Almost all of my receipts for the projects I had going on in my shop were filed in my shop desk. It will be challenging documenting proof of purchases for the insurance company. Thank God purchases made online will be easy to track through PayPal, Summit Racing, and the like. I am sure digital proof of purchase will suffice over a paper receipt.

The heat got so hot, that my Studebaker truck parked outside the building got charred down the driver's side, and the corner of my car hauler also got some charring, but not a lot. The firemen are my heroes. Four of them picked up the nose of my 18" car hauler trailer and dragged it away from the burning building, saving it from destruction. Three melted lights, a charred license plate, and four charred wooden planks in the corner closest to the building. DMV issued me a new plate, and new registration for the trailer this morning, charging me a whopping $15 and 20 minutes of my time (90% was waiting). I love Nevada!

What drew me to this particular truck was the patina of the paint job. That is now ruined, and I am not sure, but the body metal may be compromised in strength as well. Starting from scratch is a daunting prospect. My intent was to coat this body with a satin clear and not try to restore the body. Now I am facing the decision to ditch this one, or start with another Dakota - which would mean doing a full body restore and paint job. I have never done body work, and I think I am beyond the age of even attempting it. That would mean paying a body and paint shop, and this body is pretty rough.

 

Wow, that one suffered quite a bit..... I think finding that glass is gonna be fun....

 

Try going over the Studebaker with sandpaper and a small block to get rid of the char. Then see if it rusts up nice enough to look good under clear coat. I'm pretty sure if you can get a pattern any auto glass shop should be able to cut a side window if it isn't curved. I made a wing window in my Army AIT class as part of what we trained to do.The MOS was metal worker/welder

 

I am really sorry to see that this happened to you. I try to imagine what it would be like to loose my garage. To replace everything in side, not to mention the building itself. Again, I am really sorry for your loss and what you are going through. Praying for you.

 

Every piece of glass in that truck is flat. Any glass shop could replicate the shape and thickness without any issue. The damage to the patina is what turns me away from it now as the expense to repair all the body issues and put a quality paint job on it is not worth it to me.

 

Good God this is awful. All that work up in flames. All those dreams up in smoke. I feel horrible for you. Just horrible. When I can find my more reasonable self I am reminded how fortunate you are that you’re not physically hurt. You very easily could have been. And had you, a burnt up truck project would seem like who cares. Only by the grace of God are we allowed to commiserate over that fantastic truck project.

You’re allowed to be depressed. Who wouldn’t? It is completely understandable. For now I will count our blessings that your wife didn’t have to come here to give us far worse news. Something tells me after the shock and depression subsides you will dust yourself off and get back in the game.

So sorry to see this terrible event.

 

Thanks, Bronze. We are certainly counting our blessings. Things have to move forward through a process, and that will take time. Once I agree on a settlement check, the healing can begin. So many irreplaceable items were in that shop, and they will never be covered by insurance. Shop 2.0 will be a cleansing experience. I would be amazed if a new building exists before the end of this year. One step at a time. I have so many thoughts of how to proceed, but I can't put the cart in front of the horse. Investigation, inventory, settlement. Once a replacement budget is in place, more decisions can be made.

 

Yes, one step at a time. Patience will be in order. It was a big hit, and it would seem the truck project pales in comparison to all the tools and equipment you had.

I read every post and looked at every picture. That will be missed. Now you have a new project...getting back in the saddle again. That will be inspirational because I believe things will fall in your lap that you weren't expecting to help you get back on your feet. We'll be here.

 

A close friend is giving me the full court press to stay on the project and start over. He says I would be missing out on the opportunity to call it The Phoenix. Hmmm.....

 

That's fine but it seems to me your next project (after dealing with all the insurance issues) is having a building, tools, and equipment first.