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Bman Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005 Posts: 895 Location: South Coast, Oregon
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:19 am Post subject: 1984 Doka Tragedy to Restoration |
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Life was going well, I had my fleet of Vanagons with my 2WD Doka being the King of them all, hell even St Paddy's Day was right around the corner. Then we got a wet, heavy snow storm on the Oregon Coast; I never thought the snow would last long and with my Doka parked in its usual spot under neath the douglas firs in my backyard, I never thought to worry. But doug firs are the weeds of the Coast Range, fast growers, and week as dry pasta when it comes to high winds and heavy snow.
Well about 1:30 Am on Tuesday the whole neighborhood was awoken by the sound of the crashing limbs. When I went out side it was a mess, I couldn't even get in close, but I knew for sure the Doka would not escape unharmed:
Yes even my 1989 Westy was damaged (windshield, sm nose dent, rear bumper, and rear wheel well and panel):
My Doka took the blunt of this:
The rear side door:
My once beautiful gates:
I've been in shock for the last 48 hours, little sleep, lots of coffee. I have full coverage with State Farm for both vehicles, I've already started claims. Got an estimate of $2K to fix my Westy.
Took the Doka around town to my limited body shops. Still havn't heard from one yet, another felt my pain, but wouldn't touch it recommended an old experienced guy in North Bend, he took a look and says he could repair my cab and replace and match my gates, and door for $9K.
I told him I could source the replacement gates (already on that) and will look into a door (got a few leads). In regards to the door, Pawel in Europe has a replacement but we are stumped on how to reasonably ship it, anyone have any suggestions? I believe my insurance would pay for it.
This shit storm sucks, especailly the damage to the cab; however it is a miracle that none of my windows were broken; especailly the rear cab and my $300 rear slider. The gates also protected my bed from damage which I believe would be harder and more expensive to replace. The guy willing to do the repairs comes recommended as being quality, but if he goes to bang back that cab into shape, he'll have to finish with filler. Is there hope for this Doka, will it now be considered less valuable?
Anyway enjoy the drama and don't park beaneath Doug Firs, they suck! _________________ ~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"
2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl |
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MarkWard Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 17007 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:28 am Post subject: |
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That sucks. Hope it all is resolved to your satisfaction sooner than later. _________________ ☮️ |
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turbotransporter Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2006 Posts: 459 Location: Bainbridge Island WA
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:32 am Post subject: |
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Very sad... Sorry for your troubles.
Clearcut Coos Watershed!
Last edited by turbotransporter on Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:33 am; edited 1 time in total |
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purplepeopleeater Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2005 Posts: 3117 Location: E. Washington
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:33 am Post subject: |
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Carnage! not a good day for vanagons. |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5375 Location: PNW
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:38 am Post subject: |
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Phewee...that's rough! Really sorry to see this. I hope it all works out repair wise. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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GBA 88West LA Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008 Posts: 1279 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:40 am Post subject: |
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aaaw man so sorry to see this, take solace in it could have been worse even totaled, so you may have gotten a little lucky...still a shame so sorry again best wishes on both of them you obviously have cared well for the vehicles _________________ 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th..solar powered cabin |
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danweisshaar Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2010 Posts: 49 Location: Costa Mesa
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:44 am Post subject: |
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Oh, man. Your beautiful vans... so sorry. I hope, after all the frustration, lost time, repair and expense you enjoy them again.
Also: hope eventually you feel better than the guy in the pictured Alfa.
Locally last summer, an old eucalyptus tree's limb fell on a nearby car and killed the driver (she was waiting for the green arrow in a left turn lane). Glad at least you are safe.[/img] _________________ 84 Westy 1.9L Manual |
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pigryder Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2012 Posts: 162 Location: south central PA
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:47 am Post subject: |
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oh man so sorry to hear about your vans
Ive had that happen before but my jetta wasnt loved like my vanagons were and are _________________ 1982 Westfalia L Diesel "Stink"
1982 Vanagon GL Diesel "Charlie"
1983 Rabbit GTI a 20 year love affair
1988 Cabriolet diesel |
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BenT Syncro Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2005 Posts: 1085 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:07 am Post subject: |
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Man, I feel your pain. Reminds me of one particularly bad storm in San Francisco. I left an unbolted Westy top on one of my vans which the wind picked up. It flew some 20 feet and missed my two Dokas but surgically landed on my Ruf 911SC roof. I've now got a a rough roof on the Ruf.
Anyway, replacement roofs are available again and can be ordered from your VW dealer. The problem is willingness from your dealer as Dokas were not sold through the US dealer network as you know. I bought one from a Doka being cut-up in Maryland. As for the rear door, I might be able to get you one in San Francisco. Gates too. It won't be dirt cheap but not as difficult as shipping from the EU. Trust me, I know. I've shipped a couple of sets of alloy gates, 4th doors w/ entire jambs, and even a soft canopy and a Vindic shell. Paid Pawel for delivery to a shipper in Hamburg. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend that party because the experience was not without drama. _________________ BenT |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:27 am Post subject: Re: Doka $h*t Storm |
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Bman wrote: |
[/img]I believe my insurance would pay for it. |
Talk to your agent. Talk to the adjuster (do NOT piss that person off.) Your agent is "supposed" to be your advocate. Make sure they understand that.
Be careful, they may well just attempt to total it all too. There are threads about this very topic of damaged vans and insurance. Yours are no different than those that are involved in moving accidents.
I HOPE that what happened is considered and act of God and is covered. Some policies do not cover wind damage, for example.
Read your policy and talk to your agent.
Sorry for your loss.
Best to you.
FYI: A good metal man can fix a lot of the damage perfect. The gates, especially the rear one will be a challenge. If it bent one way it can be bent back. Just a matter of time which is money. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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joseph928 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:10 am Post subject: bad tree |
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Sorry for the loss! Now I'm even more happy that I have agreed value insurance, no need to go back and forth with them! I get what I think it's worth! PS I think I'll look out for trees! _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
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Timwhy Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 3995 Location: Maine
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Bman Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005 Posts: 895 Location: South Coast, Oregon
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 2:03 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the love and pity. I am trying to get all my homework done so I can sail through with the insurance and repairs.
I just need to settle on a body smith and push the claim through to see how the adjuster (nice adjuster, nice adjuster...can I get you some tea? coffe? homemade beer?) treats or cheats me. That is the anxious part.
Already sourcing some possible gates and maybe doors too within NA. Will still need to confirm with the body smith on skills to restore that roof. Anyone in the PDX Ory-gun area know of a good and willing VW dealer who maybe able to source me some new panels through VW Classic Parts?
Anyway will document the process here as it may potentially help the community. _________________ ~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"
2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16473 Location: Brookeville, MD
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syncrodoka Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005 Posts: 11998 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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Damage to the roof? I would almost expect the insurance to try to total it right out the gate.
Good luck |
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rubbachicken Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2004 Posts: 3058 Location: socal
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:49 pm Post subject: |
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i hope you get them both back their original condition soon _________________ lucy our westy
lucy's BIG adventure
meet 'burni'
markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.
619 201 0310 or 617 935 4182 |
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shadetreetim Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2011 Posts: 1994 Location: Riverside, California
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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That sucks. Good luck on restoring them. _________________ Tim Potts
Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!
'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5 |
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Crankey Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2004 Posts: 2652
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:49 pm Post subject: |
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oh man I am sorry to read this Bman. this is a really tough hand of cards.
I know this can be fixed. good luck. |
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tpinthepack Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2004 Posts: 810 Location: clearwater,florida
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:57 am Post subject: |
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http://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/shop/
They have the rear gate listed on this site, the door, and the rear truck window panel. Pricing is pretty good. I would source all of the parts here. I was able to order my Doka Treasure Chest doors from here using a VW dealer in California. OEM original parts.
Tony _________________ TP in the Pack (I am a cyclist)
1968 Manx N.O.S. w/ Barrett Chassis
1960 Single Cab 1914 w/ 40 DLRA's
1990 Vanagon DOKA
1972 Super Beetle
1979 Super Beetle Convertible
2011 Porsche Cayenne |
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BenT Syncro Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2005 Posts: 1085 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:20 am Post subject: |
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tpinthepack wrote: |
http://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/shop/
They have the rear gate listed on this site, the door, and the rear truck window panel. Pricing is pretty good. I would source all of the parts here. I was able to order my Doka Treasure Chest doors from here using a VW dealer in California. OEM original parts.
Tony |
Tony,
Were there any shipping charges on top of the VW Classic parts price?
I've used Rennie at Santa Monica VW before and when he was at Pacific VW (both in Southern California). However, I have been able to get a response from him on either phone or email recently.
A word of caution about VWCP, there is some talk that some of the parts they sell are the same aftermarket parts we can already buy from the likes of Bus Depot, VanAgain, Bus Boys, Just Kampers, CIP1, and Van Cafe (just to name a few) for less money. I don't have personal experience to relate but were told by people I've dealt with for years. In one example, it had to do with ignition switches. In another situation, it was a front wheel arch which was supposedly the same Danish made part sold elsewhere for less than half the VWCP price.
I think it is admirable that VWCP went to the trouble of canvassing retailers and shops in several parts of the world including the US when they set-up shop. It's great that they returned some parts back into production. A good example are the Syncro 16" arches (wheel flares). It wouldn't be so good to create the impression that we are asked to pay VW dealership prices for non factory parts. Of course, the tricky part (no pun intended) is they are licensed by VW. Does that then mean any part they offer should be considered as "factory parts"? I suppose I will find out soon enough once I have to order parts that I can't get from anyone else. _________________ BenT |
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