CIGARGUY

I pulled things off prior to them even laying eyes on it. I went over today and removed personal items and the stereo system.

Wish I could, but living in a condo community they get funny about stuff like that. If I had a garage if do it in a heartbeat!

Well, I finally got word back from the insurance company. They're figuring the preliminary assessment at $3400 in damage and will always find more once they dig into it. With a $4500 retail value, the beast won't be seeing anymore road time. I asked about buying it back but was told that it could no longer be titled in the state of Florida with a salvage title. First time I've ever heard of that (we moved here less than a year ago from Indiana) but after doing some digging I found out that's accurate. Due to a very long commute to work and some financial constraints I'll be looking for something a little more fuel efficient. Thanks for the hospitality!

I haven't ruled anything out. It's got 155k and very minor in the rear wheel wells. It's definitely not perfect but is a good runner. I'm just waiting to see what they come back with. In my former life I spent 12 years as a sales manager in the car business so I've been around the block a few times with insurance companies. I know their game as well as they do. My next move will completely depend on what they say.

No airbags but the worst news is what isn't seen. Very severe damage to the core support, fan, radiator, etc. none of it major damage but, according to my guy at the body shop, the insurance company will most likely want to total it. I have to wait for their inspector to see what happens.

Note to self: Pathys and other vehicles were not meant to mate.

If the spare is relocated to the roof is there enough room for a holding tank in it's place?

.380 with a laser sight. Everywhere. No, really. Everywhere.

Advice...I think you should completely abandon this project and sell it to me cheap! Lol. Just kidding. There's lots of good info and good people here that will help steer you the right direction. Just do one thing at a time and don't get in too big of a rush.

I'm thinking the Raptor, if any of them survive redneckdom.

Good job rerouting those wires! Well done! I'm not yet that familiar with my Pathy, but most vehicles will have some existing rubber grommets that you can poke a small hole in to run the wiring through. If you can go that route it negates the need to drill a hole or find a grommet. Just a quick little tip.

Some of my favorites: If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left. That dude is nuttier than a squirrel turd!

Welcome aboard!

^^^Great point!

Very nice! I've found the off road crowd to be the nicest of the auto enthusiast groups. Welcome!

So, are you saying that the wire actually enters the cabin through the door opening itself? If I'm understanding this correctly, it needs to be rerouted ASAP! I was in the car stereo industry for many years in my previous career and have seen many people route their accessory's power wiring this way. I have also see quite a few denied insurance claims when the vehicles caught fire due to a dead short. Please, please, don't be that guy. Route the wiring properly through the firewall.

One thing to consider...if you only turn on the recirc AFTER you smell something, that scent is now just being recycled through the cabin. It's not being filtered since there is no cabin air filter. You would have to put the windows down, once you're away from whatever caused to odor, to let that scent escape before it's going to go away. I live in Florida which has similar weather to Panama. I just leave the recirc on pretty much all the time.

Welcome aboard from another newbie! I'm working on getting mine sorted out as well.

^^^Lol. True statement. There were some areas of this one that were just rust molecules holding hands.

Yep. I'll be using the OEM wheels. There's definitely an art to applying the Plastidip and getting it to look right. I love the "industrial" look the flat finish gives it.

Here's where we started life. Here are a couple of shots showing the Plastidip in process. Only the front bumper and left fender were done at this point. As it sits now.

I'll get some pics up in the near future. Steve, this is Adam. I just touched base with you on the other site about the spacers. I'll be getting an order in soon FeelThePathos, I'll be happy to tell you about the Plastidip job. I'm very happy with the results. I learned a lot about the process and how to make it come out without streaks, even though I've got quite a few. I'm just happy to not have to worry about chips and scratches (or waxing) anymore. When I have more time I'll do a full tutorial.

I've been in and around the car scene for as long as I can remember. I've built and off roaded 6 Jeeps, road rallied a fully built MINI Cooper S, and had a handful of other notable rides, but there's something special about this 1999.5 Pathy. I love that I can bash around in it and not worry about the dings, scuffs, and scratches. It's a black SE that's now flat black thanks to a DIY Plastidip job, has an extended Yakima Load Warrior, full front end brush guard, and a slew of other goodies coming its way (lift, tires, stereo system, etc). With a 2.5 year old and a full time job, I don't get as much time as I'd like to spend off road or working on the rig, so I'm just doing a little as time and money allows. I'm looking forward to being a contributing member of the neighborhood and learning from the wealth of knowledge already here!