So I pulled a Dukes of Hazzard

[lostatlantis]

going off highway exit at night in heavy rain... let's just say I was airborne for a split second.

Before you let go of your collective gasp, I wasn't in my firebird. Was actually in the family dodge caravan (for those keeping count, it was also stolen not too long ago and recovered, not a good year for her).

Amazingly, I had the presence of mind to use what control I had left to steer free of the huge trees next to the exit. The mud helped, and I literally did a power slide until my driver's side was inches from the tree trunks.

Even more amazing, I didn't get a scratch on me. At first, the caravan looked the same, without any visible damage.

BUT... I know it would be too good to be true, so long story short, the front suspension took a major hit.

Took it to dealership and was given a $2200+ quote for repair. This wouldn't make it worthwhile, but the gotcha is I just put in a new factory transmission that cost me $$$.

My question to you all... any recommendation on auto shops in the Raleigh/Durham (NC) area that could help me out? I was thinking maybe using old/junk yard parts, but since the car is barely driveable I want to know where to take it instead of taking it shop to shop.

[skorpion317]

Re: So I pulled a Dukes of Hazzard

I got airborne in a brand new Honda Accord when I worked at a Honda dealer. There was a road right down the highway from the dealer that had a small bridge that looked almost like a rounded-off step. I hit that at 60 MPH, and caught some air. You definitely know when it happens too, because the steering wheel feels a lot lighter and the car doesn't respond to your steering input anymore.

[SilverRS96]

Re: So I pulled a Dukes of Hazzard

do it ur self if u able to...should cut the price down big time...

[lostatlantis]

Re: So I pulled a Dukes of Hazzard

yeah I was going about 70 and even though I had a pretty good reaction time in slamming the brakes, there was a huge puddle thanks to the downpour. I was probably going 55-60mph when I took off.

I know I know... if i can do it, it would already be done. :(

So any one from the area with recs??

[lostatlantis]

Re: So I pulled a Dukes of Hazzard

As if I didn't have enough crap going on, my firebird driver side view mirror is messed up again.

The mirror itself is somehow detached from the mechanism that holds it - with some sort of sticky GLUE substance! So now it's angled all the way out and useless. This happened couple years ago, and insurance paid for the replacement part.

Anyone experienced this problem before? I love the bird, but come on GM... this is friggin pathetic.

[Fbody3400]

Re: So I pulled a Dukes of Hazzard

As if I didn't have enough crap going on, my firebird driver side view mirror is messed up again.

The mirror itself is somehow detached from the mechanism that holds it - with some sort of sticky GLUE substance! So now it's angled all the way out and useless. This happened couple years ago, and insurance paid for the replacement part.

Anyone experienced this problem before? I love the bird, but come on GM... this is friggin pathetic.

maybe you should start a new thread about this problem on your bird, cause this thread is all about your caravan and shops in NC