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Got Whacked

Posted: September 6, 2017, 4:42 pm
by Doc Pepper
Yesterday, I got whacked in the supermarket parking lot. More specifically, my '65 slick did. Crushed the driver's side door and front fender. And, ironically, as if I were getting a message from above, I also got the truck's renewal notice on the same day. I don't know if the good Lord is trying to tell me to pack this thing in, or that it is time for another complete restoration.
After two brain hemorrhages, a stroke, and countless heart attacks (I have had so many that I think of them as most people think of colds), I am tending toward the notion that the local wrecking yard will have yet one more deceased piece of Detroit iron to shade its weeds.
The man that hit me was crying that his wife was dying and that he was calling her on his cell phone when it happened. He then gave me a spiel that he owned a body shop and would straighten out the damage for free. Being the stupid man that I am, I took his word for it all and let him go without any transfer of information. Also knowing that nobody can straighten rust, and that only I ever touch my truck, I went home and cried to my coyote that her truck passenger days were over.
Fortunately, I can still get in and out of the truck, and it still drives, so I will have time to find alternative wheels. So far, all of the so called slick parts guys have reported that they have no straight doors. It looks more and more like another one will be removed from the highways.
Fortunately, there were no injuries resulting from the collision, and there were about forty witnesses (and 2 security cameras) willing to claim that the other driver was at fault, whoever it was.
I was a good run. Eleven years. Thirteen overall. Two to restore it and eleven years of moving down the road with manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmission, manual choke, and the periodic manual push.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 6, 2017, 5:02 pm
by slick4x4
I'd let the guy try to straighten it before sending it to a junkyard

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 6, 2017, 7:02 pm
by 04sd
That's a real bummer. If the truck is good otherwise I certainly wouldn't pack it in just becasue of a door and fender though. Keep driving it for now and see what you think in a few weeks or months.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 7, 2017, 10:26 am
by aj64f100390-292
ABSOULTLY, If ITS IN ANY WAY SAVABLE...I would make sure the door isnt rubbing the fender and if it is adjust it out..or worst case senerio bang it out until it isn't primer it, and drive on until you can fix the door or find a replacement...TBH I have two almost dent free doors (Drivers and passenger) but I may end up using it as my 64s door is pretty rough...someone let the door crunch aginst the fender for along time...but My door Is fixable but I think it needs a whole new lower skin and the main frame was bent on the bottom front corner when the skin was dented it pushed it back into the door frame.. but If someone has some 64 custom cab doors in as good of shape so that I would have the trim holes interior and body trim that I can afford I would sell the two to help a fellow member.. these are 62 f600 doors dent free and almost zero inner surface rust but the big truck mirror post got hit and bent in the body curve a bit..but that's it but before 63 custom cabs had no exterior trim and before 64 no interior panel trim..so other than the custom cab emblem holes they need trim holes drilled for me or anyone with a 63 or later custom cab..they are the only spare body parts I have other than the 62 upper grill valance and the cracked 62 grill..other but you are in Arizona..

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 7, 2017, 7:34 pm
by Toyz
Doc, I've got loads of usable doors; and probably usable fenders. You are welcome to them, just got to figure a way to get 'em to you.
Paul

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 8, 2017, 9:28 am
by MY OL 66
Doc Pepper wrote:Yesterday, I got whacked in the supermarket parking lot. More specifically, my '65 slick did. Crushed the driver's side door and front fender. And, ironically, as if I were getting a message from above, I also got the truck's renewal notice on the same day. I don't know if the good Lord is trying to tell me to pack this thing in, or that it is time for another complete restoration.
After two brain hemorrhages, a stroke, and countless heart attacks (I have had so many that I think of them as most people think of colds), I am tending toward the notion that the local wrecking yard will have yet one more deceased piece of Detroit iron to shade its weeds.
The man that hit me was crying that his wife was dying and that he was calling her on his cell phone when it happened. He then gave me a spiel that he owned a body shop and would straighten out the damage for free. Being the stupid man that I am, I took his word for it all and let him go without any transfer of information. Also knowing that nobody can straighten rust, and that only I ever touch my truck, I went home and cried to my coyote that her truck passenger days were over.
Fortunately, I can still get in and out of the truck, and it still drives, so I will have time to find alternative wheels. So far, all of the so called slick parts guys have reported that they have no straight doors. It looks more and more like another one will be removed from the highways.
Fortunately, there were no injuries resulting from the collision, and there were about forty witnesses (and 2 security cameras) willing to claim that the other driver was at fault, whoever it was.
I was a good run. Eleven years. Thirteen overall. Two to restore it and eleven years of moving down the road with manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmission, manual choke, and the periodic manual push.
Dang, Doc! That too bad!
If you are still in Tucson, let me know if you need any help removing/replacing parts if you decide to go that route.
My parts truck got hit in the same location, so unfortunately, I do not have any usable/extra parts.
You might try contacting Bill Wilson (also in Tucson), he has a lot of extra parts collected.
PM me if you need his contact info.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 8, 2017, 12:32 pm
by Doc Pepper
Bill W does not have any clean doors. I have had a dozen slick enthusiasts tell me that either they were going to keep whatever doors they have for their own repairs, or that the doors they have are also damaged, or that they don't have doors. Or that they are simply too far away and can't figure how to get them to me.
I figure that my slick has maybe another year or so before it starts knocking like a diesel on cheap gas. And when I first got this truck, it was smashed from the front doors forward due to a front end accident.
I am actually considering putting a later model body on the frame when (and if) I do restore it. 1967 and newer are a lot cheaper that 1966 or older due to AZ's emission laws (none for 66 or older).
But either way, I will not do anything to this thing unless I have all of the necessary parts for a proper restoration (doors, fenders, front clip; maybe a bed).
If I sell it, it would be as parts, and the only decent parts are all from the frame down. The body is so rusty that I have to run for cover during sand storms to avoid the truck dissolving into oblivion.
Toys, if you have doors and fenders, let me know what they will cost me and I will plan a trip to your place to pick them up. You can then see what I have to work with and offer me some decent advice.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 9, 2017, 1:59 pm
by Toyz
Doc, the total cost would be getting here and back; I'm in southeast Texas! But, c'mon, lot of us here would like to meet you; and I DO have plenty of parts!
Paul

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 9, 2017, 5:50 pm
by Doc Pepper
If you are talking parts, then I could also use a replacement steering box (manual), steering column, and some other miscellania. As far as visiting, I am told that I make a great first impression. Unfortunately, the second and subsequent impressions seem to counter the experience. If I drive to Texas, especially completely through it from west to east, I might not be able to make it without getting arrested for some kind of motor vehicle law prohibiting ugly, dented, or overly rusted cars from using your highways. Texas Rangers seem to frown on doorless vehicles using their roads.
And I don't want every Texican with a gun and some sheep shooting at ny coyote. At worst, she could only eat one baby lamb during the trip, or 2 armadillos and a couple of rotting skunk carcasses.

Maybe you are right. Maybe it would be better just to send the parts to me.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 17, 2017, 5:31 pm
by Doc Pepper
I have decided to go with a different body, possibly a later year. I have started researching potential fits. It has simply become too difficult to find parts for this truck. I will start combing the wrecking yards for PUs with blown drive trains.
If anyone has successfully placed a different year pickup body on a '65 frame, please enlighten me.
My truck's frame is too good to wreck, but the body needs too much work.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 17, 2017, 8:02 pm
by Anthony
65-79 will bolt right up Doc.. the gab and front end anyway.. the beds might have to be re-drilled but that is an easy modification... my 66 is sitting on a 76 chassis.. bolted right up...

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 18, 2017, 7:32 pm
by Doc Pepper
Thanks for that great information. It gives me a lot to search for. But how about the other direction (older than 1965)? And while I am thinking about it, can I put any van bodies on it. If I had my druthers, I would love to put an Econoline body on it.
Of course, none of this would be necessary if I could get the parts I need to fix this body, but if they don't exist..., ... they don't exist.
And, if I can get my scientifically advanced electric Porsche running, I might even consider building a RV body on the frame.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 19, 2017, 5:53 am
by ratrapp
I know a guy that has extra doors,front clip and cab he's selling but unfortunately he's in va.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: September 19, 2017, 10:31 am
by Toyz
Stay with the front coil sprung trucks, Doc. As Anthony stated, it's pretty near a bolt-on, while the older leaf front cabs would be a challenge due to different mounting locations, steering setups, etc.
An Econoline or van would offer even greater challenges, LOL!
Paul

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: November 12, 2017, 3:23 pm
by Doc Pepper
Well, it's a done deal. I spoke with the local wrecking yard. They are picking her up this week. In trade, they will be giving me a late model economy coupe. I just couldn't wait any longer for the needed parts. Yesterday, the brakes got spongy again, and I am tired of repairing them, especially with substandard replacement parts.
I'll miss you guys.
Doc.

Re: Got Whacked

Posted: November 12, 2017, 7:45 pm
by Toyz
Doc,
I was thinking about you this weekend!
I brought home my first "hybrid". As I was attempting to figure out the drivetrain, The thought came to me, "Doc would have this ICE snatched out of here, and a charger hooked up to create a plug-in electric!"
Don't "miss us", check in occasionally and let us know how everything is going!

Paul