Bad news- Worse news

[baronbors]

I am probably going off line for awhile as Hurricane Ike took out my house, my SUV, wifes Taurus anf the GT. GT took 7 feet of water. House is gone, SUV and Taurus smashed under my garage , Opel was parked at a cement parking garage that got tidal surge over the top. It looks great- just full of salt water. Fortunately the family is safe and thats the most impotant thing. I will be online until the hotel kicks us out, then when ever I can find a WIFI.

[ddoyle]

Glad you and the family are safe. Sorry about your losses and I hope assistance and insurance come thru with little delay.

Dan

[Dale .D]

Man , your not kidding.Hope everyone is safe & insurances work out .Takes time but things work out eventually.Our thought are with you. Dale & Zoe

[crliwa]

Tom. all of us were hoping that we'd hear from our Texas friends that they had survived the storm with only minor damage .. sorry to hear that you were hit so hard.. but everything you described as lost is replaceable .. very glad to hear that you/ your family are ok..

[Motor Mouth]

Tom,

Glad to hear that you and the family are safe, these are the most important things in life.

I do hope that assistance and insurance kick in quickly.....the latter can always be a complete pain to sort.

Regards

[wrangler]

Glad to hear that you and yours are all safe, but as previously stated, sorry to hear about the losses. "Stuff" is replaceable, but fortunately that's all you lost. I hope FEMA and your ins co treat you right.
People often ask me how we can live on the Gulf coast when it is so often hit by 'canes, but I have grown to love the South and the warm weather year 'round. Like most things, there is often some bad with the good. My sister lives on Houston, but was very fortunate... just loss of power a couple of times and her fences, but more inconvenience than damage.
Good luck and let us know how it is going.
Brett

[heimue]

$hit, that's bad to lose all that. At least you are OK. All the best wishes,

Dieter

[tomking]

Texas Tom, I am sorry to hear of the terrible loss of your home and cars. I too am thankful that you and your family are OK. We look forward to your return.

[neuropel]

I was really sorry to read about your situation. Hopefully, you and others will get the assistance you need to get through this difficult time. Hang in there - things will get better from this point forward.

[markandson]

Tom I too wish you the best of luck in rebuilding your life, when the time comes I am sure we will all help you rebuild your GT if you are so inclined. I know right now that's way down on the list.......

[baronbors]

Still in the hotel for another day Bad news is the GT has disapeared- the towing company won't give me any news about it only that it was " towed to the proper location". What the heck does that mean? I called the police and they are too busy to help look for a car when they have 60,000 people looking for shelter, ice and food. A buddy of mine from the car club has offered to drive me to the towing company this afternoon so I can find out what is going on. Wish me luck as any good luck would be an improvement.

[BQS4]

Who owned the parking deck where you had the car? There's a start....

[saxybiker]

Tom:

As others have stated, we were very sorry to hear of your losses. Thank goodness you and your family are safe! We cannot begin to imagine what is like to lose everything, but hope you will take our thoughts and prayers as some small comfort and support.

It is hard to know what we can do to help you from such a distance, but if there is something we can do to help, please let us know.

Vickie & Allen

[yellaopelgt]

So sorry to hear of your loss. It must have been a huge feeling of relief that your family all made it out ok. As others have said, its just material things that were taken. If there is anything we can do to help,please dont hesitate to ask (we're all family here!!)
Joe

[newman27]

Very sorry to hear that so much was lost but glad you and your family are OK.

Originally Posted by BQS4 Who owned the parking deck where you had the car? There's a start....

To Gene's point, I have noticed in parking garages here in Atlanta that they always post the name, number, and lot location of the towing company that tows cars from that particular garage. Maybe you can find your car that way. Then again, with the chaos that must be occurring, there is no guarantee that the posted towing company took your car. But, may be worth a try...

Best of luck and I hope you get a quick settlement to cover your losses!

Matt

[mod mini gt 75]

we all hope for a fast recovery from this for you and your family. we are all behind you . good luck. And let god be with you.....STEVE

[Aardvaark]

How awfull to hear. I hope you and your family can get back on your feet soon.

[baronbors]

Originally Posted by newman27 To Gene's point, I have noticed in parking garages here in Atlanta that they always post the name, number, and lot location of the towing company that tows cars from that particular garage. Maybe you can find your car that way. Then again, with the chaos that must be occurring, there is no guarantee that the posted towing company took your car. But, may be worth a try... Matt

I know the company that towed it as I have been using them when needed for the last 15 years. They are just stalling me as to telling me where it is and I don't know why? I have a ride to go over to the towing company at 4 and I better get some answers.
Still in the hotel now paid for by FEMA- my tax dollars at work

[Gary]

Sad to hear of your losses Tom. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Your story puts an ongoing reality factor into all of the news clips of the storm that will soon be forgotten as "yesterday's news" by those not affected by it as the media moves on to the next crisis.

[namba209]

Tom, I know the GT isnt anywhere close to the top of you list of things to get fixed, but lemme throw some stuff out to you. Salt water and trons is very corrosive. ASAP get a fresh water flush to everything electrical, including instruments. If you can find some "Corrosion X" get a bunch of it, it works. Here's what we've done when our full size racing boats flip and get loaded with salt water. Pull the plugs, motor the engine over to blow out the water, drain the oil, and replace it and the filter, bring it up to temp, then do the same with the tranny and differential. For the electrics, after the flush of the salt water, you can use rubbing alcohol to finish the flushing of the circuits. I've done this to my receivers many times and they still work after they dry out. As for the wiring and connectors, they got to be flushed also, but I'll leave that for you to figure out. The vinyl wrap on them may have limited the salt water incursion. I wish there was better news from you down there. But at least FEMA is working with you and hopefully the insurance will replace the other cars and your house. Glad you and your family got out and are O.K. After the fires we had here and all the houses and belongings lost, we've heard horror stories about scams etc. So I'll pass them on so you won't get caught up in them. Don't let the insurance companies slow down or soft pedal the damage, you are entitled to replacement value on your house and cars, along with the belongings in the house. Hold their feet to the fire. When it comes to replacing the house, go only with licensed contractors, same with clean up crews. Get all estimates, cost and completion dates, in writing with company logo and license numbers, so you'll have recourse if they don't finish the job. I know it's a bunch to handle right now, but the info may keep you from going through some of the stuff we had here.

[N61WP]

Tom,
I was just thinking that we haven't heard from you. I am also so very sorry for your losses. I have several friends in the Clear Lake area that I'm trying to contact.

They were just saying on the news that S. Louisiana
had more damage due to Ike then to Gustav, which was a direct hit. The power of wind driven water is amazing.

If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to e-mail or PM me.

James

[tekenaar]

Tom, really so