In a bold case study of automotive salvage, Rich Rebuilds embarked on a project to resurrect a hurricane-damaged Audi e-Tron that had sustained flood exposure. The vehicle, which carried a high original price tag, ended up changing hands for a far lower amount after salt water intrusion compromised the electrical systems. This is a close look at the early salvage steps, the risks involved, and the uneasy road toward a potential restoration. [Attribution: Rich Rebuilds blog and video archive]
The initial plan centered on removing moisture and assessing the extent of the damage. Rather than using conventional drying agents due to prohibitive costs, the team explored a more unconventional approach. They chose to dry the interior using a large volume of rice, a method they believed could absorb moisture adequately when executed on a grand scale. The team weighed options, considered safety concerns, and proceeded with a risk-balanced strategy to minimize further water damage. [Attribution: YouTube diary notes]
The process unfolded inside a makeshift containment zone where the car could be sheltered from ambient humidity. A substantial amount of material was used to create a drying environment, then the Audi e-Tron was left to equilibrate. The goal was twofold: extract as much moisture as possible and minimize additional corrosion while preventing new water ingress. After several days, the rice was removed with a vacuum system designed for large waste recovery. The operation emphasized patience, meticulous planning, and a willingness to tolerate imperfect outcomes as part of a broader restoration effort. [Attribution: Operational update]
Remarkably, the vehicle demonstrated signs of life during the dry-out phase. It started and managed to move forward a short distance, a small but meaningful indicator of underlying electrical resilience amid widespread error codes. Yet the dashboard illumination and error messages underscored that the car was far from road-ready. The work ahead would involve a comprehensive diagnostics regime, component-by-component assessment, and likely significant repairs to the powertrain, battery management, and control modules. This early progress provided reassurance that recovery remains possible, even if the route is long and uncertain. [Attribution: Field notes]
Video: YouTube