Raccoon wins

gvcmel · Motorist

Raccoon wins

drewstermalloy · Motorer

I can't believe a raccoon did that much damage, but thumbs up to the JCW bumper! ;)

If you need help with the bumper let me know. I've had mine off about 10 times.

gvcmel · Motorist

I think it was the 24 degrees, 50 MPH and the 35 pounds of raccoon together that caused it to break up like this. Always wondered what would happen if I did not spot some chunk of ice off a truck soon enough. Now I know.

Got confirmation on the parts order today- JCW front end should be in by the weekend. Paint shop has not replied as to when it gets the color coat. Hoping I can be installing Thanksgiving weekend.

gvcmel · Motorist

Heard from Autobahn and they will get the color on the bumper next week so by Thanksgiving weekend the MINI will have a JCW front end. Thats one end done. Come spring do the other end probably.

Many Thanks to Towne MINI and Autobahn for stepping up and helping with this work on a short notice!

-- Edited by gvcmel on Thursday 10th of November 2011 10:09:27 AM

gvcmel · Motorist

One more part to order. double checking everything this afternoon and found the the front core is broken too. Sigh, another $300 part that damn raccoon cost me. Most expensive raccoon I've ever seen.

cereal · Motorist

Wow your MINI took quite a beating (and probably gave quite a beating as well). What was the total cost of your raccoon tangle?

gvcmel · Motorist

Right now, roughly $1300 give or take some taxes not yet totaled.

I probably could have done this for a couple of hundred less but the most expensive parts are the ones broken ( of course ) and the rest are all cheap in comparision.

I keep wondering if the damage would have been less at warmer temps.

-- Edited by gvcmel on Monday 14th of November 2011 08:03:15 AM

drewstermalloy · Motorer

Core support or intercooler core? If intercooler it sounds like a good time for an upgrade!

gvcmel · Motorist

It's the core support. That just added a lot of work to this to project.

drewstermalloy · Motorer

Ouch! You might want to check all the mounting brackets on the fog lights for cracks too. When the bumper goes those sometimes do too.

gvcmel · Motorist

So, long day and lots of work to pull the front core, replace all the broken parts and assembling the new front end. Painful experience and expensive but I suspect less so then the insurance hike if I have claimed it.

Labattomy · Newbie (Taking the short-cut)

that sux. how is raccoon doing? keeping your head warm?

gvcmel · Motorist

Didn't think of that. a coon tail flying from the antenna would have been good revenge. wink

drewstermalloy · Motorer

Looks like quite a bit of work but it was worth it! I love laser blue.

I think Towne will replace that warped hood scoop for free though.

-- Edited by drewstermalloy on Sunday 27th of November 2011 04:25:43 PM

gvcmel · Motorist

Drew, 12 hours total to strip the car down to the point I could replace the core support and re-assemble. Still have to order two headlight mounting points that were seized and I had to cut off . Rivet nuts in plastic just don't hold up well in this environment. Everything got anti-seized good so while I don't intend to do that again next time it will come apart with less drama.

But, now that the front end is not rattling I hear a noise underneath the car so I have to take a look at that next confuse . Could be something underneath the cabin is broken.

Did treat the car to a wash and wax on Saturday then put on a new clear bra on the hood so it's fairly stone proof for the winter. Have to see if there is a clear bra for the new front bumber too.

drewstermalloy · Motorer

If you're talking about the two mounts that are on the lower outsides of the headlights, you don't necessarily need them. Even the dealership will leave them off sometimes when they replace the lights. If they're expensive I wouldn't even bother.