wrecked SPF on eBay - Page 3

RedBarchetta · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 08:27 AM

The seller responded to my inquiry about considering to part it out instead. His response was "Thanks." So at least he's acknowledging that there is a more robust market for parts and not a totaled car.

Can you imagine going to your local boneyard and seeing this hulk lying in the weeds? We'd pick it clean like vultures in under 5 minutes.

-Dean

SKINNEDR · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 12:58 PM

Well, does anyone know what happen in this case.
Who it's belong to, and what happen?
It the owner is alive it could be a good learning for all of us if he could share his experience.
Any knowledge as to what happened?
Dex...

RedBarchetta · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKINNEDR

Well, does anyone know what happen in this case.
Who it's belong to, and what happen?
Dex...

Dex, my hunch is that the insurance company paid off the owner and another firm bought the hulk from the insurance company as a salvage vehicle. Maybe they figured they could make some quick coin selling it to someone that is a freakin' genius with a frame machine and fiberglass repair?

This car appears to be purely for parts (IMHO).

-Dean

SKINNEDR · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 05:59 PM

The Carroll Shelby autgraph Glove Box may worth some money, but not $15,000, but close...LOL
Dex..

madmaxx · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 06:13 PM

How is the rear "spindle" held on where in the picture it appears something broke. If you remove the bolts they only go in about 3/4" and not all the way through to the "center" piece. Is there a long sleeve that goes through the assemlby ? If I take my bolts out, nothing happens, the lower a arm stays in place. Any pictures would be greatly appreciated.

427sharpe · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 07:45 PM

I saw the 4422 on the odometer, and I thought 'Another newbie playing Dan Gurney wraps up a Cobra'... after reading thru the thread, I almost wish that WAS the case!

I hate to hear of any suspension failures on these cars because it makes me paranoid in mine, even though not a Superformance. A great winter project, going thru the car piece by piece to look for trouble. But its impossible to see every bolt, or every crack for that matter!

I give kudos to Ven e mous for filling us in, and am glad the guy was able to live to tell the tale.

Got the Bug · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 427sharpe

I hate to hear of any suspension failures on these cars because it makes me paranoid in mine, even though not a Superformance. A great winter project, going thru the car piece by piece to look for trouble. But its impossible to see every bolt, or every crack for that matter!

I give kudos to Ven e mous for filling us in, and am glad the guy was able to live to tell the tale.

We don't know, and will likely never know the exact cause. To say or imply anything else is like a headline in the Enquirer.

madmaxx · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 08:05 PM

I agree, I have had blow outs, ball joints failures, axle failures on trailers and every single time the car or trailer drops down on that corner and speed decreases exponentially. To say the suspension failed and the car swung around is suspicious at best. It is all speculation, I wonder if a corner was being taken to fast, rear end broke loose curb struck and that caused the suspension damage.

madmaxx · #9 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 08:46 PM

It appears the newer chassis's have a different design then the one on ebay. Still cant figure out how it is put together, but needed something to figure out anyways LOL!!

madmaxx · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 07:30 AM

i dont agree that anything failed before a collosion.

RedBarchetta · #11 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:38 AM

There sure are a lot of armchair QB's on this thread...

SP01715 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

There sure are a lot of armchair QB's on this thread...

It's an SPF. For some reason this brand brings out people that try and find fault with the brand IMO.

Double Venom · #13 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:52 AM

Being a Professional Re-constructionist for almost 25 years-One major concept to keep in mind, "assuming" the Insurance had a 'Pro' diagnose the car, I would have to lean to what they are saying until proven wrong-NO Armchair here. The rest IS speculation.

Drivers statement-speculation, if you aren't him but it does go along with what the insurance company stated.
DV

mr bruce · #14 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Every crash is different. That frame did exactly what it was supposed to do , fold up and absorb energy. Don't fool yourself, EVERY car out there can kill you, luck of the draw.

Gunner · #15 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr bruce

Every crash is different. That frame did exactly what it was supposed to do , fold up and absorb energy.

Yes, it did. I chuckled when I saw "crumple zones" in the eBay listing. "And these come pre-crumpled!"

Quote:

Don't fool yourself, EVERY car out there can kill you, luck of the draw.

Yes, but in one of my Volvos, I'm drawing to four of a kind. In the Cobra, it's drawing to an inside straight.

SNK BYT · #16 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Amazing what these cars go through in a wreck. I agree with most here that the speed must have been a bit faster than the speed claimed. The impact this vehicle took was so strong that the frame was damaged. Hope he's ok physically, mentally, I know he's screwed.

RedBarchetta · #17 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 10:59 AM

Snk Byt, your car is still fresh (i.e. 4 miles). Unless you have had your installer go over every bolt on that car, make sure someone does. The more recent bulletin for your build may involve the brake calipers. I don't have the specifics handy but any dealer would offer that up to you free of charge. Other than that, it doesn't take much to go over the car and ensure everything is the way it should be. If you don't have the knowledge, pay someone you trust to do the same. And make it part of your annual "check-up" (this applies to any car, any make).

-Dean

Gunner · #18 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 11:12 AM

Without trying to honk anyone off, really, I wonder if SPFs are a little more prone to maintenance- and upkeep-related failures because they are sold as moderately-priced rollers? That is, some portion of them are bought by drivers unfamilar with the routine wrench work involved with these cars, and they ass/u/me it's a lot like any other new turnkey car?

The same could be said of Kirkhams (and CSXs) but the breathtaking price difference probably screens out casual buyers. SPFs are priced within the range of people who "have always wanted one" but don't have the mechanical expertise to maintain one - or the understanding that they need SOMEONE with that expertise on tap; this is NOT a Corvette, Miata, S2000, etc.

Most other replicas need some mechanical expertise etc. just to get ON the road, so that helps screen their drivers.

jhv48 · #19 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 12:09 PM

After seeing the damage that Tiger Wood's Escalade sustained after a 35 mph collision with a tree (and a couple of 5 iron swings from his wife) I think the SPF gave up its life valiantly so that the driver could walk (limp) away.

No one buys these cars for safety reasons. They are basically guided missles with four wheels. I'm amazed more people aren't killed in them.

Good job SPF.

patrickt · #20 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

Without trying to honk anyone off, really, I wonder if SPFs are a little more prone to maintenance- and upkeep-related failures because they are sold as moderately-priced rollers? That is, some portion of them are bought by drivers unfamilar with the routine wrench work involved with these cars, and they ass/u/me it's a lot like any other new turnkey car?

Dang, Gunner... if I had posted something that sounded like that the SPF owners would be throwing a rope over a tree branch and hunting me down by now.