Statos repair man required

[SUSIT]

Last night while out on our quiet local roads for a nice quiet drive one local young loon buried his F reg Mk 4 escourt in my side. Took the fire brigade over an hour to clear the road and i spent 4 hours in A&E getting my head seen to.
I was turning right in to a minor road when got hit on the rear of the drivers side. Havnt been able to check all the damage yet but the front hit something on the nearside damaging the nose. Petrol tank ruptured big time rear wheel and suspension took most of the impact and yes my head hit the roll cage hard and it hurts. I need to know if anyone can recomend a body shop that can handle the glassfibre side of things?
Will post pics later. The escourt is a total write off with creases all along the roof.
Fuel tank going in the front next time and quality padding for the roll cage
Regards
A very upset Stephen

[lpriestland]

Susit, you have my sympathy's. Sounds like quite a 'bump'. Glad that you're okay tho.

I hope that the Stratos faired as well as you did and that a repair is possible.

Take it easy.

[SUSIT]

Have been to see the car. I think its stood up very well to the impact. I was shocked to see the drivers seat broken.
The basic tub seems ok the wheel even looks fair suspension wise it will need a new corner. the engine mounts have sheared and the tank was punctured by being pushed into the Altanator. Enjoy the pics.

[SUSIT]

And another

[SUSIT]

last one

[lpriestland]

The tank was punctured by the alternator...oh my gawd...you're a lucky man.

[BETANUT]

It's bloody criminal, bad luck mate but - without wishing to sound too daft - 'we have the technology to rebuild him':D
Happy to offer as much assistance/beta bits as you need. Says something for the strength of the Stratos that the offending escort crumpled up on impact, here's hoping there's no chassis damage...

Hamish

[Stratos]

Stephen,

I was really upset to see this.

You now understand why I moved my petorl tanks.

I'm in Cyprus until the 17th, but you can contact me on my mobile, or at home on my return. I think I can help you with the bodywork issue.

[Sando]

Glad to hear you got out of that all right Steve.

Not good to hear about you or the car. Hope they looked after you at the Hospital!

Hope you and the car both get well soon.

Rob

[guy mayers]

Stephen, so sorry to hear about this. I hope that the guy that hit you was VERY well insured. If you need help finding legal assistance I work with a few firms specialising in motor claims/injuries. The car will be ok, there are pleny of people able to help sort you out, we're all on this site!
Guy

[stewart]

Stephen,

I echo David's comments. Very upsetting to see what has happened and my sincere sympathies. I'm sure we can all understand how upsetting it must be. I hope there are no long term effects to either yourself or the car.

The roads would be great if it wasn't for everyone else...

Hope you're back on the road soon.

[SUSIT]

Thanks to all for the support.
I am sure we will be back on the road in the not to distant future. Looks like the V6 will be getting fitted sooner rather than later.
Dave I will give you a ring at home after the 17th Enjoy your holiday. I have spoken to Hennensy and repair pannel can be made for the side of the tub.
Can I make a couple of points.
1. Seriously think about having foam filled tanks if you have them at the rear. Carry an effective and large fire extinguisher.
2. Instal effective roll cage padding.
Thanks again to all

Stephen Struthers

[Cloggie]

Hi Stephen,
Just back from my holidays to read your news, and like many other club members, I'm extremely sorry to hear about your injury, and secondly, the car.

If there's anything at all that you believe the club can help you with over and above the offers for help you've already had, please let us know via the forum.

I appreciate your safety suggestions on the car. It's something we call take a little for granted until something like this happens. I hope you wont be upset if we use your experience in a future club magazine to highlight the importance of a focus on safety.

As a suggestion, if you want to create a list of specialist parts you'll need to get your car up and running again, please post it on the fourm as a new thread, and I'm sure we could all help you try to find parts you need to get your repair done quickly.

I really want to make sure you're ready for the Stratos Challenge next year!!

Anyway, hope you're feeling physically better, and we're all wishing you and the car a speedy (at least a V6, 3Ltr.) recovery!!

All the best, Nico/

[Jerry B]

Stephen,
sorry to hear about your accident, however every cloud etc. so stick a V6 in and turn it all to your advantage, ie engine mounts may need replacing after impact and don`t forget that fuel tanks need modifying etc.

The bodywork doesn`t look too bad. (It looks like the webmaster`s car does normally. Sorry Dave !!!)

[chris.richard]

Nice to chat to you yesterday - sounds an unpleasant experience.
What are Allora fuel tanks made of?

[lpriestland]

JerryB wrote Looks like the WebMasters Car

I'd been trying to decide whether I ought to mention this myself, having a discussion with the devil sat on my shoulder. I'm sure that DW will take it with a chuckle...I did.

[ANDYG]

Hello Stephen,
Ignore my previous post, just going through them in order only to find (later) that ive put my size 12 in!!
Sorry to hear about the accident but at least you're ok, kind of comforting to know that the Stratos stood up reasonably well to the impact.
All the best,

[CorseChris]

Hi Stephen,

Glad you are OK.

Your point about the roll cage is well made - I was concerned about the proximity of my head to the roll cage on my Corse before your experience. Now I am properly worried.

Looks like I'll be lowering that floor after all......

[SUSIT]

Morning Chris,
I am not sure lowering the floor will be a real help although it must be of some benefit. I say this because when I sit in the stratos and move my head to the side I clear the roll cage by around 2 inches. I hit my head just 1 inch above my right eye so there must have been a fair amount of movement. This despite the fact I was using a 6 point racing harness, not really tight but tight enough to feel restrained.

Stephen Struthers

[CorseChris]

Hi Stephen,

Maybe your head moved forward then?? The way that the roof & cage converge toward the front of the car would tend to make an impact there more likely perhaps?? In one of my more Homer moments, I managed to forget this feature and bought seats that were supposed to tilt forward. They do, but only by about 2" before they hit the roll cage as it veers toward the centre.

I guess you could have moved upward by a few inches under the impact and hit the cage immediately to your right.

Maybe we shouldn't be dwelling too much on the event though.......

Take it easy.

[Stratos]

Originally posted by Jerry B
The bodywork doesn`t look too bad. (It looks like the webmaster`s car does normally. Sorry Dave !!!)

:D :D :D

My car has had a bit of tidying up recently, although it's waiting for the end of the season for the full monte.

AND, it's managed to get through the last two rallies unscathed, but I have to admit on the last one there were a few Close Encounters of the Spinning Kind which you will no doubt hear about in the next newsletter.

[Stratos]

Originally posted by Stratos

AND, it's managed to get through the last two rallies unscathed,

Actually, that's not QUITE true - it now has no boot spoiler, but that's a minor problem!!!

[Stratos]

Originally posted by chris.richard
What are Allora fuel tanks made of?

Allora tanks are made of alloy.

I am amazed that the original Stratos was designed with tanks in such a position, although there aren't many other possible locations due to the size of the car.

I am also amazed that there weren't more Stratos burned out on rallies - although I'm sure you've all seen pictures of the Chequered Flag burnt-out car.

Personally, I wouldn't compete again in a Stratos with tanks in the standard position, unless they were the state-of-the-art bag safety tanks.

Just think, if ONE tank gets ruptured, AND you have a balance pipe between the tanks, GRAVITY will empty BOTH tanks for you - right by the hot engine and exhaust .

That's exactly what happened to me, and the only thing that save us from going up in smoke was that the car was perched with the back-end over a ditch, and two full tanks of fuel drained into the bottom of the ditch.

[SUSIT]

Just think, if ONE tank gets ruptured, AND you have a balance pipe between the tanks, GRAVITY will empty BOTH tanks for you - right by the hot engine and exhaust .

Dave is right that is what happened in my case, An added problem was the way the car was sitting petrol drained into the good tank, When the recovery chap pulled it onto his truck the car was level again and more petrol spilt out.
For interest here is the list of parts required to fix.
Full rear body section
Repair panel for side of car
Rear strut & top mount
Rear wishbone
Drive Shaft + Inner & outer CV joint
Intermediate bearing housing
Petrol tank
1 Wheel & Tyre
Drivers Seat and racing harness
Front Indicator
Front Fog Lamp
Side Light
Repair damage to nearside front of nose section
Paint ? whole car
First estimate suggests £2000 Labour + parts
Stephen

[SUSIT]

I am having a torrid time with my insurance brooker, Footman James and the insurance company AXA Insurance re the claim for my Stratos. It took a long time to get quotes for repair, That done the engineer came to look at the car 3 weeks ago (I could not be present, big mistake) AXA keep asking me for the V5 document but have still to make me any offer of a settlement. They tell me as far as they are concerned it is a total loss and as such should not be repaired, Remember there is no chassis damage! The company that sent the engineer wont tell me what the report states so at the moment I am going round in circles. Footman James also say no agreed value as I had thought but market value. I have sent all the evidence from the forum of cars for sale.
Still waiting for reply.
Moral of the story
Really check out who you are insurered with dont take anything at face value, check

Stephen:mad: :(

[colin artus]

It might be worth employing a claims manager to fight your corner. They tend to be good at pushing the right buttons with insurance companies etc. Its galling to think that Footman James are meant to be your agent and represent you to your insurer. In practise it seems to be the other way around.

Colin

[Bernard]

Hi Steve

About this agreed insurance value........ I am also insured with Footman James and when i asked them about an agreed insurance value they refused to give me one... which i found really strange because if a value is agreed there is no argument when an accident occurs and seeing as our cars are not "off the shelf" this seems a more logical thing to do. This is something i will be taking up with them when my policy comes up for renewal.....i am sure i have the same feeling towards insurance companies as you !!

best of luck with your claim and rebuild

Bernard

[chris.richard]

Steve, shouldn't it be the numpty with the Escort whose insurance is paying for it, or are they doing a knock for knock agreement?

[SUSIT]

Hi Chris
AXA tell me they will be trying to claim any settlement back from Mr Numpty once its all agreed. Fingers crossed I should get their opening offer in the post in the next couple of days!

Stephen Struthers

[SUSIT]

Getting no where fast at present. The Insurance company value the car at £7k Valuation supplied by somebody from Which Kit magazine I am told. They value the salvage at £2500 approx. At that rate it is not worth keeping the salvage. Still I have agreed nothing and told them I despute their figures. If they are putting such a high value on the salvage I think i will be forced to hand it over and start looking for another Stratos! I have sent all the adds from the forum for completed cars although I am aware an Allora is not going to be worth the same as a Corse or Hawk.



Stephen

[chris.richard]

Illegitemi non carborundum!

Hogmanay tomorrow - have a right swally & forget about it for a few days.

[colin artus]

Originally posted by SUSIT
Getting no where fast at present. The Insurance company value the car at £7k Valuation supplied by somebody from Which Kit magazine I am told. They value the salvage at £2500 approx. At that rate it is not worth keeping the salvage. Still I have agreed nothing and told them I despute their figures. If they are putting such a high value on the salvage I think i will be forced to hand it over and start looking for another Stratos! I have sent all the adds from the forum for completed cars although I am aware an Allora is not going to be worth the same as a Corse or Hawk.



Stephen

You have a legal right to have your position restored to that which you enjoyed before the accident. This obligation rests with the insurers of the other party; your insurers obligations are covered by your policy wording. You can take legal action to recover the difference between your companies offer/settlement and your original position. It may be that your policy will cover the cost of action against the other party.If the insurance company is intransigent then you should threaten legal action and be prepared to persue it; get a solicitor to send a letter, it will show you're serious. Bear in mind that insurers are out to minimize their costs and payments and if you have any sort of decent case (and therefore a chance of winning your claim) the prospect of paying your costs etc will make paying what you are owed the cheap outcome.

Colin

[Cloggie]

Hi Stephen,
I'm really sorry to hear that you're having these ongoing problems with the insurance and your valuation.

If there is anything that you think the SEC can do to help, please let me know. For example, we've already been asked to provide 2 idependent valuations for members cars this year, and if you think it'll help, I'd be happy to write a letter to your insurance company to verify the current market prices of these type of cars.

By the way, if you know who it was at Which Kit magazine that provided the valuation, I'd be very interested to find so I can help set the record straight for any future cases.

Hope you have a great New Year celebration (Not having to work the busiest A&E day of the year!)

All the best for 2004, Nico/

[SUSIT]

Originally posted by chris.richard
Illegitemi non carborundum!

Hogmanay tomorrow - have a right swally & forget about it for a few days.


Hi Chris
the right swally will need to wait as I am working for the next three days.
On a brighter note get to go to the Autosport show next week

Happy new year to all

Stephen

[SUSIT]

Well I might just have made progress today. AXA Insurance have ageed a value of £9000 for the car. Secondly they no longer consider it a write off or total loss. We may have an agreement on repair costs as well. Not as much as I would like, they take the VAT off the repair estimate and only pay that if I pay it out! Should hear in writing by the week end.
What made the difference? All the evidence I sent from the web site! so thanks to everyone and particuarly Dave Watson for such a useful site.

Regards
Stephen Struthers

[Sando]

Good News indeed

Hope all goes well with all the work;)
will it be done for Abingdon ??????
Rob:cool:

[guy mayers]

Fantastic news!
Get it fixed and enjoy the Summer!
Guy

[SUSIT]

Hi Rob
Not sure at present if Abington will be a goer this year. As you know I have a few plans for the car including changing the roll cage so that I can get a MSA Log book for rallying. I might have a bit of difficulty finding some one willing to do that in this neck of the woods. On days off Mon/tues this week so will be trying to arrange all this then. Also have to head south to collect a special package yet again.
If I cant get the Strat ready i might borrow one of my mates chevette and see how i do. Will keep you posted with progress.

Stephen

[guy mayers]

When I got my car I wasn't entirely happy with the roll cage position, it was too far away from the screen pillars for a Stradale . I had Geoff Turton modify it so that it ran much closer to the pillars and ran around the perimeter of the top of the screen. The cage can't be seen on my car now as it is fully trimmed in. The job was done without removing the tub as well! Proof of the quality of the job is the fact that nothing has moved in 15 years! So, if you need someone to do this he's your man!
Guy

[chris.richard]

Done without removing the tub eh? Sounds interesting.. What's Geoff's contact details?

[guy mayers]

Geoff Turtons phone number is 0151 420 3420, he works from a unit in Ditton, Widnes. Don't be frightened by the number of Ferraris in there if you visit - they're not all his! his email address is geoff@gntfab.fsnet.co.uk if you want to contact him that way.

He did my roll cage by cutting the old one out about 3 inches from the rear bulkhead and three inches from the A pillar (if memory serves me right - just where the screen pillar tube meets the crossmember behind the dashboard) on both sides. The entire cage was then removed in one piece. He then obtained the correct roll cage tube material and bent the roof hoop to follow the perimeter of the roof, right round the curve of the screen. Once he was happy with the fit the new screen pillars were cut and bent from the same material. A sleeve was then slid over the four joints and the roof part tacked to the screen pillars. The sleeves were then slid back, the cage removed and the welds completed between the roof and screen parts. Then the cage was put back in the car and welded in place. The fiberglass was protected by a reflective shield and the clever bit was the welding of the inaccesible sides of the tubes from the inside from the opposite side of the tube! Once completely welded the sleeves were slid back into place and both ends on each of the four joints were welded up for extra peace of mind. Clever huh?

Geoff has also done many Motorsport projects in the past including his own Stratos build, now owned by Mark Cowling. He is also responsible for some pretty amazing transplants. Peugeot 405 Mi16 running gear into Peugeot 309 ans 205, Sierra Cosworths into Mk1 Escorts, Capris, Peugeot 205, 306 and 206 plus, if you ever saw a Peugeot 306 WRC with the huge front wings, Geoff made every single last one of them!

His current project is probably the best gaming accessory on the PC market today! Check it out at http://www.visionracer.com but be prepared to buy one!

Guy

[SUSIT]

Well I am now a happy man. Cheque from insurance arrived today and the repairs start monday.
A local lad that seems to know what he is talking about ( I know that can always be a mistake ) Is going to tackle the body repairs.
Thinks it will take about a week.
I am going to aim for Abington again. Might even try for an entry in the Rally!

Stephen
:D :D :D :D

[Sando]

Good news Steve.
Get cracking !! .....and post that cheque off.....you know the one I mean!:D

Rob:cool:

[Arthur]

Commiserations - glad you got out all right!

Don't know the Hawk car at all, or where the bits went on the earlier incarnations of what became the CorseI, but I got this jobbie (Corse, of course) not least because the CorseI tank is within the roll cage at the back, damn glad I did now.

Other bit - the head on the bar - I've been looking at that for so long, thinking "that needs padding" - well, OK, it shall happen.

All the best with the repair.
Arthur.

[SUSIT]

Hi Arthur
Thanks for your note of support, makes all the difference to know there is a large support network out there. Repairs are well underway with most of the fibreglass work completed. The rolling shell is away having new cage fitted. wont be back for a few weeks yet. Meanwhile I am brushing up my painting skills by resraying my midas. If all goes well I will tackle the Stratos myself. Leaves more cash to make it go better.

Regards

Stephen

[PETER.H]

I have just joined the Site hoping it may help me out with the rebuilding of my ageing Allora ( No13 i belive !! ) when I came across this thread. I was so suprised to see the banana, as its buider named it. I should explain that I knew its builder/owner - Norman B many years ago and we helped each other with our builds. I lost touch with Norman who lived in Warrington ? near Liverpool and knew he had sold the car. Incidentaly my donor car had the registration SBM 667R.

Hope the rebuild has gone well and i will be posting a few requests for help myself soon

[SUSIT]

Hi Peter,
Welcome to the forum I am sure you will get all the help you require through the site. The banana was a good choice of name following its accident. The rebuild is only starting in earnest as I have been waiting to get the roll cage replaced so that I can get a RAC MSA logbook for special stage rallying, unfortunately the Allora is the only model of Stratos replica without a rollcage certificate and therefore to get a logbook I need to bring it up to meet 2004 rules. However all clouds have a silver linning and the spec will be much higher than previous.

Alfa 3L V6 group A cams, one off light weight steel flywheel,
Wolf 3D engine management, Stainless tubular tuned length manifolds 250+ Bhp
284mm vented discs with Hi spec 4 pots all round
Heavy duty rear lower wishbones with rose joint inners
Bilstein struts and coilover front dampers.

These are the main changes in spec.
Luckly Norman paid me a visit before the accident so got to see the car as he had built it.

What spec is your Allora?

Regards
Stephen Struthers

[PETER.H]

Unfortunately due to a severe lack of funds at the time of build I was unable to really do anthing to the base car. The engine - a 2 litre from a Beta HPE, had a rebuild but nothing special. Everthing else was basically standard so the car looked reasonable but suffered in the performance department. I never really expected mega performance which was then satisfied by a Yamaha FRZ1000 bike !! but i do feel that when funding is available something will have to be done. First things first though - i need some new calipers / discs and possibly an upgrade on those would be wise as the original system without a servo was heavy to say the least.

PS if you are able to contact Norman then please let me know.

Regards


Peter

[Stratos]

Peter,

As you are just in Northampton, you should get yourself along to Abingdon this weekend, as there will be at least 2 other Allora owners there - Stephen and myself.

[PETER.H]

Im out all day Saturday video-ing a weddding but you never know what Sunday may bring.

Peter