[importsmasher]

My 19 year old son is a mine man in the Navy, and just got stationed in San Diego. Unfortunately, a few days later he was in an accident (no injuries fortunately). It's a cheap little 2007 chevy HHR, so it's not worth hauling to a shop to have it fixed. Unfortunately, I am in Tennessee, so I can't help from here. None of my friends or family know anyone near San Diego. Are there any of our great members who live in the San Diego area (he's at Point Loma ) who could possibly go look at his car and diagnose any mechanical issues? I know it needs a radiator, but I need to ensure that it's safe for him to drive. I just need to know what it needs, I'm planning to go there around Thanksgiving, and I would like to know what I need to fix, before I go. We'll address cosmetic issues later. I am willing to pay for your gas and time.

Please PM me if you can help.

Thanks,
Importsmasher

PS: I know it's not a Pontiac, but he does have a 69 Firebird project here in Tennessee...

[67drake]

If no luck finding someone here, he should be able to find plenty of gear heads on base. I had 2 sons stationed in San Diego, and they were ALWAYS wrenching on things.

[Bob Dillon]

Originally Posted by 67drake

If no luck finding someone here, he should be able to find plenty of gear heads on base. I had 2 sons stationed in San Diego, and they were ALWAYS wrenching on things.

When I was in Dago (a LONG time ago) the base had garages for guys to work on their cars and there were always guys hanging around. Tell him to check it out?

[Tom Vaught]

"OMT" Old Man Taylor lives in the San Diego area, as does Ken Crocie.

That being said, I agree that there should be a lot of Navy Gear Heads in the San Diego area, and a basic post on one of the Chevy Forums should get the attention of people who know about Chevy vehicles.

The other option is to go talk to his Chief Petty Officer and get some advice from him.

Tom V.

[OG68]

Is he stationed at the Submarine base or the Anti-Submarine Warfare base?
Is he living on base? Repairs are normally not allowed in base parking lots.
Is the vehicle able to drive 10 miles on city streets?

The Navy has an auto hobby shop at the Naval Base (10 miles away) where service members can take their cars for repair. They have tools, lifts, parts, and almost anything you need. There is a daily space charge but tools are free to use on a daily basis. Unfortunately there are only two hobby shops left open and both are at least 10 miles from Point Loma.

Either way I can give him a hand. I'm retired Navy so I can get on base to assess the damage.
Please PM me with details.

[importsmasher]

Originally Posted by OG68

Is he stationed at the Submarine base or the Anti-Submarine Warfare base?
Is he living on base? Repairs are normally not allowed in base parking lots.
Is the vehicle able to drive 10 miles on city streets?

The Navy has an auto hobby shop at the Naval Base (10 miles away) where service members can take their cars for repair. They have tools, lifts, parts, and almost anything you need. There is a daily space charge but tools are free to use on a daily basis. Unfortunately there are only two hobby shops left open and both are at least 10 miles from Point Loma.

Either way I can give him a hand. I'm retired Navy so I can get on base to assess the damage.
Please PM me with details.

PM sent. Thank you!

[jrunner]

Get pictures from your son and post them here members will pretty much diagnose and give you an estimated cost. Since your son is very young maybe better to just pickup another used vehicle that’s dependable.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by OG68

... Either way I can give him a hand. I'm retired Navy so I can get on base to assess the damage.
Please PM me with details.

That was SuperCool

[importsmasher]

Just a quick shout out to Ed (OG68). He met with my son and evaluated the damage for us. I can't express how much I appreciate his help!

Importsmasher

[67drake]

Originally Posted by importsmasher

Just a quick shout out to Ed (OG68). He met with my son and evaluated the damage for us. I can't express how much I appreciate his help!

Importsmasher

Sounds like a good guy.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

This Forum and/or its Members have produced some pretty spectacular saving graces from time to time.
This one sure got ultra-expedited service

Big High 5 to Ed !

[Coors55poncho]

I just signed up on this site yesterday. I’m from east San Diego county (Julian area). If there’s anything I can help with let me know. Looks like your pretty squared away now tho. Glad he’s ok.