just totaled my 69 and almost totaled me

[basketcase]

berencam

Have you had a chance to look over the damage thoroughly? I would like to know if you determined if the lower steering column collapsed like it is supposed to. The lower section that the rag joint attaches to is supposed to slide back over the double D shaft several inches. There are a couple of plastic pins that hold them in place and sheer off on impact. See the attached photo for reference. The pins can be seen on the lower shaft side.

I'm going to replace the rag joint and was considering going to u-joints for more precise handling. The problem with that is it would do away with the collapsing feature. I think I'll just put in a new rag joint now that I have seen your pics. I had a friend killed by a steering shaft in his '60 Corvette when hit head on by a drunk at about 35 mph.

btw Old rag joints fail more often than you think. Imagine turning a corner and all of a sudden the steering wheel spins freely and the truck goes straight. This is a must replace item on any old car or truck.

Again, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Tom

[berencam]

Well... i think that the impact was so horrific that even if it did collapse it still shot up higher than it was before. See everything in the front of my truck was pushed back, and mushed about 4 feet back. So its really hard to tell if it did its job. I got some pictures of that sable, and boy is that car dented. the whole car is bowed. My favorite picture is of all the beer bottles in the passenger seat.

[brianthelion02]

Dayyyummmm,sure glad youre here to share with us!!!!!!!!

[pitt]

holy $&%^ your both lucky... makes me glad i never crashed my taurus... just blew it up..haha. i dont know who said it first but it would be fitting... see if he will help you build the next one lol. glad to see your both ok.

[Dapapadon]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. And I'll lokk into 3 point belts for the old 70.

Don

[68C15]

looking at those pics I see the Sable fared better at saving a person than your truck did. I think what happened is David didn't have a seat belt on and your hood hit his head.


BTW, you are sooooooooo blessed. you get a reminder how important it is to wear seat belts and not drive drunk. you get shown how great a boss you have, and best of all you get to show your mercy/compassion.

[adhesive123]

berencaM (Big C),
Just had to post and let you know everyone here in LA was and is praying for you. I know that you will rebound and be stronger after you recover and this whole thing is just a distance memory. Back in the day I had a 71 C10 Stepside and I loved it! Big tanklike thing so green and ugly only a father could love it. Whatever truck you end up with add the 3 point belts and be even safer. Hope to see pictures of the next project and drive safe.
-------farther of the Ks-------

[berencam]

Originally Posted by adhesive123

berencaM (Big C),
Just had to post and let you know everyone here in LA was and is praying for you. I know that you will rebound and be stronger after you recover and this whole thing is just a distance memory. Back in the day I had a 71 C10 Stepside and I loved it! Big tanklike thing so green and ugly only a father could love it. Whatever truck you end up with add the 3 point belts and be even safer. Hope to see pictures of the next project and drive safe.
-------farther of the Ks-------

used to live in metarie, for 12 years actually and dont worry ill have a new build thread soon enough

[Jim_PA]

Originally Posted by berencam

My favorite picture is of all the beer bottles in the passenger seat.

Looks like a bottle of pills in the mix too.

[berencam]

Tylenols mabee? if they are thats ironic.

[adhesive123]

Big C,
I'm in Metairie now. Just came from celebrating your Grandmothers B-Day.
------ father of the Ks ---------

[berencam]

Im gonna say adhesive is my uncle craig. how have you been, shoulda posted before and let me know who you where, had no idea it was you hehe.

[adhesive123]

Thought you might get it when I called you Big C or "father of the Ks.
Back to trucks stuff..... The 71 C10 was in 2 wrecks while I owned it the last one was someone rear ended me.
Broke a wire on my trailer hookup and smashed the hood and front bumper of the lady's compact car. She had just picked her car up from the bodyshop from another wreck.
I really do miss that old truck. No V8 just a 6 banger with a 2 speed tranny. The truck stated life as a scrap metal hauller. Once again glad to hear you are on the road to recovery.

[berencam]

Well it did throw me off but i't didnt dawn on me till the second post. yea i should be back home at my own house mid next week, and im starting to be able to eat more solid food(had a omelet last night and it was amazing) so im doing great considering. ive located a mildly restored 69 longbed for 3500 im gonna try my best to get. hopefully i can talk him into 2k down and payments on the rest. if not i gatta hope he still has it come taxtime. c10s sure are fun eh?

[texanidiot25]

Tylenol, and alcohol gives some sort of crazy buzz I think... or something like that, like if you mix sleeping pills and energy drinks, it gives a crazy feeling, but also you risk heart attacks.

Aint tried, aint gonna, but thats what some kids at my school do..

But jeez, you really did a number on that car.

Goodluck with the other truck, have you given him your story yet? Maybe get a sympathy discount or something

[berencam]

Originally Posted by texanidiot25

Tylenol, and alcohol gives some sort of crazy have you given him your story yet? Maybe get a sympathy discount or something

going to talk to him in person tomorrow, thats exactly what im hoping on hhaha

[adhesive123]

I always liked the short beds. Kinda sporty I guess. The short bed step side was my favorite. When I got my chance I got the one my favorite. The truck was in the neighborhood. I would pass it everyday on the way home from school. When I saw the "For Sale" sign I knew I had to have it. Most thought I shouldn't buy it because it was a lovely faded Chevy green with gray primer in all the right spots. But, I saw thru it and was in love. Unfortunately "life happens" and I never restored or fixed it all the way. I did a little here and there but never got it back to where it belonged. Maybe one day I will try for another one. Well take care and I'll catch ya later.
--------father of the Ks----------

[Liz]

Originally Posted by berencam

Im gonna say adhesive is my uncle craig. how have you been, shoulda posted before and let me know who you where, had no idea it was you hehe.

This is the first time in this post that I laughed your uncle got ya good there
Glad to see you feeling a lil better

[Jerry Jones]

Just got back from a mini vacation, and this is the first post I see.... WOW! You and the other guy are very lucky people!

(sorry about your rig)

[rambler]

wow, I just saw this as well.. My mother and sister got hit head on by a dd almost 2 years ago, and are still recorporating.. they were airevac to springfield as well the other driver did not make it, and he had no insurance, I hope you a speedy recovery..

[72BlckButy]

berencam I hope that the visit with David went okay. After looking at the pictures of his car it's a wonder he is still alive.

[bent]

"..."Real truck enthusiasts won't drink and drive"...." is my favorite and i can completely agree with 70cst this can be turned into some good. Obviously people still havnt got the point you CANNOT drink and function properly.

Glad to see that you are doing good and you and youre family is still in my prayers.


As far as xshadows commens on if there will be a pic of the truck that would work with a slogan like drink drive and pay the price or sumtin


just my 2cents worth

[berencam]

Originally Posted by basketcase

berencam

Have you had a chance to look over the damage thoroughly? I would like to know if you determined if the lower steering column collapsed like it is supposed to. The lower section that the rag joint attaches to is supposed to slide back over the double D shaft several inches. There are a couple of plastic pins that hold them in place and sheer off on impact. See the attached photo for reference. The pins can be seen on the lower shaft side.

Tom

yes it did collapse. but it doesn't collapse enough to have helped me in this situation.


Went to the docs today and alls well. they took the majority of the stitches out and told me im healing fast and well.


found a 72 with factory disks in front power brakes and steering, and a 350 for 1500. this my be my new truck. my only concern is that the p.o. installed a newer automatic tranny and looks like bolted a newer car console shifter( you know the one thats to the right of you) well its supposed to work just fine but looks tacky imo... how hard would it be to get that back on the column where it belongs. the only other area of concern is it only has a un optioned gauge cluster, no oil, no temp, no ammeter, nothing... how hard is it to get a new cluster installed in these things, and what about cost? im not really made out of money and am relying on a old boss to get the 1500 for the truck in the first place. can a used cluster be installed relatively easily or is it alot of wiring.

[berencam]

better pic of the side, picture of how fast i was going, better pic of the total destruction of the cab, and the engine bay

[ksjh1316]

Man itr sounds like his insurance company isn't stepping up to the plate they should atleast have you a new rental car to use till they pay you for your truck so you dont have to worry about getting a new one out of pocket so fast.