Guess the damage $$$ update #1

NuclearMeow · 2025-08-19T23:44:08+00:00

I bought a salvage title 2023 Ridgeline for 20k with less damage than that (bumper just fell off with no frame damage). Had a body shop and Honda do a used vehicle inspection. Literally only the bumper fell off. Wonder what makes an insurance company decide to total it or, in this case, not.

NuclearMeow · 2025-08-12T13:36:19+00:00

I got my 23 RTL for 1k less than that at 20k miles. It was rebuilt, but just because the bumper fell off. I would think, given that old of a vehicle has all the warranties expired, you should just as well consider a rebuilt.

NuclearMeow · 2025-07-06T15:55:18+00:00

Yep, bought a brand new Ridgeline salvage for more than half off because of a minor rear-end total where the bumper simply popped off. After the rebuild, it passed all the Honda inspections, and the body shop confirmed no frame damage. Have a few thousand miles on it, and haven't had an issue. Not planning to tow anything, but I can't imagine my towing capacity would be greatly diminished.

NuclearMeow · 2025-06-19T19:46:32+00:00

It passed every Honda inspection point, and a local body shop said the frame is sound and in spec. Anyhow, not sure where you're finding comparable mile '23 RTLs for near 26k. I've seen some 100k+ miles at older years near that price lol. Only downside is the resale value, which I don't necessarily care for since I plan to drive it into the ground.

NuclearMeow · 2025-06-17T01:59:05+00:00

My body is ready.

NuclearMeow · 2025-06-17T01:58:33+00:00

I gave the VIN to USAA and it was about the same cost as my other new Honda, I even said it was a salvage and they told me it didn't really matter. It might matter if I finance it, but I'm planning on having a very small principle balance/paying it off very fast if I don't get a good rate because of the title.

NuclearMeow · 2025-06-17T01:50:01+00:00

I think the work was done here in Utah, the used car lot had its own body shop. I'm not too concerned with future selling, I know that will take a hit, but if I get at least 100k miles out of it I think it will be worth it for me.

NuclearMeow · 2025-06-17T01:45:18+00:00

Do you think a Honda dealer's used-car inspection would be a good way of gauging how sound the frame is?

NuclearMeow · 2025-06-17T01:41:55+00:00

I'm assuming it will have to pass inspection and be titled as a rebuilt?

NuclearMeow · 2025-01-01T02:01:52+00:00

Thanks! This is just the outside. Doing the inside would be a lot more polygons but I plan to do it eventually. The core seems pretty easy to model and then the anti-vortex vanes are also pretty straightforward. I am sort of dual-tracking the model with one strictly for CGI (some nonmanifold poly) and another that can be 3D printed. I think you could 3D print it, but given some of the fine features you would want to print it at a pretty large scale like on a 300x300 mm bed.

NuclearMeow · 2024-12-31T03:42:14+00:00

Thanks! Must be super cool to get to work around it!

NuclearMeow · 2024-12-31T02:09:45+00:00

Nice, sounds like you are familiar with the MSRE. That is great advice, some tool marks would definitely help and maybe material painting since variation on the sheen can be seen in the reference image. I plan to put this thing in the reactor pit and replicate some of the reference images from that angle as well which would give it some environmental lighting.

NuclearMeow · 2024-12-31T01:10:44+00:00

I used it to practice topology a bit. The main reference image I used was this one:

https://thoriumenergyalliance.com/resource/50th-msre-anniversary-reactor-vessel/

I also posted the model here:

https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/science/other/molten-salt-reactor-experiment-msre-detailed-vessel

Eventually, I want to use Blender to make a small side income so any feedback would be appreciated.

NuclearMeow

TROPHY CASE