Those of you who have replied to or read my post probably cringed a little when you saw the pics, it's good to have brothers (sisters too) in arms who understand that while this isn't life or death it takes a little out of you when things like this happen. The real pain in the neck is having this thing hang over my head until it is resolved. If I'm lucky I'll get some of my money back, if I'm real lucky I'll be made whole but who knows what will happen and how long it will be. My understanding of the next steps is that Fed Ex , I mean the shipper, will come to my house and inspect that package then let me know whether or not they will pay the claim. Of course when the person walks into my shop I'll ask him/her "not to mind the up tight-looking-bean-counter type person in the corner with a note pad and a recorder, he's just taking a few minutes out of his day to observe and take a break from some slip and fall work he's doing this morning to have a coffee with me" and "I hope you didn't ding the door of his Black on Black, windows tinted dark black, Black Forest rocket sedan when you pulled into the driveway".... I do think the bike is worth fixing and I really would like to get the it out the door and to one of the shops you've all recommended, all very good at what they do. Of course I'm in a holding pattern - crushed packing material and bike all tucked out of my sight until "the inspection" which is supposed to happen in the next week or so they say. I'm hoping someone can do the reapir without a total repaint though my thought is that the Lilac could present a challenge, maybe not. Never mind the cost, the rest of the frame looks so good that it would be a shame if I couldn't keep everything else original. I'll keep you all posted. At the risk of sounding too "post tragedy" thanks for your thoughts and considerate words.
Jose Villaluz
Westport, CT USA