I hit a deer!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TNChevyMan · 03-01-2007, 01:06 PM

Well I hit a deer last night, tore my truck up pretty good. I caught the thing dead center at 60mph. I'll tell ya, feeling how much force was behind that blow, I don't think I'll ever drive a modern car made of plastic. If I hadn't been driving a 1971 chevy truck, I could be in the hospital right now for all I know. Thank god cars were at least once made of steel.

Only problem is insurance want me to choose between some local bodies shops to do the work, and I've never let anyone else touch my truck when it comes to work. I have a feeling that it shouldn't be too difficult, but I was still curious if anyone has had experiences with modern body shops touching their classic trucks.

Haha in the 3rd picture you can actually see some hair still around the headlight that got caught under one of the screws.

shaneschevys · 03-01-2007, 01:10 PM

Ouch!!

bad_turbo · 03-01-2007, 01:10 PM

That sucks!! Too bad you can't just fix that yourself. Doesn't look real bad. Did you get to keep the deer meat at least?

BigSky71 · 03-01-2007, 01:11 PM

Bummer man. You are right, had that been a new plastic truck/car the front would be destroyed and you would have black eyes from the airbag.

Looks like an easy fix though, looks like the hood is not dented. Just hang a new inner/outer grille and headlight trim.

1lowdiesel · 03-01-2007, 01:15 PM

why's it on the flatbed?

Longhorn Man · 03-01-2007, 01:17 PM

new cars are safer, like it or not. The car would be totaled, but you are safer though.
Your insurance company can not make you go to a shop, you don't even have to legaly repair it. Get however many quotes they require, tell them to cut you a check, and you'll provide them with proof the repairs have been made.
On second thought, I'd say just go and buy the parts. You make a claim on your own insurance, and you're only screwin yourself since your rates will probably go up. a claim is a claim.

mrein3 · 03-01-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

new cars are safer, like it or not. The car would be totaled, but you are safer though.
Your insurance company can not make you go to a shop, you don't even have to legaly repair it. Get however many quotes they require, tell them to cut you a check, and you'll provide them with proof the repairs have been made.
On second thought, I'd say just go and buy the parts. You make a claim on your own insurance, and you're only screwin yourself since your rates will probably go up. a claim is a claim.

For once I have to agree with Longhorn Man. Believe it or not you are safer in a new car for incidents like this.

A couple of years ago a guy was driving his mid 70s Chevy pickup down the highway in northern MN. He was approaching a car coming the other way. A deer jumps out and is launched by the car. Both the deer and the guy driving the pickup didn't make it. Of course deer up there aren't the puppy dogs you guys see down south but the point still stands, just because the vehicle is bigger doesn't automatically make you safer.

Another problem with trucks is when you hit a bigger animal like an elk or a moose. Your POS econobox will drive UNDER the animal. In your pickup its in your lap.

arkracing · 03-01-2007, 05:44 PM

you DO NOT HAVE to take your truck to any "Insurance shop" or Direct repair shop as they like to call them.

The Insurance company will send someone out to look @ it (They might tell you it will take a week or two - if it is more than 1week tell them it is unacceptable.) You might have to drive your truck to one of the Direct Repair Shops to get the estimate a little quicker if they insist that it will take longer than a week.

You technically don't even have to fix it.

The body shop isn't going to have the parts prices redily available - any adjuster who comes out to see it won't either - you might make out better if you have some prices for them

TNChevyMan · 03-01-2007, 01:18 PM

Its on the flatbed because the radiator got busted, I can't pop the hood yet because the latch release is missing now somehow. I'll have to remove the latch from the top of the grill and lift the hood to see how far back my radiator went, and make sure there is no damage to the motor. My hood is either bowed up or my right side fender is bent silghtly as well.

It's actually a lot worse then it looks.

3/4tonterror · 03-01-2007, 01:27 PM

I Hope You Got To Keep The Deer.looks Like A Quick Fix

timcos · 03-01-2007, 01:28 PM

They should teach deer to look both ways before crossing...probably had his Ipod jamming and was not paying attention.

I think it is the deer's fault and you should seek competent legal advice and search for the assets of that young deer's parents.

meathead95 · 03-01-2007, 02:03 PM

take it to pogues in shelbyville they do awesome work and ALOT of classics

Bishops Trucks · 03-01-2007, 02:06 PM

I hit one with my '90 Chevy truck and did $4700.00 BUCKS in damage. These older trucks take it a little better than the newer ones. Glad you are ok.

cameeks · 03-01-2007, 02:21 PM

It looks like your grill is the only thing holding your hood up. If you take it off it might go back to normal.

BACKYARD88 · 03-01-2007, 02:27 PM

I'd say get them estimates, get a check, and fix it yourself.

BigSky71 · 03-01-2007, 02:30 PM

67ChevyRedneck · 03-01-2007, 02:32 PM

Oh DEER!

Sorry man, I smacked one with my 67 about 8 years ago, but it caused no visible damage. I saw it, hit my brakes, and by the time I actually hit it I was only going about 15 mph. I agree with the others, get an estimate, get your check, and fix it yourself. I hope your deductable is low

bobthecop · 03-01-2007, 02:36 PM

One thing to remember about insurance companies, they work for you, you pay them. You can have it fixed where ever you want, and you do not have to chase estimates. I've had this arguement with them before and I won.

68Mike · 03-01-2007, 05:48 PM

with Longhorn...

If you want to get the most money out of it, get a few estimates and pick the one that suits your bill. Let the insurance company give you the check and fix it yourself. I've done this in the past and they've had no objections since I sent pictures before/after to them. On the other hand, if you dont fix it and try to claim something in the same damaged area later, they will not honor it without first proof that the previous damage had been repaired. seems like an easy fix though. Good luck and "nice truck".

Mike

PanelDeland · 03-01-2007, 05:51 PM

Can you say N.O.S. That's the pricing I would demand to get me back to "Pre-loss" condition.They will probably raise your rates so high you can't afford insurance anymore.

67ChevyRedneck · 03-01-2007, 05:55 PM

I too agree with Andy, I feel MUCH safer in my Z71 than my 67. The 67's rear will break loose (even with new all season tires) any time it rains and I've almost lost her a few times in the rain. To put it simply, I do not drive the 67 when it rains anymore.

When I hit my deer (even at a low speed) my driver side door flew open from the impact (not sure how that happened) and my right hand slammed into the steel dash and hurt like hell. If I hadn't installed the 3 point seat belts I'm sure I would have done a face plant into the steering wheel.

New vehicles (excluding tiny econoboxes, I'm still afraid to drive one) are much safer than any 40 yr old vehicle.

Hope my pops isn't reading this, I hit the deer on Bemus-Ellery road when I was 17 and never told him

Sorry dad

**70cst** · 03-01-2007, 09:56 PM

"Deer" me...

Bummer. That is going to cost a few "Bucks" to fix. If that would have been two deer that would have cost a lot of "Doe."

I am glad you were not hurt.

03-01-2007, 01:06 PM	#1
TNChevyMan Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 14	I hit a deer!! Well I hit a deer last night, tore my truck up pretty good. I caught the thing dead center at 60mph. I'll tell ya, feeling how much force was behind that blow, I don't think I'll ever drive a modern car made of plastic. If I hadn't been driving a 1971 chevy truck, I could be in the hospital right now for all I know. Thank god cars were at least once made of steel. Only problem is insurance want me to choose between some local bodies shops to do the work, and I've never let anyone else touch my truck when it comes to work. I have a feeling that it shouldn't be too difficult, but I was still curious if anyone has had experiences with modern body shops touching their classic trucks. Haha in the 3rd picture you can actually see some hair still around the headlight that got caught under one of the screws.

03-01-2007, 01:10 PM	#2
shaneschevys Its always something! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FT Worth,TX Posts: 4,992	Re: I hit a deer!! Ouch!! __________________ 79 p10 stepvan 72 Short Fleetside 72 Suburban 67 GMC One Ton Flatbed 64 Short Fleetside 57 Chevy 2DR Hard Top 57 Chevy 2dr wagon 65 f* short fleet 63 C 60 Flatbed Member of the patina club**

03-01-2007, 01:10 PM	#3
bad_turbo turbo enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: carmichael, ca. Posts: 1,826	Re: I hit a deer!! That sucks!! Too bad you can't just fix that yourself. Doesn't look real bad. Did you get to keep the deer meat at least? __________________ "But daddy, I didn't hit them all with a stick"...what my 6 year old tells me when I pick him up from school early for fighting "

03-01-2007, 01:11 PM	#4
BigSky71 LAIDOUT Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NW Montana Posts: 928	Re: I hit a deer!! Bummer man. You are right, had that been a new plastic truck/car the front would be destroyed and you would have black eyes from the airbag. Looks like an easy fix though, looks like the hood is not dented. Just hang a new inner/outer grille and headlight trim. __________________ 67 2wd Shorty Build Pictures

03-01-2007, 01:15 PM	#5
1lowdiesel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: central jersey Posts: 763	Re: I hit a deer!! why's it on the flatbed? __________________ 69 4wd V6 20k orig miles!! 05 ccsb 2wd Diesel 500hp bagged and soon to be stock floored. 01 rcsb chevy 2wd 6bt cummins :devil:> build xtremediesel.com

03-01-2007, 01:17 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: I hit a deer!! new cars are safer, like it or not. The car would be totaled, but you are safer though. Your insurance company can not make you go to a shop, you don't even have to legaly repair it. Get however many quotes they require, tell them to cut you a check, and you'll provide them with proof the repairs have been made. On second thought, I'd say just go and buy the parts. You make a claim on your own insurance, and you're only screwin yourself since your rates will probably go up. a claim is a claim.

03-01-2007, 05:44 PM	#8
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	Re: I hit a deer!! you DO NOT HAVE to take your truck to any "Insurance shop" or Direct repair shop as they like to call them. The Insurance company will send someone out to look @ it (They might tell you it will take a week or two - if it is more than 1week tell them it is unacceptable.) You might have to drive your truck to one of the Direct Repair Shops to get the estimate a little quicker if they insist that it will take longer than a week. You technically don't even have to fix it. The body shop isn't going to have the parts prices redily available - any adjuster who comes out to see it won't either - you might make out better if you have some prices for them __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered

03-01-2007, 01:18 PM	#9
TNChevyMan Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 14	Re: I hit a deer!! Its on the flatbed because the radiator got busted, I can't pop the hood yet because the latch release is missing now somehow. I'll have to remove the latch from the top of the grill and lift the hood to see how far back my radiator went, and make sure there is no damage to the motor. My hood is either bowed up or my right side fender is bent silghtly as well. It's actually a lot worse then it looks. Last edited by TNChevyMan; 03-01-2007 at 01:26 PM.

03-01-2007, 01:27 PM	#10
3/4tonterror Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: jaffrey,NH Posts: 325	Re: I hit a deer!! I Hope You Got To Keep The Deer.looks Like A Quick Fix

03-01-2007, 01:28 PM	#11
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: I hit a deer!! They should teach deer to look both ways before crossing...probably had his Ipod jamming and was not paying attention. I think it is the deer's fault and you should seek competent legal advice and search for the assets of that young deer's parents. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

03-01-2007, 02:03 PM	#12
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	Re: I hit a deer!! take it to pogues in shelbyville they do awesome work and ALOT of classics __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

03-01-2007, 02:06 PM	#13
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: I hit a deer!! I hit one with my '90 Chevy truck and did $4700.00 BUCKS in damage. These older trucks take it a little better than the newer ones. Glad you are ok. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

03-01-2007, 02:21 PM	#14
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: I hit a deer!! It looks like your grill is the only thing holding your hood up. If you take it off it might go back to normal. __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

03-01-2007, 02:27 PM	#15
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: I hit a deer!! I'd say get them estimates, get a check, and fix it yourself. __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting

03-01-2007, 02:30 PM	#16
BigSky71 LAIDOUT Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NW Montana Posts: 928	Re: I hit a deer!! __________________ 67 2wd Shorty Build Pictures



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03-01-2007, 02:32 PM	#17
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: I hit a deer!! Oh DEER! Sorry man, I smacked one with my 67 about 8 years ago, but it caused no visible damage. I saw it, hit my brakes, and by the time I actually hit it I was only going about 15 mph. I agree with the others, get an estimate, get your check, and fix it yourself. I hope your deductable is low __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 03-01-2007 at 02:33 PM.

03-01-2007, 02:36 PM	#18
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: I hit a deer!! One thing to remember about insurance companies, they work for you, you pay them. You can have it fixed where ever you want, and you do not have to chase estimates. I've had this arguement with them before and I won. __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car)

03-01-2007, 05:48 PM	#19
68Mike Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Salinas,Ca 93906 Posts: 502	Re: I hit a deer!! with Longhorn... If you want to get the most money out of it, get a few estimates and pick the one that suits your bill. Let the insurance company give you the check and fix it yourself. I've done this in the past and they've had no objections since I sent pictures before/after to them. On the other hand, if you dont fix it and try to claim something in the same damaged area later, they will not honor it without first proof that the previous damage had been repaired. seems like an easy fix though. Good luck and "nice truck". Mike __________________ Mike Currents: '74 Cheyenne Super C30 Camper Special 3+3 aka "Sucia30" Past: '79 C10 BIG 10 (Sold) 69 CST LWB - Always a "Work in progress" true work truck (stolen) 05 GSXR 750 it has a pretty paint job _wrecked 72 SWB full frame restoration -sold! 71 CST K5 Blazer 4x4 (soon to be 2wd)-project - sold! C10 Club 2012 Brothers Show Video http://youtu.be/pUeV2vP7Wpo

03-01-2007, 05:51 PM	#20
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: I hit a deer!! Can you say N.O.S. That's the pricing I would demand to get me back to "Pre-loss" condition.They will probably raise your rates so high you can't afford insurance anymore. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-01-2007, 05:55 PM	#21
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: I hit a deer!! I too agree with Andy, I feel MUCH safer in my Z71 than my 67. The 67's rear will break loose (even with new all season tires) any time it rains and I've almost lost her a few times in the rain. To put it simply, I do not drive the 67 when it rains anymore. When I hit my deer (even at a low speed) my driver side door flew open from the impact (not sure how that happened) and my right hand slammed into the steel dash and hurt like hell. If I hadn't installed the 3 point seat belts I'm sure I would have done a face plant into the steering wheel. New vehicles (excluding tiny econoboxes, I'm still afraid to drive one) are much safer than any 40 yr old vehicle. Hope my pops isn't reading this, I hit the deer on Bemus-Ellery road when I was 17 and never told him Sorry dad __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 03-01-2007 at 05:57 PM.

03-01-2007, 09:56 PM	#22
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: I hit a deer!! "Deer" me... Bummer. That is going to cost a few "Bucks" to fix. If that would have been two deer that would have cost a lot of "Doe." I am glad you were not hurt. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

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