The daily driver Marauder needs a rebuilt engine thread

[daddyusmaximus]

My '03 is a daily driver. She served well for 164K miles. She drives rain, snow, sun... She sits in a gravel driveway in a small rural farming community.

https://i.imgur.com/sKSOX9U.jpg

Then one day, she had enough... The timing chain jumped, and I bent some valves on one head. Time for a new engine, or a rebuild. I was looking for engines, but couldn't find any with few enough miles on them that would make it worth the hassle and expense. I decided to go for a fresh rebuild.

As you can see, a daily driver that goes on country (gravel) roads gets dirty.

https://i.imgur.com/m211Amz.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

Perspective here.. when I say small town, I mean like 1300 people. Local high school graduating class has around 50 to 60 kids depending on the year. The mechanic shop is a rented quonset hut behind a church where electricity is by generator...

https://i.imgur.com/afPbEGR.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

Prices are all over the board, but I found a company in Michigan, just 3 hrs away (Accurate Engines) that was less expensive than most, so I gave them a call. They didn't have a core to match the Marauder. However. I could send in my own engine, and they'd do it, and I'd stay numbers matching... Further, If I was to show up when they opened in the morning, I could take it with me that evening when they closed...

Well, this seemed like it was too good to be true, but I decided to go for it. I loaded up the engine in my Quartermaster's truck (I'm the VFW Commander) and headed to Michigan.

https://i.imgur.com/YcsGLQc.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

Didn't get very far before my crap magnetism kicked in...

https://i.imgur.com/LCXsQj7.jpg

Remember this part about me being a crap magnet. you'll see it later.

Of course the spare tire hoist was rusted and it took FOREVER to get the spare tire down. So long, I had just about fell out in the heat, and ended up calling a tow truck. The tow driver wrestled with it, for quite some time, but managed to get it down. At that point, I just let him change it too.

See, crap magnet...

[daddyusmaximus]

Here I am dropping off my precious engine. I just backed into their building and they offloaded it with the gantry.

https://i.imgur.com/6mi8NuW.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

It was too good to be true... They got shipped the wrong pistons. (Crap magnet) I would NOT be going home with my engine that night. However, they said they'd ship it to me at no cost since it was their mistake. We shall see...

It took a week and a half to get the pistons from California, then the production manager went on about how he wanted to switch the timing chain and components out for Cloyes, but they finally shipped it out.

[daddyusmaximus]

Here's where it gets good... While I was waiting for the engine. The mechanic's shop gets hit by thieves. He loses a bunch of tools, his gas bottles to his welder (but not the welder itself) and his generator.

Me... I lose my stereo. Of course they tear the crap out of the dash to get it out...

https://i.imgur.com/TM8iol6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/it1auhe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2ypBWjg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EgwIrfR.jpg


They tried to get the sub and amp, by prying it out, but couldn't. They bent a couple bolts, got pissed, and locked the keys in the trunk.

Small town remember...
not a formal shop remember...
mechanic not insured...

Crap magnets have a $500 deductible.

[daddyusmaximus]

It finally came today. From the lift gate on the semi, to the bed of my brother-in-law's truck, to the shop...

https://i.imgur.com/uUgn1I6.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

I was so happy... until we got the plastic wrap off. Two bent bolts on the timing cover, and one broken valve cover. AAAnnndd it's Friday night, and I have a fish fry to run up at the VFW.

Did I mention I was a crap magnet?


https://i.imgur.com/lf7YxzK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yI3VBjM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/46cMSAW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/S7lqUUh.jpg


Pretty sure you're not supposed to see daylight through there...

https://i.imgur.com/8ThYUrT.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

Boy, it sure looked pretty sitting on the pallet...

https://i.imgur.com/ldGVfRg.jpg

Didn't look like anything was damaged inside.

https://i.imgur.com/VZfywf5.jpg

So, now the fish fry is over, and I'm looking for Valve covers, and whatever those studs are called on the timing cover. Damn, I was hoping to have the car back by Monday, even without lights and music.

By the way, small town people are generally nice to deal with. (meth head thieves excluded)

Mechanic felt bad my car was damaged while in his care. Since I have to put it on my insurance, and take the hit for a $500 deductible... no charge for the removal and replacement.

[RubberCtyRauder]

https://www.ebay.com/i/302850621004?chn=ps&ul_ref=https%253A%252F%252Frov er.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%25 2F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmpre%253Dhttps%252 53A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com% 25252Fi%25252F302850621004%252 53Fchn%25253Dps%2526itemid%253 D302850621004%2526targetid%253 D484681448291%2526device%253Dm %2526adtype%253Dpla%2526google loc%253D9015412%2526poi%253D%2 526campaignid%253D1497324383%2 526adgroupid%253D60383707880%2 526rlsatarget%253Dpla-484681448291%2526abcId%253D113 9456%2526merchantid%253D118862 954%2526pt%253D%2526gclid%253D EAIaIQobChMI4s_G2png3QIVEtbACh 0b7A8SEAQYASABEgLMbvD_BwE%2526 srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D1685515751917 %2526rvr_ts%253D2546894c1660aa d6eda4785cfff95e00

[daddyusmaximus]

Thanks.

I put that set on my watch list before I went to bed last night. I'm gonna look at them better here after I have breakfast.

[Turbov6Bryan]

I have a Dashboard with wiring harness from a 2003 Mercury marauder still in the car it's not broken busted..
I cut the wiring harnesses to remove the doors

I do not have the cluster, dash bezel or dot matrix trim

Lmk if I can help out

Sad to hear your car got messed up like that that really sucks

Or are you going to glue the dash back together and splice the wiring ends?

[daddyusmaximus]

Can anyone tell from this photo what the part is called I need to look for in the dash to fix this broken piece?

https://i.imgur.com/2ypBWjg.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

Just ordered new valve covers, and the dash trim vent bezel.

Also ordered a a drivers side mirror. They pushed it all the way forward either walking between it and the wall, or just out of meanness, and broke it. The car had been moved off to the side while we were waiting for the engine to come in. Got a rip in my seat too... *******s.

[a_d_a_m]

Man, you really are a crap magnet!
Sorry about your luck...

[Marauderjack]

I have a gauge cluster if ya need one.....PM me and I'll email photos if you wish!!:beer:

[Turbov6Bryan]

Can anyone tell from this photo what the part is called I need to look for in the dash to fix this broken piece?

https://i.imgur.com/2ypBWjg.jpg

That is just the docking piece where the oem radio slides into... right?

If you have a aftermarket radio, you wont even need it there. But loctite 2 part will make it like new again.

[1Marauder]

Sending good thoughts and car luck your way!

If I had any of these parts laying around, they'd be on the way to you.

Glad to see/hear you are still on the positive side!

Chin up my brother, chin up!

[BAD MERC]

Damn this chain of events just infuriates me.

[Turbov6Bryan]

Let me know what wiring you need, i can pull from a non marauder anytime you like.

I can donate this ebay auction302856051024 headlight switch to you for free, free shipping.

After i ship it, this auction number will be a different part
(future mm.net link clickers)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-2003-2011-Mercury-Grand-Marquis-2004-MARAUDER-Headlight-Switch-OEM-FOG-GREAT/302856051024?hash=item4683a099 50:g:hMUAAOSw12pbfxXW:sc:USPSF irstClass!64055!US!-1

[NorthShoreChiMM]

I dont understand why people go to such lengths to get a 50$ radio, breaking 100s of $$ worth of stuff to get to it. People are such *******s

[justbob]

I dont understand why people go to such lengths to get a 50$ radio, breaking 100s of $$ worth of stuff to get to it. People are such *******s



I don’t believe he had a $50 radio.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mr. Man]

How do you crack a cam cover unless you dump the engine on it? Go through that motor with a fine toothed comb before you put it back in. Sorry to see all that damage. Hope you can fix it.

[daddyusmaximus]

Let me know what wiring you need, i can pull from a non marauder anytime you like.

I can donate this ebay auction302856051024 headlight switch to you for free, free shipping.

After i ship it, this auction number will be a different part
(future mm.net link clickers)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-2003-2011-Mercury-Grand-Marquis-2004-MARAUDER-Headlight-Switch-OEM-FOG-GREAT/302856051024?hash=item4683a099 50:g:hMUAAOSw12pbfxXW:sc:USPSF irstClass!64055!US!-1

Thanks, but this morning I bought a bezel off ebay that has a light switch in it.

[daddyusmaximus]

I don’t believe he had a $50 radio.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Nope... It was a Kenwood aftermarket unit. The rest of the system is JL Audio.

https://i.imgur.com/AB9y3ID.jpg

[Chi Stallion]

I’m sorry to hear about all the troubles your going through. I know how that feeling is. Hope everything works out.

[daddyusmaximus]

That is just the docking piece where the oem radio slides into... right?

If you have a aftermarket radio, you wont even need it there. But loctite 2 part will make it like new again.

If it was broken when they ripped out the bezel with the head unit, something was attached to it... Unfortunately I didn't put it in. I had a stereo shop do the install, so I don't know how it was mounted.

Only thing I mounted was the sub, because I knew how I wanted it and it needed bolts welded to the trunk floor so I wouldn't have to drill through risking going into the fuel tank. It's tucked up where the original was. Tight fit for a 12", but in a small down firing, sealed enclosure, it fits.

https://i.imgur.com/yGntmJO.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

How do you crack a cam cover unless you dump the engine on it? Go through that motor with a fine toothed comb before you put it back in. Sorry to see all that damage. Hope you can fix it.

The one that was cracked was the one on top as it sat on the pallet. (as seen in the photo of the guy unloading it off the truck) Something smacked into it during shipping, or in loading prior to shipment. I had Chris (my mechanic) pop it off, and nothing looked damaged underneath. Of course it's a weekend, so there's no getting a hold of the company til Mon morning. I can't have him start tearing into the engine itself if I want to keep the warranty for the rebuild...

I've already been without the car for almost a month. It's my daily, and I need it running... Got a set of covers ordered off ebay. Supposed to have them by Friday.

[camelgrundle]

Sorry about your luck....hope it all gets squared away!

[Mr. Man]

The one that was cracked was the one on top as it sat on the pallet. (as seen in the photo of the guy unloading it off the truck) Something smacked into it during shipping, or in loading prior to shipment. I had Chris (my mechanic) pop it off, and nothing looked damaged underneath. Of course it's a weekend, so there's no getting a hold of the company til Mon morning. I can't have him start tearing into the engine itself if I want to keep the warranty for the rebuild...

I've already been without the car for almost a month. It's my daily, and I need it running... Got a set of covers ordered off ebay. Supposed to have them by Friday.
The cam cover is a chunk of aluminum. It took more than a bump to do that.

[03blackvegas]

This post is why I hate like hell to take my car anywhere to have it worked on, something always happens.

[crownvic97]

Man I hope your luck changes! Good luck!

[Gerry24]

We’re rooting for ya :beer:

[Gryphonzus]

Man this is too bad for words. I hope it all comes together from here. Good luck!!!!

[8UWITH6]

Man I thought I was the only one with that kind of luck. LOL. All jokes aside hope you get it sorted.

[MMBLUE]

Hopefully this will have a happy ending my Army brother.

[Joe Walsh]

Nope... It was a Kenwood aftermarket unit. The rest of the system is JL Audio.

https://i.imgur.com/AB9y3ID.jpg

OK....now I see why those a$$hats tore your dash apart.
I was thinking WTF!?...all that trouble to steal an OEM radio!?

Hoping you now go on a lucky streak!

BTW: Love your choice of music!....but that guy in the funny looking baggy pants....I'm not sure about him.

[Curless]

Hope you have good luck with that engine... wish you had called me first or checked with the better business bureau...

[daddyusmaximus]

Hope you have good luck with that engine... wish you had called me first or checked with the better business bureau...

Like most guys I guess, I just started looking online for an engine. I almost put a used engine and trans in it, but lowest miles I could find was 60K. I figured why not get it rebuilt. Found Accurate Engines site, and they were only 3 hrs away, good prices....

[Curless]

Like most guys I guess, I just started looking online for an engine. I almost put a used engine and trans in it, but lowest miles I could find was 60K. I figured why not get it rebuilt. Found Accurate Engines site, and they were only 3 hrs away, good prices....

Please let us know how it runs.:beer:

[daddyusmaximus]

Dash bezel and cam covers came in today. Hoping for the studs tomorrow and the engine can go back in the car. Both in pretty nice shape.

https://i.imgur.com/KKfZLmm.jpg

[daddyusmaximus]

Just was reminded that I need a dipstick tube. Mine broke off in the block during disassembly... Ford doesn't have one in the parts system in the entire country....

[Gerry24]

This member is selling an oil dipstick

https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=106778

[8UWITH6]

I have one too

[daddyusmaximus]

I have one too

Is your stock or aftermarket?

[daddyusmaximus]

Slowly, she is coming back together. My son took me by this evening, and was told tomorrow may be the day I get her back. At the time this was taken the intake was being modified to make room for the for the cooling mod I had done while we had it apart.

https://i.imgur.com/tVIKNz8.jpg

Still need a proper dipstick tube. Got one off a SOHC engine, and he's gonna see if he can modify it to work, at least until I can get a correct one in to replace it with. I need this baby on the road. Borrowing vehicles, or being stuck without one sucks.

[justbob]

Curious why he didn’t reinstall the intake when the engine was out?

I like to pull em or install them with headers, blower, wiring harness and all. Sooo much quicker.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181007/5ef1a2f87e13fc071019595f2f9fcf d0.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mr. Man]

Curious why he didn’t reinstall the intake when the engine was out?

I like to pull em or install them with headers, blower, wiring harness and all. Sooo much quicker.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181007/5ef1a2f87e13fc071019595f2f9fcf d0.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProHow long did it take you to realize you were 90* off?:D

[justbob]

How long did it take you to realize you were 90* off?:D



LOL I yanked from the side to avoid opening the garage door because snow..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[daddyusmaximus]

Finally... She'll never be this clean again either. She is running a bit hot, so looks like the burping procedure will need to be redone in the morning, but she runs well.

https://i.imgur.com/kp1oW5q.jpg

Now to get the stereo theft damage fixed, and I'll be happy once again...

[Turbov6Bryan]

It really does help if you park on a steep driveway and do the procedure...

Would be a good time to clean the radiator and condenser next to it, they collect dirt and make it run hot

[daddyusmaximus]

I'm going to park it so the front tires are on a couple blocks for the procedure.
I had the radiator cleaned, and checked at a radiator shop while the engine was out.

[Turbov6Bryan]

I'm going to park it so the front tires are on a couple blocks for the procedure.
I had the radiator cleaned, and checked at a radiator shop while the engine was out.

The condenser sits right in front of it too, and collects all the dirt, grass, hay, and hair. Just a friendly suggestion that most dont catch.

[8UWITH6]

Is your stock or aftermarket?

Stock from a 99 cobra engine

[8UWITH6]

Figure out the temp issue dont run the car until you fix it! Glad to see it back together.

[daddyusmaximus]

She got burped a bit before I went to bed. More air came out. This morning, I pulled her up on some 2x4s (3 high) and topped her off at the crossover plug. Only got a few air bubbles out, and she only took less than a quart more coolant. Ran her just over 100 miles today, and she was perfect.

I just love how nice and clean she looks now.

https://i.imgur.com/c8CUorW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BPetMK0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6HsNDWV.jpg

[justbob]

Just exercise every single hose you can get your hand on, especially the heater core and lower radiator hoses. Give them all a good work out for five minutes, top off the COT, plug it and drive. I don’t even start them anymore and never once and issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Joe Walsh]

Just exercise every single hose you can get your hand on, Give them all a good work out for five minutes

Really!?! :eek:

Sounds kinky to me....:D

[Gerry24]

Nice work! Back on the road :burnout:

[daddyusmaximus]

Teething problems... Now the AC compressor doesn't kick in. It was raining yesterday, no AC, no defrost, foggy windshield...

AND no music... except for the tailpipes. Still having difficulties getting the insurance to send someone to look at the tore up dash from the stereo thief. I have USAA, and have has claims with them in the past. They have always been on point. This is the first time they have ever dropped the ball. Starting to get pissed. I really don't like being without my tunes.

Wife is taking me for a weekend away tomorrow. (23rd anniversary) I need it with all the crap gone wrong lately. Monday I'm just gonna make an appointment to get her fixed and send USAA the bill.

[burt ragio]

Yes, you have had some bad luck but it is all coming together. I see you are retired US Army. Thank you for your services. If you want send me your address I will send you my Kenwood DNX6140 double din I pulled from one of my Marauders I sold. I will send it COD.

[daddyusmaximus]

Yes, you have had some bad luck but it is all coming together. I see you are retired US Army. Thank you for your services. If you want send me your address I will send you my Kenwood DNX6140 double din I pulled from one of my Marauders I sold. I will send it COD.

PM sent....

[justbob]

Teething problems... Now the AC compressor doesn't kick in. It was raining yesterday, no AC, no defrost, foggy windshield...

AND no music... except for the tailpipes. Still having difficulties getting the insurance to send someone to look at the tore up dash from the stereo thief. I have USAA, and have has claims with them in the past. They have always been on point. This is the first time they have ever dropped the ball. Starting to get pissed. I really don't like being without my tunes.

Wife is taking me for a weekend away tomorrow. (23rd anniversary) I need it with all the crap gone wrong lately. Monday I'm just gonna make an appointment to get her fixed and send USAA the bill.



Make sure the A/C plug at the compressor is pushed in 100% until you hear or feel it click or it won’t turn on. I did a Louisville with temps in the 90’s on the way home with a PISSED wife all because of not fully seating it. It can be stubborn and feel fine but nope. Check all related plugs as well, I believe three in all.

Same trip home was also done entirely with open cut outs due to the actuating rod snapping in half leaving the hotel and showing off. But that’s another story and a story I try not to bring up around the wife...

Even I couldn’t wait to get home in the A/C and give my ears a few days to regain hearing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[blazen71]

Like Bob said, definitely check the plug on the compressor. Yesterday I was driving and all the sudden my a/c wasn't working. While troubleshooting I found the two wires came out of the plug. For some reason the retaining function of the pins doesn't work anymore. Pushed it all back together and taped it up. All good now!

[burt ragio]

PM sent....

Do a search for Kenwood DNX 6140 you will find full disruption of what it is capable of.
When I said COD I mean you pay Shipping / Handleing. The Kenwood stereo is free.

[daddyusmaximus]

Do a search for Kenwood DNX 6140 you will find full disruption of what it is capable of.
When I said COD I mean you pay Shipping / Handleing. The Kenwood stereo is free.

Thank you for the offer. I misunderstood. Very generous. I did not know there was a way to send something so that the shipping was COD, but that is a cheap way to get a replacement... With USAA acting up I'll take anything I can get. They are normally on the ball, but are using some company called Premier (out of CA) to do the response, and I can't even get them to call and schedule a time to come look at the car. Whatever shipping will cost will be well worth it to have tunes again. PM sent again...

[daddyusmaximus]

Got some messages from the insurance company about the damage from the stereo thief. Yes, this is still going on...

First off, they sent a check to some replacement company in CA for $763.32... because they sent me a replacement stereo worth $369.

Second, the damage the thief did to my dash, and side mirror doesn't even cover my $500 deductible. (or so they say) Well, I have to pay for the install, and new parts, but at least I got a new stereo... They don't make the model I had anymore, so I got a newer version. Kinda cool, because it t has more features. They sent the DDX 795. It's also not so cool, because without a rotary knob for volume control, you can't quickly turn it down when you want to hear something. Can't wait to get it in just the same. Tomorrow I go to the stereo shop...

Time to give the old Bose bluetooth a rest.

https://i.imgur.com/joZltWw.jpg

[sailsmen]

USAA is not the Company they were. I rate them in the bottom half.

[daddyusmaximus]

Finally have music... sort of

https://i.imgur.com/oFePIrO.jpg

The head unit got installed yesterday, but now I for some reason, I only have sound at the rear speakers. They checked the cabled... good. they even went as far as pull the door panels and chech the speakers, and crossovers. (JL Audio C3 components throughout) All good.

https://i.imgur.com/NiPdx38.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XPZbHzu.jpg

Somehow, at the exact moment the car stereo thief ripped up my dash... the wires to both front speakers go bad. Car has to be re-wired. Of course they didn't have time last night, so I'll be going back today. I'm guessing they probably got damaged when the piece of **** was prying on my sub, and amp trying to get it out. Thank God he didn't.

[daddyusmaximus]

Well, can't blame this one on the thief. It seems that 2 and a half years ago when I had the original stereo installed, the other shop took a short cut this shop didn't know about... They wired about a foot of good speaker wire into the amp, (mounted on the sub in the trunk) then connected it to the original factory speaker wires (that ran up front). The new guys didn't connect any factory speaker wires (yes they asked me) when installing the new head unit.

I would have thought that any decent shop installing a complete amplified system would run new, better quality speaker wires... I was wrong. Well I was right, I just didn't go to a decent shop the first time apparently...

So these guys had to run wires up to my doors...

Still no steering wheel controls, even after 45 minutes on the phone with tech support. Looks like my clock spring is screwed up, and the steering wheel is gonna have to come off. A matter for next week...

[Joe Walsh]

You have the patience of a saint!

[daddyusmaximus]

You have the patience of a saint!

Trying my best not to loose it, so as to be labeled "a danger to himself or others". As a disabled veteran with PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury, I have VA people breathing down my neck all the time.

Don't want to loose my 2nd amendment rights. We've all seen stories of veterans having their guns taken away from them by force. God forbid I ever need to use one again, I want it right here handy.

I really do want to slap the snot out of people all the time, (or at least cuss them out) I just can't do it...

Here's the latest too, no money right now to do the steering wheel controls, but I'm keeping my appointment Wed. They have to fix the wiring in the passenger door. The window goes halfway down and catches on the new speaker wires... It stops going down, and you can see it tugging down on the rubber boot between the door and the body. Even the new "decent" shop screwed things up... So they will be redoing the passenger door.

Good news, The guy only billed me for one hr labor the other day. ($80) He didn't charge me for the 20 odd feet of speaker wire they used going from the amp in the trunk to the front doors. I had to help though. The skinny kid they had doing it didn't have enough ass to unbolt the rear seat back. I had to break those two bolts loose. They didn't have a cheater pipe for the ratchet, so I showed him how to put two combination wrenches together.

[03marauderman]

What a heartbreak of a story...and to top it off, the slimy Insurance Company....As a retired claims rep for a major carrier, I get real sensitive about Insurance claims issues...Starting with their phony advertisements, How honorable & respectful XXXX is to their military members ..."Fixing a scratch with a pen", refund checks for good drivers, Accident forgiveness..... blowing smoke up everyone's rear ends....The Insurance premiums are non negotiable, but claims settlements are, and then their failure to respond in a timely manor, lets see if your slow or late in your premium payment, its all business then..Most companies done away with adjusters going out to inspect damages, prepare a negotiated estimate with a repair shop and pay a fair claims amount...Now they want YOU to take pictures and they will prepare the estimate based on photos? - What about the hidden damages and fairly negotiated repair hours?... Nothing as there no shop to negotiate with. In most cases an entry level clerk is taught an estimating program, in tim buck too, and spits out an appraisal every 18 minutes...hoping the customer gets the check and spends the $$$ before getting the car fixed.....Cause after all, they boast how quickly they can settle your claim....Its not up to the Insured to hunt and track down the parts, and do the repairs. The Insurance company per their contract with the Insured is obligated to indemnify the policy holder to be put in pre accident condition. As a hip shot this sounds like a $3000. claim... Dash, radio, speakers, mirror, steering wheel control, and even the labor for the keys locked in the trunk..... They took your claim, & gave it to a 3 pty vendor in California no less and said have a nice day......Its not too late you can appeal, the settlement is not closed simply because you cashed a check .....Demand they send an adjuster out to revise your claim......Good Luck.....

[daddyusmaximus]

I will be getting the steering wheel controls looked at when I get back home. I am in Florida now for Thanksgiving with the family. USAA will be hearing from me again... USAA themselves have been good to us in the past. The problem is they farmed out this one, and their sub-contractors have screwed us over. However, it's USAA that oversees the contractors, so I hold them responsible. It's them, I have the policy with, and who said what the amount of damage was. (based on their contractor's estimate)

[03blackvegas]

What a heartbreak of a story...and to top it off, the slimy Insurance Company....As a retired claims rep for a major carrier, I get real sensitive about Insurance claims issues...Starting with their phony advertisements, How honorable & respectful XXXX is to their military members ..."Fixing a scratch with a pen", refund checks for good drivers, Accident forgiveness..... blowing smoke up everyone's rear ends....The Insurance premiums are non negotiable, but claims settlements are, and then their failure to respond in a timely manor, lets see if your slow or late in your premium payment, its all business then..Most companies done away with adjusters going out to inspect damages, prepare a negotiated estimate with a repair shop and pay a fair claims amount...Now they want YOU to take pictures and they will prepare the estimate based on photos? - What about the hidden damages and fairly negotiated repair hours?... Nothing as there no shop to negotiate with. In most cases an entry level clerk is taught an estimating program, in tim buck too, and spits out an appraisal every 18 minutes...hoping the customer gets the check and spends the $$$ before getting the car fixed.....Cause after all, they boast how quickly they can settle your claim....Its not up to the Insured to hunt and track down the parts, and do the repairs. The Insurance company per their contract with the Insured is obligated to indemnify the policy holder to be put in pre accident condition. As a hip shot this sounds like a $3000. claim... Dash, radio, speakers, mirror, steering wheel control, and even the labor for the keys locked in the trunk..... They took your claim, & gave it to a 3 pty vendor in California no less and said have a nice day......Its not too late you can appeal, the settlement is not closed simply because you cashed a check .....Demand they send an adjuster out to revise your claim......Good Luck.....
Well said.

[8UWITH6]

Well said.

Damn right it is well said. SMH truth