Car Caught In Flash Flood

[sirius]

My car was caught in a flash flood last night. Insurance is going to cover the damage, but I wanted to know if anybody else has dealt with similar circumstances and what the long term effect might be? I`m worried about the electronics (power seats, heated seats, air bags) that got wet. Also, I`ve heard the padding will never dry?



Here are some photos:



http://picasaweb.google.com/ajarvela/FloodDamageJune2006

[brwill2005]

The best thing to do would be to pull out the carpet shell. After pulling the shell, make sure there is no standing water on the floor boards. If there is vacuum or use towels to soak up as much as possible. Leave the shell out until everything dries. Mold and mildew are the long term effects. You can get an anti-microbial product and spray it on everything to help prevent the mold and mildew. Ozone can help to get rid of mold and mildew odors. I am in NOVA if you need any assistance.

[imported_steveo3002]

yep he`s right ...the carpets need pulling out to dry , it will stink bad if not

[ZeusCGP]

Poor GP

I`d just buy a new carpet. They are under $100 on gmpartsdirect.com I think. If there is still water you can remove the rubber drain plugs to let the water drain out.



It`s actually not that hard to disassemble a wbody...

http://www.nymcgp.com/dave/kittcagecar/100_0674.JPG

[imported_steveo3002]

probably need all new sound deadeners /underlay etc.

[ZeusCGP]

Poor GP :(

I`d just buy a new carpet. They are under $100 on gmpartsdirect.com I think. If there is still water you can remove the rubber drain plugs to let the water drain out.



It`s actually not that hard to disassemble a wbody...

http://www.nymcgp.com/dave/kittcagecar/100_0674.JPG

[imported_Grouse]

If it was me I`d eather take it to a flood restoration specialist. and make the INS foot the bill. Or i`d get a replacement car.



More than likely if you keep it they will salvage the title.

[splattj]

Excessive moisture in the electronics can lead to corrosion. How deep did the water get in the car?

[sirius]

Excessive moisture in the electronics can lead to corrosion. How deep did the water get in the car?





It was up to the bottom edge of the seats last night. The seats have wicked up some moisture as well as the carpets. Still waiting on the insurance adjuster to see what they say about the car.

[imported_Grouse]

Well the thing to remeber is floods are basically considered sewage water. So you`ll need new electrical, new seats, new upholstry. even after you remove the water it will take days with an injecti dry to rid the car of trapped moisture. All the connections even those not directly touched by water will have to be checked and dried.



do a local search for a water damage restoration company, Find one that does a fair amount of vehicles. Take it there, let your ins company pay for it.



IMHO I would not just accept a check form INS co. i was a water damage restoration tech for 4 years and 1 year as a master restore tech. Cars are very difficult. They can be more frustrating than a house because of the combined space. Take it to a professional, Even I did not do cars. Simply to much to know about. IMHO not something even an Home water damage tech can fully comprehend.

[Jrichards4]

Sorry to hear that im in Loton VA about 20 min from you and my basment got it about as bad as your car. Good luck and hope everything works out for you!!

[SpoiledMan]

I`d push him/her to total it. Short term it will likely be fine after the repairs but with a salvage title. Long term it`s more than likely to be a problem.

[TriumphGT6]

Try like heck to get it totalled. Salvage cars suck when sale time comes around. No one will pay anywhere near marlet value for the car.



I know from experience that salvage titles suck.



GT6