The seat belt probably saved your life. As you say the vert will be fixed.
Will we see you at the Aug DML BBQ ? Take it easy Don :-)
Jim, 91 Dak
>
>Hey DML, it's been a while since I've posted... time for an update. For
>those interested, my house is almost liveable... I'm installing drywall
>this week. All that's left is flooring and finish work!
>
>First the bad news. I crashed my truck. To give you an idea of the
>magnitude, I rolled it onto it's side. Happened a little more than a week
>ago. The only injury is to my pride. I climbed out without a scratch
>(praise God). Here's what happened: Was driving to my house on Rt-87 (an
>old farm road turned into a highway... speed limit is 35, typical speed is
>55). I was traveling about 65 up a hill. I was momentarily distracted (cell
>phone rang - just wondered who called, wasn't going to answer) and drifted
>half off the road. I corrected back to the left to avoid hitting the speed
>limit sign, but the right tires were in some stagnant muck (because of poor
>storm drainage). I corrected further... which turned out to be too much. I
>missed the sign by inches as I jumped back into the road and quickly across
>the yellow lines. I steered to the right but overcorrected again and lost
>control. The rear end took over, I spun around, and impacted tires-first
>into a small embankment... facing the wrong direciton but back on the side
>I had started. The impact was hard enough to tip me over... hard. I was
>simply slammed into my door. As always, I was wearing my seatbelt. I never
>hit the brakes and was trying to use the gas and clutch to straighten out.
>
>The damage: -Two severely bent wheels (Jeep steel wheels); the BFG A/T KO
>tires were un-damaged and still fully-inflated! Unbelieveable. I love these
>tires. -Bent rear axleshaft (the flange and a couple studs are bent) -Torn
>CV boot, lots of contamination, and some nasty grinding & binding in the
>joint. -Body damage to bed (bed rail is bent) -Body damage to lower part of
>door; it will need to be re-aligned.
>
>The good news. No injuries. No glass damage. No damage to convertible-only
>parts (except the door... but it's repairable). I've fixed all the
>mechanical damage caused by the crash (except for front alignment). I'll
>live with the body damage for a while.
>
>Before I drive it again, though, I'm going to replace the motor mounts.
>They're pretty bad. I hate replacing 4wd Dak motor mounts. Any
>suggestions/tips/tricks for making it easier?
>
>Don in CT 89 Dak Vert 318 NV3500 4x4 "If you can read this, flip me over"
>74 Dart Sport 340
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