H-Wing Update

I've received so many questions of late, many due to rumor and misinformation, so I've decided to send out an FAQ. Sorry if you know this already, or if you're hearing this for the first time.
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1: The H-Wing was in an accident on October 8th.
Status: True.

I'm afraid I rear-ended a Dodge truck on the 91 freeway while on my way to an American Red Cross charity event in Norco. The other vehicle had no functioning brake lights, so I hadn't noticed it was slowing until too late. I hit at approximately 30 MPH, and suffered no injuries except to my pride. R2-D2 is fine, and didn't even get whiplash.


2: The other party ran from the scene.
Status: True.

After checking that his vehicle suffered no damage, the other driver left the scene without trading information despite my request to do just that, and that California law would automatically find me at fault. Strangely, he shook my hand.


3: The other driver was perpetrating an insurance scam, then fled after seeing how weird the H-Wing is.
Status: Unknown.

There is no evidence to support this theory. He may have had no license, no insurance, expired tags, guns or drugs in the cab, outstanding tickets or warrants, or some other situation where he didn't want to document the accident.


4: The H-Wing is "totaled".
Status: True.

The damages, solely to the front end of the car, amount to $5400.00. This is above the Mercury Insurance's estimate of "fair market value". Damages consist of:

Radiator, Fan and Core Mount
Hood
Headlights, Aux Lights and Turn Signals
Bumper, mounts and brackets
A/C Compressor and fan
Sand guard and wheel well


5: I am going to scrap the H-Wing, buy a new car and start over.
Status: False.

I plan to buy the car back from Mercury, and have the frame examined and aligned. I'll then make repairs to the best of my ability.


6: MTV's "Pimp My Ride" is going to completely redo the car.
Status: False.

While thoughtful people have submitted my car as a potential "Pimped" ride, I don't meet the criteria (age 18 to 22, for starters). One submission turned out to be a sponsorship scam called "Pimp YOUR Ride", linked off of MTV's webpage. Nor will the car be reworked on "Monster Garage", or "Extreme Makeover". At this point only I am responsible for the restoration of the car.


7: Lucasfilm is funding the restoration.
Status: False.

Although I have received a couple of nice consolatory letters, they are not sponsoring repairs.


8: Pontiac is donating a Solstice convertible to me.
Status: False.

No. That was a joke. But if you work for Pontiac, I'm willing to talk to you guys... :)


9: I am accepting donations of money by Paypal and used replacement parts.
Status: ?????

Uh... I guess so. Got any? Seriously, I haven't received any parts or cash to put the H-Wing back together.


10: I'm giving up on Art Cars.
Status: False.

No, I plan to keep driving the H-Wing once it's fixed, and I'm helping several other folks plan theirs. Even if the H-Wing proved irreparable, I'd find another vehicle and do it again in a heartbeat.


11:  I'm giving up on charity events.
Status: False.

I'm doing three events this weekend, and three next week- I'd hardly call that giving up.


12: This tragic event has set me on a downward spiral to the Dark Side from which I'll never recover.
Status: False.

Although I am building some Stormtrooper armor, I plan to remain firmly on the Light Side.

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I hope everyone is straight. If you have any other questions, please let me know at this address.

Shawn Crosby
Pilot, H-Wing Carfighter
www.h-wing.com