My Safari was a victim of a hit and run, what now?

[powervalve]

Looking for some general advice on what to do about my Safari that got crashed into by a driver that left the scene recently.
Insurance company will almost certainly total it, and give me the option to 'buy it' back.
It seems a shame to let it go to a scrap yard, but I live in the city and do not have a garage or skills to fix the damage myself.
I should also mention that I didn't park it on the curb.
Timing is, of course, most inconvenient as I'd almost gotten everything crossed off the list and had a big road trip planned later this summer.
2005 Safari AWD, 190k
Any input is greatly appreciated!

[Chunder]

Looks like the drivetrain took the brunt of the impact, not good...

[dcsleeper]

well at least you have the license plate!
That rear end will fail soon.
bummer

[powervalve]

Thanks for the insight. It was my fear.
Might well have to start again from scratch.

[Brewtus]

I think starting fresh might be a good bet, too. I bet coming out to a mashed up vehicle is confusing and painful! Keep us updated on how everything turns out (if you get reimbursed).

[backinabox]

That is such a bummer I'm very sorry for your loss...A quick est. I see $3500 or more to fix using salvage parts, that is a very labor intensive repair and there are no new panels available....I wish I lived closer to you ( couldn't get any further) I'd buy it for parts .....best of luck with Insurance

[AstroWill]

Depends on what you want to work with. I could definitely see it being fixed to a usable state pretty darn cheaply. I mean you were thinking about replacing those rear leaf springs and clamshells anyway, right?

LOL, if the clamshell on that side ripped, but the frame isn't all bent out of shape, you can get a replacement rear end for $150 or so if needed, get a set of leaf springs/hangers/bolts $100 or so at a u-pull yard, or a few hundred new.

It's going to take looking at it, taking some measurements, doing an inventory on what is ACTUALLY damaged. If that passenger tire just got ripped off the bead the wheel may may still be good, etc. Then deciding on what path you want to take. Me, I would fix that van on the cheap and enjoy your planned vacation, worry about the looks later. Then if you decide you want to learn some auto body repair, hit up the library, youtube, and harbor freight and start learning :)

All personal decisions, but $300, a case of beer, a friend, and a day at the u-pull it might be all you need.

Then look for another one at your leisure of the same vintage so you can transfer your parts/mods to the new one if that is the route you decide to take.

I personally wouldn't give up on that one just yet. I'm about to hack up an 03, where are you located, what part of WA?

[powervalve]

Depends on what you want to work with. I could definitely see it being fixed to a usable state pretty darn cheaply. I mean you were thinking about replacing those rear leaf springs and clamshells anyway, right?

LOL, if the clamshell on that side ripped, but the frame isn't all bent out of shape, you can get a replacement rear end for $150 or so if needed, get a set of leaf springs/hangers/bolts $100 or so at a u-pull yard, or a few hundred new.

It's going to take looking at it, taking some measurements, doing an inventory on what is ACTUALLY damaged. If that passenger tire just got ripped off the bead the wheel may may still be good, etc. Then deciding on what path you want to take. Me, I would fix that van on the cheap and enjoy your planned vacation, worry about the looks later. Then if you decide you want to learn some auto body repair, hit up the library, youtube, and harbor freight and start learning

All personal decisions, but $300, a case of beer, a friend, and a day at the u-pull it might be all you need.

Then look for another one at your leisure of the same vintage so you can transfer your parts/mods to the new one if that is the route you decide to take.

I personally wouldn't give up on that one just yet. I'm about to hack up an 03, where are you located, what part of WA?

Thank you for the insight! Leaf springs (and other parts) are already on hand and had plans to install them next weekend.
I'm not totally familiar with what the clamshell is; is that the bracket that is between the leaf spring and the axle?

As for measurements, am I looking for symmetry, or is there something else I should be measuring?

Rear end and what damage it may have caused farther up the line when it got jammed forward is my bigger concern than body work at this point.

I'm in Seattle. The downside is the city doesn't lend itself to a lot of DIY repair work, especially with no garage / workspace.

[powervalve]

Thanks to everyone for the insight and condolences thus far! I'm reeling right now and trying to make the best decision.

Brewtus: You're totally right, a pretty sinking feeling to discover.
Backinabox: Thank you so much for a rough dollar estimate. It's helpful in determining what to do.

It's most unfortunate to have such a awesome vehicle taken out by an irresponsible driver.

Keep the opinions rolling.

[sixsix]

If you explained... then forget I asked...

they/it hit the Van and then they/it ran off?

[CopperFiremist]

I could take a look at it, PM me I'm in North Seattle

[powervalve]

If you explained... then forget I asked...

they/it hit the Van and then they/it ran off?

According to a neighbor, The driver crashed the Mazda 3 into the van, tried in vain to restart and dislodge the car and fled on foot.
Seattle police arrived later and towed the 3. I discovered the van the following evening.
The "run" was apparently quite literal in this case.

[CopperFiremist]

Sounds like Seattle to me, even if they caught him he would be back on the street in 12hrs with no charges filed.

[Leeann_93]

Aw, crap. That sucks, man.

But yeah, fix what you have. The odds of finding another ‘05 in that kind of shape (notwithstanding the recent damage) are low.

[AstroWill]

Thank you for the insight! Leaf springs (and other parts) are already on hand and had plans to install them next weekend.
I'm not totally familiar with what the clamshell is; is that the bracket that is between the leaf spring and the axle?

The clamshell mounts the leaf springs to the axle. They are kinda weak IMO but if that ripped/slid easily, your rear end might not even be damaged. Really have to inspect everything to know for sure.

As for measurements, am I looking for symmetry, or is there something else I should be measuring?

Exactly, measure diagonally from known points to see if everything is still square, often these points are available in the factory service manuals, look for obvious dents/bends/cracks/etc.
If you don't have a factory service manual, grab the GM Techline eSI for free, it's the digital factory service manual(see links in sig).

Rear end and what damage it may have caused farther up the line when it got jammed forward is my bigger concern than body work at this point.

Could be minimal, could be a lot, have to really inspect it to find out. The angle of the hit may have helped you a lot, considering that it looks like the rear tire was pushed forward until it hit the wheel well. Might still be able to use that rear, might not. Again, everything is going to have to be inspected, get it back where you can drive it/get it aligned, see if the driveshaft is ok, if there are any unusual sounds or vibrations.

I'm in Seattle. The downside is the city doesn't lend itself to a lot of DIY repair work, especially with no garage / workspace.

Should be pretty easy to do most of that with just regular hand tools, some jack stands and a driveway to work in.