Is this too far gone or worth saving still?

Brenjacques · Post by **Brenjacques** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:26 pm

Hi, yesterday my marina was involved in an accident when I was cut up in an overtaking lane at speed, you all know how it is with those certain drivers who think they rule the road. Anyway, I've spent a good 9 months making the marina roadworthy, to the point where I haven't seen a penny to myself since then. All the hard work and the long repair list I have had to fight through all seems to be done for nothing. I am completely stuck on what to do with the car now. It does seem easy to just call the car a write off but the damage seems to be to the body and inner wing, the chassis is still straight as it narrowly missed the point of impact by a few inches. I am quite fond of the car as I have had to do so much and what is a bit of bodywork after coming this far? Here are some pictures I have taken of it so please let me know what you think, however bad your outlook on it may be! Doesn't seem like I've had much luck with this one! Apologies for the upside down photos, I can't get them to rotate!

First-Car as Marina · Post by **First-Car as Marina** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:59 pm

Hi Brenjacques,

First off, I hope you're alright. Sorry to see what has happened to your car.

I my honest option, I think the damage is repairable, though it would take quite a bit of work getting it straight again, but if you're saying the chassis is good, that's one big thing you don't have to worry about. I know how your feeling though, as there's been points on my car when I've just wanted to give up on it, but I think the same as you, what's the point in giving up now as I've come so far, and it's once you do the work and drive it, that you know it was definitely worth it. It would also be a shame to lose such a nice example from the roads for good.

Keep the faith,

Alex

marinabuoy · Post by **marinabuoy** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:20 am

I second that, damage does look repairable, soul destroying though after all the hard work, but would be a shame to give up on it now, although I might give it a rest for a while, wait until you're ready to get properly stuck in to it again and it'll feel even more worthwhile in the long run.

JoshWard · Post by **JoshWard** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:36 am

Certainly looks repairable but assuming you are going through insurance it could be a minefield and may prove to be your biggest obstacle. If it's not on a classic policy then it will be written off as approved repairers such as Nationwide wouldn't have a clue what to do with it and the parts aren't available off the shelf. Somebody hit my 309 and the damage was similar to yours but it was going to be a write off if I went through insurance because of the parts availability and the fact repairs would have been more than the value of the car. I ended up buying the bits myself to fix it, a bit annoying as it wasn't my fault (my car was stationary) but that's life sometimes

Where my inner wing had folded up I cut the bent sections out and welded new steel in, it was easier than trying to unfold it all but on a Marina it should be a bit easier. I have a MK3 bonnet sitting around doing nothing if you need one, it's even the right colour!

The panels are all out there and no amazing technology is needed to repair it. All it will take is skill. Sadly skill costs money but then again we do it for the love rather than any financial benefit! The inner wing looks to be OK around where the shock absorber is which is a good sign.

Kilroy · Post by **Kilroy** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:28 am

I feel your pain.

I recently had this happen to one of my Marinas...

The Insurance Co. have declared it a total loss and valued the car at $2500.
I cannot buy a Morris Marina of any sort here for that price.
This car has a 2 litre engine, rebuilt gearbox, propshaft, suspension, brakes, steering rack, shock absorbers, plus it has a working original pushbutton AM radio and original fitment Hotwire alloy wheels.

I have obtained another valuation from a carsales of $3995 - apparently that may get me an adjusted payout of $3250.
I shall then need to purchase the wreck back from the Insurance Co.

All this is because the client of the Insurance Co. crashed into my car.

Garbage.!

ClaytonSpeed · Post by **ClaytonSpeed** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:24 am

The main thing is that all involved here are ok, and still standing. It is not nice being in any kind of accident, but you were able to walk away from something that could have ended much worse.

The car is certainly repairable. Like others have said it just needs the right skills to get the job done.

From what I can see you need:

Passenger wing
Headlamp panel
Slam panel
Valance corner
Inner wing (easier to fit entire panel when wing is off. Makes a better repair and returns strength to the shell.)

EDIT: Just seen this on eBay! Inner Wing

Does the door open and shut ok? Looks like you might have been lucky and not moved the A post backwards.

Marinas are strong old motors, and the inner wing did its job in keeping the impact away from the cabin.

Take a couple of days to reflect, see what your insurance options are and then see where you stand.

The mk3 Marinas are getting very rare especially in this condition, and it's on a W plate!

If you need me to put any adverts for parts in the club magazine, PM or email me your details and I will add them. I'm sure between us we can rally the troops to get her fighting fit again if that's what you want to do.

Ben

ClaytonSpeed · Post by **ClaytonSpeed** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:31 am

Shared on Facebook page - Might help you get some panels.

Brenjacques · Post by **Brenjacques** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:01 am

Hi, thanks for all of the advice, well wishes and help everyone! All involved were okay luckily and the driver of the other car only went away with a damaged bumper. I think after what has been said it is going to be saved, especially after all of the work that has been done on it prior to the accident. Josh, thank you for the offer on the bonnet! If I can find a way to get to you or a way for someone to pick it up on my behalf then I'll definitely take it. Ben, thanks for the help too, it is very kind of you to be helping me out with the parts search. I will send you my details for you to place an advert. The doors are still shutting okay, the damage to the inner wing only goes up to the end of the washer bottle , from there on it is still straight. The car is known now to a few mechanics and garages so finding someone who can do the work at a fair price shouldn't be a problem either although I may complete it myself. The MOT is in march too so I will see if I can get it done before then!

ClaytonSpeed · Post by **ClaytonSpeed** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:07 pm

Not a problem, always happy to help.

I was very close to buying your car a couple of years ago as I really liked its originality. Lets hope you can get her fixed up and back out on the road.

Ben

Post by **MarinaCoupe** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:40 pm

There is this complete NOS inner wing on eBay http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/marina-van-coup ... nav=SEARCH

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Brenjacques · Post by **Brenjacques** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:42 pm

Cheers! I agree that is what convinced me to buy the car, looks to have had a garaged life and not used very often at all. It's a shame that these things happen but I suppose I got away lucky on this one with it just being the body.

david painter · Post by **david painter** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 1:18 pm

Tony Miller Gee TC on here has a NOS inner wing for sale not sure which side though
Dave

Pont.skins · Post by **Pont.skins** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 1:52 pm

I can supply the panels but might be a bit out of your way as I'm in Northumberland!

Matt

Marinanut · Post by **Marinanut** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:23 pm

That is repairable, just ask and you shall recieve (in exchange for beer tokens of course!). If the 'Top Gear'ed black Mk3 can be resurrected (that had a stoven in roof panel!), so can this. Good Luck and as I said, all you have to do is ask!

lock1506 · Post by **lock1506** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:52 pm

I'm not sure about that black mk3, wasn't he selling the gearbox out of it on ebay a little while back?

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