Pantera #6748 - Flooded / drowned Pantera

Cars like this often end up in places like Germany. They do not accept US Titles, and do not record stuff like Flood Damage on cars being imported. Thus, they do not reflect the diminished value that you would see on such a car here. Two years down the road, some poor bugger is wondering why his collectors classic has developed so many rust bubbles and electrical problems. I hope the Vin has been recorded in Provomo as a record of the Flood Damage.

I know the guy that owned it before it got flooded. It a very nice pantera but the flood water of Sandy got it

Why didn't people living near the coast, move their precious cars before the storm hit?

Or is it because nobody expected it to be as bad as it was?

The way they depicted it on the news, on the west coast, I would have moved my car if possible...

Having lived most of my life on Floridas east coast, now on the west coast. I have been through several nasty hurricanes. I can tell you that they never know exactly where it is going to hit and there is usually barely enough time to decide to either run or stay and rough it out. I currently have 3 panteras, a xke, a viper and a 66 vette. What would you take? Funny thing is I would take my 98 merc sable wagon above any of the exotics, its the only thing big enough to hold my wife and kids.
Have flood insurance, keep em as high as you an and hope for the best. I feel for the guy who lost his pantera, but there are more important things. Lets hope that was the extent of the loss.

Makes me think that a person could obtain a waterproof "body bag" that you could put your car in during a disaster like that, for flood prone areas.

Ziploc Baggie for cars.

Forgot link. Carbag.com

Works in Thailand, but I'm sure our Panteras would be floating nose up!

Here is the perfect opportunity to ask...

How would you know if a car has been flooded out?
assuming the current owner does not say or does not know.
I am looking at getting a Pantera when I can and this is something that I have thought of. Especially with all the hurricanes and other flooding through out the country.

Also what is the solution if you find a flooded car? Is it 120% disassembly and cleaning? Is it worth repairing? Are there some parts totally useless after a flood?
Have any of you cats redone a flooded car?

quote:

Originally posted by delgato:
.... How would you know if a car has been flooded out?
assuming the current owner does not say or does not know.
....
Also what is the solution if you find a flooded car? Is it 120% disassembly and cleaning? Is it worth repairing? Are there some parts totally useless after a flood?
Have any of you cats redone a flooded car?

Probably the first clue would be soggy carpet padding and seat upholstery. It is pretty much impossible to dry out carpet padding without removing it altogether, and if you do that, you are going to replace it and the carpet. Same with the door panels.

Look under the instrument panel to see if there is an unusual amount of corrosion (or moss!) on things that normally don't collect such like the steering column and electrics.

If the car was truly submerged, many soft things are going to be ruined and require replacement. When in doubt, run away fast. There is always another car out there.

quote:

Also what is the solution if you find a flooded car? Is it 120% disassembly and cleaning? Is it worth repairing? Are there some parts totally useless after a flood?
Have any of you cats redone a flooded car?

I'd like to know what the opinion is on this as well. I've seen so many classic and collectible cars damaged by this storm that look very nice on the outside. Would a complete restoration take care of it or will some things never be "right"?
And even if you do a total restoration, replacing anything that might be damaged by water, the title will always be tagged as flood damaged.

quote:

And even if you do a total restoration, replacing anything that might be damaged by water, the title will always be tagged as flood damaged.

Not only that, but by the time you add up the cost of buying the salvage vehicle, buying all the replacement parts you will need, and pay of for the complete restoration, you could have purchased a nicer original that hasn't been flood damaged (and doesn't have a tainted title which will keep the value below comparable non-salvage vehicles).

The title may only be tagged "Salvage or Rebuildable" if there was an insurance claim and the insurance paid out on the car. It is these cars that are hitting the auction. Other damaged cars may be hitting the market where the damage is a bit more difficult to detect.
If John Doe had a pantera that was completely submerged but was not covered on insurance, he should be able to dry it out(replace carpets/seats/etc..) and sell the car on his original title with no indication of flood damage.
If you are knowingly purchasing a flood damaged car (especially salt water), I would plan on stripping it and dipping it. Take it to bare metal, replace everything electrical, all bearings, all interior, and a good portion other misc parts... Hardly worth the effort.
BTW I like the idea of the "car bag" as a possible solution to keeping a car dry in flood conditions. I will look into this further.

Here's one that might have been worth it. eBay # 130830269607. Auction ended quickly, not sure if the car sold or went down to LA as the seller said it would.

Found more pictures of it on another site that showed the interior. It was beyond disgusting, even the mold had more mold growing on it. Still, a unique piece...

The truly scary part is if the ZF and/or engine were submerged for any length of time. Neither are truly sealed if the water is deep enough, and a total rebuild of a ZF for rust pitting of gears will stop your heart!

Does anyone know where 6748 ended up? I'm the original owner.

Jeff
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