Shaken & Stirred!

[Uncle Al]

I was with-in 7 miles of home, on an Interstate when a vehicle pulled
into my lane. To close I thought, and was half-way into the left center
lane to pass this vehicle when he jammed on his brakes. I kept steady
on the wheel, jammed on my brakes but crumpled my right front fender,
bumper and wiped out the headlight. I pulled over to the right side of
the highway and stopped. I was shaking so badly I couldn't hold my
cell phone to call anyone.

Turned out the little blue car in front of us swerved and hit his brakes
to avoid debris on the highway. This caused the vehicle, that swerved
into my lane, to jam on his brakes as I was beginning to pass him.
Then CRUNCH! This took place in about 5 seconds.

I'll try to get pics on Monday or Tuesday. Now, I'm trying to keep
cool and not go outside. Temp today was 104*F, and tomorrow it
should get to 106*F. Time to 'fry' the proverbial egg on the sidewalk

Uncle Al


P.S.--No one was injured!

[Milfmog]

Good to hear that only tin got bent, not people. Now it's "just" a matter of sorting out the insurance mess, good luck with that.

Have fun,


Ian.

[crfriend]

Thank goodness you're OK, Al. That sounds like a close shave.

The crumpled metal can be dealt with, and will be in due course. Good luck.

As an aside, am I the only one that finds that the adrenaline-rush comes too late in these situations to do any good and only makes matters worse once all the "fun" is over?

[Uncle Al]

Yep! I could have swerved quickly to the left, but that move could
have caused me to roll my suburban, down the road like a barrel.
Not Good In the long run, my course of action was probably the best.

I just hope my insurance company does not 'total-out' my vehicle.
It can be repaired, which is what I want. I'm not able to go a 'new
car payment' now, not on pension alone. (Where's those blasted
winning lottery numbers anyway )

My Suburban is just getting 'broke-in'. 1997 model with 180,000+ miles.
I just repaired the A/C and it was nice and cold
I originally acquired the truck in 2001, replaced the tires in 2002 with
Michelin's and still running those tires. I don't care what anybody says,
Michelin Tires will out-last their warranty 99 times out of 100

Anyway, thanks all, for the good thoughts and wishes

Uncle Al

[crfriend]

Yep! I could have swerved quickly to the left, but that move could have caused me to roll my suburban, down the road like a barrel.

I suspect that you made a wise choice by shoving on the brakes and holding course; those machines are not designed for high-speed manoeuverability.

I just hope my insurance company does not 'total-out' my vehicle. It can be repaired, which is what I want.

It sounds like this one is going to take a while for the police to tease out who's at fault for what. Be patient, and do get your steed looked at for an estimate to repair. The gamblers will low-ball you -- and I dearly hope that you don't come into contact with the bastards that tried^W managed to screw me over -- and you may well be left holding the bill for a fix. And then you get to go through another round of debugging; I'm still picking nits off my vehicle almost a year after my fiasco last September.

Anyway, thanks all, for the good thoughts and wishes

That's what friends are for.

[Since1982]

Low slung cars etc you can swerve. Vans etc you have to brake. Otherwise you turn into a root beer barrel rolling down the road. Glad you're OK!

[Uncle Al]

Update............

This is what happens when you try to pass a vehicle and the 'idiot'
slams on his brakes......

IMG_0500_edited.jpg

The insurance adjuster was at the impound lot, took a lot of pictures.
The lady, at the lot, said he was there 2 1/2 hours.
I want the truck repaired, not totaled out

Uncle Al

[crfriend]

That looks like some pretty substantial damage, Al. The operative question here is, "Is there any damage to the frame?", but there's still one heck of a lot of mangled sheet-metal...

[Since1982]

I'm afraid the Insurers are going to total that. If they do, take whatever they give you and go fix your car. That's what I'd do with my current Ford Aerostar circa 1993, which I love. I've spent at least 5k in the last 3 years rebuilding the engine, re-doing the brakes and steering and A/C..and I'll spend more if I have to.

[JRMILLER]

Uncle Al,
You always have such an interesting life, you didn't wish to have an "interesting life" at sometime in your life did you?

[Uncle Al]

JR;
Nope, but it is interesting though.
I've had some doubts/regrets, but 'all-in-all' no major complaints
What's more important is 'It's a Wonderful Life' *

Uncle Al


*I really do enjoy watching Jimmy Stewart movies.
It's A Wonderful Life
The Glenn Miller Story
Harvey
Any of the Air Force/Military movies with Jimmy Stewart.
[He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, then went back to making movies]

[Uncle Al]

Update




I received the magical phone call today from my
insurance company. Since I found more 'comps'
than what their 'source comparison' company, and
I just spent $981.00 on a new compressor for the
A/C, with being insured by the 'company' for 20+
years, the insurance company Will Pay To Have
My Truck Repaired


I even get a rental car for up to 30 days Nice

Uncle Al


[ Do you think I a bit happy ]

[Northwesterner]

Encouraging news. Do you get to pick a rental car of your choice by any chance?

[crfriend]

That's great news Al! Thanks for sharing.

[Uncle Al]

I returned the "Roller Skate" (Nissan Sentra) to Enterprise Rental Car Co.
yesterday and picked up my Suburban from the repair shop. The mechanic
did tell me that I've got a few 'problems' coming up but none that require
immediate attention. They can wait 3-6 month as I'm not driving my truck
as much as I used to, no need. I will need to have the 'bushings' replaced
on the upper & lower "Idler Arms" on both sides of the front-end.
It's something I can't do as the 'bushings' are press-fit into the metal.
Oh-Well There goes another $300.00 for the complete job.

In 7 years my truck will be 20 years old - -

Should I get Antique license plates for it

Naw

I still want to use it as an every day vehicle,
not as a "Special Occasion" vehicle

Uncle Al