I backed into a tree today... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

bansheekilla64 · 08-13-2013, 02:55 PM

I backed straight into a tree at about 2mph - typical speed when you're backing out of a driveway or parking spot. Not very fast at all. But still enough to make the car go umph and me go "HOLY F**K!"

Anyhoo, the tree hit the right corner of my bumper - looks like I underestimated that darn blind spot...

Attached pics of the damage. I went to the local Chevy Dealership and they said about $750 - repairing the metal bumper and replacing the plastic bumper cover.

Several questions...

Would that sort of collision/impact have a lasting effect on my transmission/engine? Maybe my exhaust system? I was in gear (reverse) and moving after all...

I think I may already know the answer to this, but should I try going to an auto-body place that isn't necessarily a Chevy Dealership? I believe I get what I pay - stick with the certified GM Chevy mechanics...Despite they may cost a bit more...

Anyone else with similar cases as mine? I don't think my warranty would cover this unless I were to make up some elaborate story of how it's not my fault...which I wouldn't...

bansheekilla64 · 08-13-2013, 02:57 PM

bansheekilla64 · 08-13-2013, 02:58 PM

bansheekilla64 · 08-13-2013, 02:58 PM

AmericanMuscleCars · 08-13-2013, 04:01 PM

Hmmmm, what did the tree ever do to you? Probably not a good idea to stop your car with a tree! Anyways they just need to repaint and maybe get you a new panel or 2, just pay the deductible.

AmericanMuscleCars · 08-13-2013, 04:03 PM

You wont have any issues with the transmission. As long as you weren't smoking the tires trying to back through the tree. Also I would get a better plastic cover on the back, maybe victory red and not black plastic, and it is just like another body panel. I mean if you wanna shell out the $750 I don't think it'll make a difference.

AmericanMuscleCars · 08-13-2013, 04:04 PM

Exhaust should be fine too. As long as nothing got jammed or pushed back, you should be fine. Stuff happens.

bansheekilla64 · 08-13-2013, 05:06 PM

I ended up holding off on the plastic replacement.

For the panel, they said they have a way of repairing it instead of replacing the whole thing.

Since it was a GM Chevy Dealership, I get a lifetime warranty on the repair.

The whole thing turned out to be $650. Gonna be car-less until Friday afternoon...

Thanks for the replies. Made me feel better(:

FL1CK · 08-18-2013, 09:53 AM

I disagree with the underestimating the blind spot, if your mirrors were adjusted correctly, there is no blind spot.

MYDLIFECRISIS · 08-18-2013, 10:39 AM

OUCHIE!!! Sorry man!

jravenfan · 08-18-2013, 10:55 AM

So $650 to repair it or $750 to replace it, I would have spent the extra $100. I hope it turns out well.

CamaroDreams07 · 08-18-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1CK

I disagree with the underestimating the blind spot, if your mirrors were adjusted correctly, there is no blind spot.

You gotta come show me how to do mine then, my whole car is a blind spot. Especially backing up through that tiny window. I roll my window down and stick my head out when backing into a spot. Looks stupid, I'm sure, but I've never hit anything either.

otter · 08-18-2013, 03:29 PM

I have had a lot of different cars over the years, my Camaro has the worst visibility. It's a small price to pay for having such a cool car.

ihaveacamaro · 08-18-2013, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

You gotta come show me how to do mine then, my whole car is a blind spot. Especially backing up through that tiny window. I roll my window down and stick my head out when backing into a spot. Looks stupid, I'm sure, but I've never hit anything either.

reverse camera mod. 'nuff said.

08-13-2013, 02:55 PM	#1
bansheekilla64 Drives: 2013 Victory Red Camaro v6 1LS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 28	I backed into a tree today... I backed straight into a tree at about 2mph - typical speed when you're backing out of a driveway or parking spot. Not very fast at all. But still enough to make the car go umph and me go "HOLY F**K!" Anyhoo, the tree hit the right corner of my bumper - looks like I underestimated that darn blind spot... Attached pics of the damage. I went to the local Chevy Dealership and they said about $750 - repairing the metal bumper and replacing the plastic bumper cover. Several questions... Would that sort of collision/impact have a lasting effect on my transmission/engine? Maybe my exhaust system? I was in gear (reverse) and moving after all... I think I may already know the answer to this, but should I try going to an auto-body place that isn't necessarily a Chevy Dealership? I believe I get what I pay - stick with the certified GM Chevy mechanics...Despite they may cost a bit more... Anyone else with similar cases as mine? I don't think my warranty would cover this unless I were to make up some elaborate story of how it's not my fault...which I wouldn't...

08-18-2013, 09:53 AM	#9
FL1CK Switchin' n Twitchin' Drives: 2011 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Chula Vista, CA (Eastlake) Posts: 3,145	I disagree with the underestimating the blind spot, if your mirrors were adjusted correctly, there is no blind spot. __________________ I am not childish, you're just being a poopy head!

08-18-2013, 10:39 AM	#10
MYDLIFECRISIS Drives: '12SS/2SS/45TH-'06 2500HD/Silverado Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 2,107 View My Garage	OUCHIE!!! Sorry man! __________________ 2012 Camaro SS 2SS 45TH Anniversary Edition

08-18-2013, 10:55 AM	#11
jravenfan Drives: 2013 2SS Blue Ray Metallic Join Date: May 2013 Location: Eldersburg MD Posts: 377	So $650 to repair it or $750 to replace it, I would have spent the extra $100. I hope it turns out well. __________________

08-18-2013, 03:29 PM	#13
otter Drives: Eastbound and Down Join Date: May 2012 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 555	I have had a lot of different cars over the years, my Camaro has the worst visibility. It's a small price to pay for having such a cool car. __________________

08-13-2013, 02:57 PM	#2
bansheekilla64 Drives: 2013 Victory Red Camaro v6 1LS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 28

08-13-2013, 02:58 PM	#3
bansheekilla64 Drives: 2013 Victory Red Camaro v6 1LS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 28

08-13-2013, 04:01 PM	#5
AmericanMuscleCars Teenage Dream Camaro Drives: A Visually Stunning Camaro Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 1,722	Hmmmm, what did the tree ever do to you? Probably not a good idea to stop your car with a tree! Anyways they just need to repaint and maybe get you a new panel or 2, just pay the deductible.

08-13-2013, 04:03 PM	#6
AmericanMuscleCars Teenage Dream Camaro Drives: A Visually Stunning Camaro Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 1,722	You wont have any issues with the transmission. As long as you weren't smoking the tires trying to back through the tree. Also I would get a better plastic cover on the back, maybe victory red and not black plastic, and it is just like another body panel. I mean if you wanna shell out the $750 I don't think it'll make a difference.

08-13-2013, 04:04 PM	#7
AmericanMuscleCars Teenage Dream Camaro Drives: A Visually Stunning Camaro Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 1,722	Exhaust should be fine too. As long as nothing got jammed or pushed back, you should be fine. Stuff happens.

08-13-2013, 05:06 PM	#8
bansheekilla64 Drives: 2013 Victory Red Camaro v6 1LS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 28	I ended up holding off on the plastic replacement. For the panel, they said they have a way of repairing it instead of replacing the whole thing. Since it was a GM Chevy Dealership, I get a lifetime warranty on the repair. The whole thing turned out to be $650. Gonna be car-less until Friday afternoon... Thanks for the replies. Made me feel better(: