one of the lateral/toe links, a strut, or the knuckle itself.)

I would be inclined to take what you can get from insurance, while retaining possession, and buy Sage's frame. Or another 88 frame.
Transplant all your goodies. (You were going to swap a tranny soon, anyway... right?)
None of your 88 stuff will fit an earlier car, without some work. The rear cradle is fairly easy. The front will take a good bit of work and fabrication.




If John can fix it that would be good, I don't need it fixed right away, just sometime this winter or something. I'm getting more inclined to just buy an 88 manual car though so it has all the manual trans parts already included. It might be crazy but I'm wanting to try an isuzu 5-speed with the 3800SC. I don't drag race or do anything crazy, I usually ease into the throttle. I've heard the gear ratios are better on the isuzu? Looking at the ratios on wikipedia its hard to tell, it has like a longer final drive than the other manual trans but shorter gears. I'd want a 1st that isn't too short, close 2nd and 3rd and a long 5th for cruising speed and mpg?