• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

From bumper thumper to thumper bumper

C

capfacsurf

Full Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2002
Messages
192
Location
Malibu, California
I finally got hit! I had backed into a 'safe' spot in a parking lot, had killed the engine and was making a cell phone call. Some student driver and her uninsured mother plow over a planter, race across the parking lot, and smack right into my front bumper. This was a day I had been waiting for!

The insurance estimate was $2,500, $700 of which were bumper parts. I immediately called Ben at Stealth Off Road (SOR), and ordered a new bumper to replace the factory plastic. Using the $700 from the insurance payment, my net cost for a new Stealth was only $600. I opted for no grill guard, 'cause there aren't too many moose in So California. The front receiver allows use of a portable electric winch from either end. The bumper also has the winch mount built in, in case I decide later for a 24/7 winch. Most of my driving is freeway/city, so I can't really justify all the extra weight hanging off my front end. A porto winch, however, can stay in the garage 'till I go on a trip.

The bumper is in transit to my body shop, and the AV should be ready to roll by early next week. Welder was great at working with a VERY difficult body shop guy who wanted a cut on what I paid SOR. Ben straightend him out though.

From a bumper thumper to one hellova thumper bumper. Wish I had gotten hit sooner!
 

Attachments

  • DCP_1417.jpg
    DCP_1417.jpg
    46.6 KB · Views: 35
I want to see some before and after pics, just for comparison ;D. I just want to see the damage that the other car did to you.

-James R. :cool:
 
Seeing the picture kind of makes you want to call that student driver and see if they want a "rematch" 'eh? >:D >:D
 
Man, if that family of uninsured hazards doesn't reimburse me for my deductible......they are gonna' get a rematch! Now I know what uninsured motorist coverage actually provides.
 
And to think most states require drivers to have insurance......I hope you sicked the police after them......

I say if you do not have insurance then do not drive....ride a bus....
 
capfacsurf said:
I finally got hit! I had backed into a 'safe' spot in a parking lot, had killed the engine and was making a cell phone call. Some student driver and her uninsured mother plow over a planter, race across the parking lot, and smack right into my front bumper. This was a day I had been waiting for!

The insurance estimate was $2,500, $700 of which were bumper parts. I immediately called Ben at Stealth Off Road (SOR), and ordered a new bumper to replace the factory plastic. Using the $700 from the insurance payment, my net cost for a new Stealth was only $600. I opted for no grill guard, 'cause there aren't too many moose in So California. The front receiver allows use of a portable electric winch from either end. The bumper also has the winch mount built in, in case I decide later for a 24/7 winch. Most of my driving is freeway/city, so I can't really justify all the extra weight hanging off my front end. A porto winch, however, can stay in the garage 'till I go on a trip.

The bumper is in transit to my body shop, and the AV should be ready to roll by early next week. Welder was great at working with a VERY difficult body shop guy who wanted a cut on what I paid SOR. Ben straightend him out though.

From a bumper thumper to one hellova thumper bumper. Wish I had gotten hit sooner!
Click to expand...

what is the nature of those lights that look like they are built into the bumper. Are they lights that the regular Av doesn't have?
 
At first, looking at the picture, I went eeww :p. You know that bumper would/will look awesome on many of the Av's but not mine with the low profile and 20's, and then.......
I got thinkin' what would that baby look like chromed :0: :eek:
 
In California, you are required to have insurance. The police were notified, and my assailants will pay the consequences!

The large lights will be run off my stock fog lamp switch, the small ones will be wired as DRL's

As for that bumper in chrome...that would be awsome.
 
Sparky, I think one of the members had already asked welder or Ben at SOR about getting the bumper chromed, and they said that they wouldn't do it, but Stainless Steel is an option, and does still look sort of Chromed ;D.
Capfacsurf, if you had Amber DRLs in your stock bumper, you could've gotten them in your SOR bumper, the guys said that they would get the colored bulbs for me if I wanted them and put them in at no xtra charge.

-James R. :cool:
 
Very Nice!!! I hope the same happens to me since I don't have the money now to buy Welder's bumper. BUT I want one real bad....

hmmmm DO you think he would take a $1/month until paid off???
 
flynhigh said:
hmmmm DO you think he would take a $1/month until paid off???
Click to expand...


Only if you wait for delivery after the last payment $$$$ In about 108 years. Is march or April good for you? >:D

LOL, Jon
 
Good news about your accident! (somehow that just does'nt sound right). I hope the un-insured motorist sustained substantial structural stress (say that three times fast) to their vehicle, caused by your front bumper. Got any gruesome, wrinkled metal, broken plastic pics? >:D
 
The gal who hit my Av got a smashed grill and rumpled hood. My damage didn't look as bad as the estimate suggested. But hey, I am darn glad I got hit. The next pix I will post will show the new bumper with the caption "Hit me now...I dare you."
 
Man that sure is a nice looking bumber, I personally think it looks better without the grille guard. Can't wait to see the installed pics.
 
Body shop guy was trying to squeeze more for extra $$ to install the Stealth Offroad bumper. "We have never seen anything like this. We don't know what to do! (Other than charge you up the ying yang!)." Welder sent me a link which shows just how easy it is to bolt one of these beasts on. I hit the body shop guy over the head with this link....problem solved.

http://www.stealthoffroad.com/chevy_avalanche_z71_installation.htm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top