[Chandler]

We had a flood back in May and I had an older (1981) Impala that got washed into the lake that is behind me. Now that everything has settled down, we have found the car on the bottom of the lake. I have a way to get it out free but I'm worried about what I'll have to do when I get it out. What should I do first when I get it out? I'm afraid to take it out before I have a game plan because I know it's going to start rusting. So what do you say?

[philio]

Um, are you going to try to use this car? I would just call a flat bed and take it to the scrap metal yard and have it melted down. Surly it would not still work after that.

[Fanbelt]

Well, even if it's possible, I think you would have to spend tons of money to get the car back on the road. What about selling or giving it away to an old-car collector?

[Testdriving]

I think it's not a bad idea. A collector who is really fond of old cars will do anything necessary at any cost to restore the car and get it back on the road.

[philio]

Yeah. I have a Dodge dart I am working on selling. I have found that there are a lot of great car auctions out there that will work with you and help you find a buyer for something like that.

[coup]

It is pretty cool that you got your car back. That is sort of like finding a sunken treasure. One way or the other I think that you will be able to get something out of it. Let us know what happens.

[JeepersCreepers]

You might as well call this one a goner after all that time at the bottom of the lake. You would have to get an entirely new motor and those are not cheap. That would only be the beginning of the repairs too.

[DaMan]

I really think the first thing you should do would be to change the entire engine, as well as get it professionally cleaned. Hopefully you have really good insurance, man. Good luck to you!!

[Chandler]

Thanks guys for the comments. I've just decided to call it a wash. I did get paid for the car by the insurance but of course not enough since it was an older model. I loved that old car too.

[Candle]

It's a shame you had to leave it, but I agree it is the best solution. Even after just a short time in water, the metal would have rusted, the interior would have disintegrated. You've made the right decision. I hope you have some pictures to remember it by!