Date:         Tue, 7 Jun 2005 20:45:21 -0700
Reply-To:     Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject:      Right front corner - owie!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

In the dandy burg of Phoenix, we have what the police refer to as
"Double Suicide Lanes".  These are two main arterials traveling from
uptown to downtown where the center, or left turn lanes become normal
traveling lanes, northbound from 4 - 6pm and southbound from 6 - 9 am.
While the average drive can handle this, and some less than average do
OK, the city forgot that, every day, there are many way less than
average drivers, who don't own watches, turn signals, or brains.

The upshot of all this is that shortly after 4pm I was northbound in the
reversible lane when one of those watchless, rear-view mirrorless,
brainless drivers decided to turn left from the HIGH SPEED LANE.  Really
bad idea, since a large white Westy just happened to be overtaking him
immediately to his left.  I have a somewhat misshapen right front corner
panel and he has a totaled KIA.  His insurance company wants to total my
van, but will sell it back to me for only $25 after giving me a bit over
$3000 for the damages.  I've argued the value of the van, and will
continue to do so, though with well over 400,000 miles on it, they
probably aren't really far off.

I checked Bus Depot's website and also Ken's.  I'm looking for that body
panel.  I have a rough quote from local higher end body shop of $5 - 700
for welding in the panel, plus another $500 or so to paint it (it'll
never match - too many miles and hours in the sun).  I may try banging
it out myself.  It's an eyesore, but doesn't much affect functionality,
other than the passenger door making a minor "Gronk" every time it's
opened.

Thoughts?

Karl Wolz