Birthday present

[Dean Lemoine]

I went to our local big box store in my Model A this afternoon, parked in the middle of nowhere and came out to find somebody rearranged my right front fender. No note, no nothing.

[Harpkatt]

That's a shame,looks like it has nice paint.

[Mike Peters]

UGH!! Looks like someone backed into your fender. Dollar to a donut they had no insurance, no money, and no morals to boot.
Could you gently push it back onto shape by leveraging from your front tire with a spoon to spread the force across the fender surface? Then take off the fender for paint.

[wwirz]

Cripes.....what kind of world is this. Parked in the middle of nowhere and this kind of damage. Makes me wonder about leaving my car outside at the MAFCA tour.

[Dean Lemoine]

No morals for sure.

[Gene F]

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You have got to be kidding me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U N B E L E V E A B L E

[McMimmcs]

Big box stores all have video surveillance. Ask the local police to access it.

[McMimmcs]

check your policy. Some insurance companies don’t allow shopping trips in your A.

[Aarongriffey]

GeneF, you’ve never been to California?
People will do it here just because they hate that some guy like you drive 3 or 4 hundred thousand dollar car that you have to have all the parts custom made (machined) and that you must be a drug dealer to afford it.
Been there, done that. I only drive my collector cars on tours and park with other collector cars to avoid that happening or keying the sides or punching the tires.
Many times I’ve had people come out of the near by bushes because they thought I must be a drug dealer. Even had some give me hell for making them wait so long.
I always park a car like that as close to the entrance as I can.

[Gary Karr]

Mike Peters has it right, no insurance, no money, and no morals. I sit at stop lights and count the cars with obvious expired tags and bet that most of them also have no insurance. Uninsured motorist is more important today than ever before.

[McMimmcs]

the obvious question is why did you drive a Model A shopping in the middle of winter?

[700rpm]

Forty years ago a friend (Tom) offered to take me and another friend (Jerry) to a county fair 100 miles from nowhere in his newly restored ‘29 Tudor. As we exited the car in the field that was the parking lot, four guys pulled up next to us and as they piled out, one let his door hit Tom’s newly painted fender, putting in a large dent and causing paint damage. Jerry, who was (and still is) 6’4” and well fit at 225# yelled at the yahoos, who just yelled back and walked away. Jerry went over and removed the caps and valve stems from all four of their tires, and threw them out into the field. As it turned out we returned to the Model A at the time they returned to their car... in a field... in the middle of nowhere...which had four flat tires. The driver read the situation immediately, and said, "Aw come’on you guys.. where are the valves?” Climbing into the Model A, Jerry turned and waved at the overgrown field. “They’re out there. Next time be more care where you open your door.” And we drove away.

[JayJay]

Dean, that's a damn shame. But a sign of the times.

Aarongriffey unfortunately is correct - some people are just plain a**holes with no sense of self-responsibility and no explanation as to motivation for being so is adequate. And we see a bunch of them in California, especially in the SF Bay Area. Thankfully they are in the minority, but they're still there.

Let's face it, our collective passion for old cars is a bit of an outlier. We don't (generally) share the same outlook of those whose idea of desirable fine machinery is a black German SUV or an electric car that individually costs more than four Model As. But that makes a more interesting society, I suppose.

Off soap box, for now.

JayJay

[nkaminar]

Sorry to see that. It happens to me in my modern cars all the time in parking lots.

My suggestion is to take off the fender and take it to a body shop and have it straightened out and repainted. It will cost a few hundred dollars.

Fortunately, people here in North Carolina are more respectful of old cars than in California. One of the reasons I like it here better.

[chap52]

Hate to sound like an old fart but life has become selfish and impersonal. I believe that cell phones have added to the reason so many people do not show respect for others, or even have verbal communication skills in the workplace.
Everyone cries out for "respect" when disrespect is the real issue. Sad... Chap

[Big hammer]

OUCH ! Insurance claim? Hope you had a good outing before the incident

[GPierce]

Originally Posted by McMimmcs

the obvious question is why did you drive a Model A shopping in the middle of winter?

Why not? I do it all the time. That’s the advantage of living in the South.

[ronn]

the obvious advantage of a "rat rod".......

[Jack Shaft]

Fact is its an automobile,the only way you keep this from happening is to not drive your car.

There are fools in every state in the union
.

My next build will not include paint and body work.Deans unfortunate experience is one reason,the biggest is how I enjoy my A..its the mechanical beauty.

[77Birdman]

Originally Posted by Jack Shaft

Fact is its an automobile,the only way you keep this from happening is to not drive your car.

There are fools in every state in the union
.

My next build will not include paint and body work.Deans unfortunate experience is one reason,the biggest is how I enjoy my A..its the mechanical beauty.

Yes, you can reason its only a car, but it belongs to someone and that should be respected. I do not expect for my car to be hit when I drive it, and I dont anticipate hitting someone elses car either. I was brought up to respect others property and respect myself.


Its a shame this has happened. Very well may have just been a gawker, then when they turned around they hit the car, panicked and took off. The decent thing would have been to at least leave a note. I wish this was the first time I have seen something like this, and it probably wont be the last. Hope the ins. will cover. Im not sure mine would.

My wife was working at a school, and backed into a car. Scratch on the plastic bumper but no deflection. She left a note. We got a call from the person she hit ( a coworker) and that 'bump' did many thousands of dollars of damage, from the front bumper to rusted spots on the rear. I gave them my ins. info and never heard anything again.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by 77Birdman

Yes, you can reason its only a car, but it belongs to someone and that should be respected. I do not expect for my car to be hit when I drive it, and I dont anticipate hitting someone elses car either. I was brought up to respect others property and respect myself.


Its a shame this has happened. Very well may have just been a gawker, then when they turned around they hit the car, panicked and took off. The decent thing would have been to at least leave a note. I wish this was the first time I have seen something like this, and it probably wont be the last. Hope the ins. will cover. Im not sure mine would.

My wife was working at a school, and backed into a car. Scratch on the plastic bumper but no deflection. She left a note. We got a call from the person she hit ( a coworker) and that 'bump' did many thousands of dollars of damage, from the front bumper to rusted spots on the rear. I gave them my ins. info and never heard anything again.

That’s why I asked why at the big box store in the A. In many cases insurance will not cover but you can see the answer I got!

[Jack Shaft]

Originally Posted by 77Birdman

Yes, you can reason its only a car, but it belongs to someone and that should be respected. I do not expect for my car to be hit when I drive it, and I dont anticipate hitting someone elses car either. I was brought up to respect others property and respect myself.


Its a shame this has happened. Very well may have just been a gawker, then when they turned around they hit the car, panicked and took off. The decent thing would have been to at least leave a note. I wish this was the first time I have seen something like this, and it probably wont be the last. Hope the ins. will cover. Im not sure mine would.

My wife was working at a school, and backed into a car. Scratch on the plastic bumper but no deflection. She left a note. We got a call from the person she hit ( a coworker) and that 'bump' did many thousands of dollars of damage, from the front bumper to rusted spots on the rear. I gave them my ins. info and never heard anything again.

Bird most everyone on the boards were raised that way, I was..the golden rule,be polite,love your family and country..times have changed.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Sorry to see that. It happens to me in my modern cars all the time in parking lots.

My suggestion is to take off the fender and take it to a body shop and have it straightened out and repainted. It will cost a few hundred dollars.

Fortunately, people here in North Carolina are more respectful of old cars than in California. One of the reasons I like it here better.

I would suggest you do not take the fender off for any body work. Doing so runs a risk of it not fitting when returned. Do the hammer and dolly work with the fender bolted in place, then take it off to be painted.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I would suggest you do not take the fender off for any body work. Doing so runs a risk of it not fitting when returned. Do the hammer and dolly work with the fender bolted in place, then take it off to be painted.

Obviously the man has been there and done that. Pay attention to the master!

[CarlG]

I had that happen to me (not in my Model A though). Even though there was a witness that had a complete description including license #, they still got off scot free. They caved in the door panel, I got to eat it!

[700rpm]

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My son-in-law once stated that he would just drive away if he ever hit a car in a parking lot and no one was around. I don’t like him, I don’t trust him, and I haven’t spoken to him or visited my daughter in their home for over five years. He’s arrogant, and he was raised with too much money, too much sense of entitlement, too little ethical grounding.

[Oldbluoval]

700..
Nowadays that would lead to gun play.(the 40 year ago valve posting)
Sad but true

[Chris in WNC]

This is a risk we must be wiling to take in return for the pleasure of driving our As.
Keep your insurance paid up and don't let it spoill your enjoyment too much.....

[Dean Lemoine]

A few thoughts and comments:

Why did I drive my Model A to a big box store in the middle of winter?
It was a beautiful North Georgia day. There’s nothing that keeps me from doing that, insurance or otherwise.
Did I check security cameras? For a variety of reasons I chose not to. I only hope and pray this person’s conscious catches up with them.
I too was raised to respect other people and their property. Sadly this seems to be going away in today’s world.
Did it bother me that this happened? Absolutely, but life’s too short and precious to let it drag on. I’ll fix it myself and move on. I built it to drive and enjoy and we’re certainly doing that.
Why did I title this post “Happy Birthday”?
It’s this week. Weather permitting, we’ll take the car our for a drive ...... maybe a picnic.

[KGBnut]

That's terrible. I never think twice about driving my Model A anywhere any time of the year, but mine is not restored. It shows every nick and dent of its 90 years.

The one thing I would recommend is fix it, fix it quick, and move on. Otherwise, it will eat at you every time you walk by your car and see it.

Ken

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Dean Lemoine

A few thoughts and comments:

Why did I drive my Model A to a big box store in the middle of winter?
It was a beautiful North Georgia day. There’s nothing that keeps me from doing that, insurance or otherwise.
Did I check security cameras? For a variety of reasons I chose not to. I only hope and pray this person’s conscious catches up with them.
I too was raised to respect other people and their property. Sadly this seems to be going away in today’s world.
Did it bother me that this happened? Absolutely, but life’s too short and precious to let it drag on. I’ll fix it myself and move on. I built it to drive and enjoy and we’re certainly doing that.
Why did I title this post “Happy Birthday”?
It’s this week. Weather permitting, we’ll take the car our for a drive ...... maybe a picnic.

If he didn’t stop the first time, he’s not coming back ! Fix the car and hope the same person is not in the same parking lot on your next birthday.
Life goes on!

[jb-ob]

Dean,

You have my sympathies but this time next year it will be a small bump on your road of life. Fix it quickly and let your pride recover.

Maybe a good thing you weren't a witness. A fender bender is one thing, assault charges & court ordered anger management classes are another.

Accept the fact every time we leave the driveway, we are a target.

I knew Scotty, a young guy working in a body shop. Arriving at 6:30 every AM would put the coffee on and while waiting for the crew to arrive would wash his car. Not an exceptional car but it was his, & he liked a clean car.

Best that was determined afterwards, driving home one evening Scotty got rear ended. Scotty got out of his car as did probably the other driver. Words probably flew and the driver hit Scotty and took off. Scotty was found dead lying in the road behind his idling car. No one was ever caught.

Best, jb

[big job]

My cabin fever lets me reply. I don't care a T a A or a new rice burner. You go to your insurance and for a fender bender its the big NOPE. So what in hell I pay you like a

tooth ache every month?? get out the hammer and dolly they always win you always

lose. CROOKS

[McMimmcs]

By the way did you report it to the police?

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Gary Karr

Mike Peters has it right, no insurance, no money, and no morals. I sit at stop lights and count the cars with obvious expired tags and bet that most of them also have no insurance. Uninsured motorist is more important today than ever before.

Where are the cops if there are so many unregistered and uninsured cars?
I know your system is different from ours but here, EVERY police car is fitted with number plate scanners which alert the officers in real time if the car is unregistered (we don't use tags) or if there is a warrant for the owner etc.
What is the penalty for driving an unregistered car over there? Here, it varies state to state and no doubt so too over there but in this state, it is a fine of about $1,000 and the loss of several demerit points. Once a driver has lost and accumulated 12 demerit points within 3 years, their license is suspended - no ifs, no buts unless they buy a delay in the suspension. If they go that route and lose another point, the suspension is doubled.
The same sort of thing happens here too in car parks. Jerks are everywhere.

[Charlie Stephens]

After you are through with your insurance company apply a little black paint over the primer that shows. Not a permanent solution but it will let you relax a little until you have time to do it right.

Charlie Stephens

[TerryO]

Where are the cops if there are so many unregistered and uninsured cars?

I don't know about other areas but around here the drivers are also illegal.


TOB

[McMimmcs]

A pretty easy crime to solve for a rookie police person. Review the video, trace the plate and go knock on the door. Citation for leaving scene of an accident and judge orders restitution.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by TerryO

I don't know about other areas but around here the drivers are also illegal.


TOB

Wouldn't that mean that no insurance company would touch them. If there is a problem, how are injuries to others paid for?
That is all included in the registration fee here and an unregistered car on the road is rare. Even if the other driver shouldn't be on the road, anyone injured on the road is covered, pedestrians, cyclists, the lot.
Seems to me from afar, that if there are so many like that, the police are failing to do their job but as I said, I realise our two systems are different.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by big job

My cabin fever lets me reply. I don't care a T a A or a new rice burner. You go to your insurance and for a fender bender its the big NOPE. So what in hell I pay you like a

tooth ache every month?? get out the hammer and dolly they always win you always lose. CROOKS

Maybe you just have the wrong insurance company.

Two years ago I made a $900 claim on a fender bender with my 29 coupe to Hagerty. Sent pictures. No problems. Paid promptly.

Same thing with my Honda Accord last year with GEICO and an $1800 claim.

[nkaminar]

For my Model T I installed a dash cam (camera) mounted to the windshield that I used to record touring events and even a tour of my neighborhood. I kept it and will install it on my Model A. It has an option to remain on while parked. The video can be downloaded to any computer and sent via an email to an insurance company or the police or put on a memory stick. I may add another dash cam for the rear of the car. They need 12 volts which could be provided by a small motorcycle battery.

[77Birdman]

[QUOTE=Dean Lemoine;1987810]A few thoughts and comments:

Why did I drive my Model A to a big box store in the middle of winter?
It was a beautiful North Georgia day. There’s nothing that keeps me from doing that, insurance or otherwise.
Did I check security cameras? For a variety of reasons I chose not to. I only hope and pray this person’s conscious catches up with them.
I too was raised to respect other people and their property. Sadly this seems to be going away in today’s world.
Did it bother me that this happened? Absolutely, but life’s too short and precious to let it drag on. I’ll fix it myself and move on. I built it to drive and enjoy and we’re certainly doing that.
Why did I title this post “Happy Birthday”?
It’s this week. Weather permitting, we’ll take the car our for a drive ...... maybe a picnic.[/QUOTE

NO judgement at all on driving your A to a box store, heck I would drive it as often as possible weather permitting. Yes, I am glad your ins. will cover, I ocassionally take my car to the grocery store when its nice and hope that something like this doesnt happen. Good luck with the repairs, hope they are taken care of swiftly.

[77Birdman]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I had that happen to me (not in my Model A though). Even though there was a witness that had a complete description including license #, they still got off scot free. They caved in the door panel, I got to eat it!

I was sideswiped on a small country road whilst driving my F150. Her mirror took my mirror off (which was lucky as it was a matter of seconds from being a head on). She kept rolling along, road so tight I had a hard time doing a u turn. I called the police and proceeded to chase her down. About 5 miles I finally caught up and pulled her over. Her mirror was shattered as well as mine. She acted like she had no idea she hit me. I got her info, which I later found was fraudulent. Cop took our statements, said 'no one was hurt' so it was between the two of us. I was on the hook, and never heard from her again! Yes she was on a cell phone when she hit me, taking her 6 yo to school!!

[77Birdman]

Synchro, in MD, there is an uninsured motorist fund just for that case. Also, if a person cannot get insurance from a private carrier the state will provide it, but it is quite expensive. Usually people with too many accidents, dui's etc.

[TerryO]

Wouldn't that mean that no insurance company would touch them. If there is a problem, how are injuries to others paid for?
That is all included in the registration fee here and an unregistered car on the road is rare. Even if the other driver shouldn't be on the road, anyone injured on the road is covered, pedestrians, cyclists, the lot.
Seems to me from afar, that if there are so many like that, the police are failing to do their job but as I said, I realise our two systems are different.

It can be summed up in one word..."politics"
TOB

[JD 1931]

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Same thing happened to my daughters new mazda, hit in parling lot and left no note or anything, cost me $700.00 to have it fixed, did not turn to insurance because of $500.00 deductible...Low lifes everywhere, happened in Tallahassee...

[700rpm]

I was driving a Model A and towing a trailer made from a Model A PU bed along a narrow two-lane in rural Washington when two vehicles tried to pass me at the same time, a passenger car and a large RV. So we were three abreast neck and neck on a two lane. The car was on the far left and made it past by riding the shoulder, but the RV clipped the rear left corner of my trailer. We pulled over to inspect the damage. The trailer had some paint scraped off the bed corner, and a small scuff on the fender. The RV, however, had about a 6’ tear running down the side through its aluminum sheathing. Model A’s are built Ford Tough. The trailer wasn’t restored or any kind of show piece, so I wasn’t upset except at the RV driver’s poor judgment. He came out the worst for it, and agreed it was all his fault. We exchanged info, and parted ways. I didn’t file a claim, but I would like to have heard his story to his insurance company.