Major Accident

[GCP]

^^^^ Those are all very valid points and enough to cause reason for concern. However, there are still competent and honest people (I know, those words are scarce anymore) that are capable of fixing the truck correctly. Years ago, I was hit head on in a bad snow storm by a teenaged driver. We hit driver side tire to tire. Luckily, I was only going about 35 mph, but multiply that by her speed and it was pretty ugly. It completely ripped the front tire, control arms, strut assembly, and cv joint right out from under my car. Not to mention lots of body damage. It was all laying in the road as a complete assembly, still attached to the tire. I had the car towed to a local frame/body shop who happens to be a friend of mine. He put it up on the rack and inspected it. his estimate was right on the fence of totalling the car (80% of the cars value) and he asked me what I wanted to do. I asked him and he said without a doubt he could make it right but if I wanted to total it he could do that as well. I was admittedly skeptical about repairing it, but the car was less than 2 years old and paid for, and I did not like the thought of purchasing another new car as I knew that I was going to take a loss financially by going that route. So I had him fix it. I put another 150k miles on that car before selling it, and I never had any issues whatsover related to the accident. Of course, my decision was made easier because I know and trust the man who repaired my car. And it may be difficult to find someone who wont cut corners as mentioned above. But if you can find an honest frame shop and you stay involved with the repairs and make sure they are putting new oem parts back on your truck, it can be repaired correctly. I doubt they will even consider totalling it if the damage is only at 50% of the trucks value, unless the frame is bent beyond repair, then it will be deemed a loss no matter what. Good luck with the repairs, and more importantly, finding your puppy.

I agree. There are definitely honest hardworking shops out there. I believe that having this accident out in a very rural area is a blessing in disguise as far as the repair is considered. I have had numerous conversations with the owner of the body shop and I suspect he is one of those genuinely reliable and honest small business owners. However, that does not mean that I can let up on my constant vigual in insisting that the repair be done correctly.

Hey GCP, you said you had an id chip in Haley, does that have some kind of a gps signal? Im not familiar with those, us Ohioans are a little behind in the times :-laf

The microchip installed in Haley's shoulders is a small RFID chip that contains her name and the name of her owners and our phone number. Any vetinary clinic or civil animal control facility will automatically scan for her chip upon her arrival, giving them all the information necessary to return her to us. It's a neat piece of technology that is required by law in the city of Albuquerque.



I will however look into a GPS tracking collar for our next four legged family member.

That's encouraging if the shop can and will measure the key frame points. I would think that the rear spring hangers are critical after the impact with the guard rail.

They have measured the frame and all points measured to spec. When the accident occurred all of the forces where absorbed laterally. In other words the vehicles impacted like a couple of stunt cars in a chase scene in a movie - door to door. At no time did the trucks collide perpendicularly. Because of this all five people walked away from the accident and both trucks suffered severe body damage, but little mechanical damage. All of the mechanical damage occurred at the rear passenger side from the guardrail. But, as I said earlier, all of the issues everyone have raised are very valid and must be scrutinized.

 

[HBarlow]

GCP,

I think you are more likely than most to get a satisfying repair because you understand the challenge and seem to be on top of it. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Grizzly]

GCP, Any word on your dog?

 

[GCP]

Unfortunately no. We haven't given up on her, but I fear the longer we go without hearing from anyone the less likely we will see her again. Although, you never know, we might get a call six weeks from now by someone who stumbles upon her. We just got back into town yesterday, and it was sad not having her here with us; the house is a little too quiet. I'll definitely let you guys know if I hear anything. Thanks again for all the well wishes, thoughts, and prayers.

Gabe

 

[Grizzly]

Gabe, thanks for the update. I'll pray that you get your dog back soon.

I too lost a Golden Retriever many years ago. The electric meter reader came into my back yard to read the meter and left the the gate open. We never saw that dog again, who was just a pup.

george

 

[rashwor]

Glad all of the family is ok and hope the teenagers face applicable charges. I am a dog person too and I feel your loss. I hope she shows up. Good luck on the truck.

 

[GCP]

Glad all of the family is ok and hope the teenagers face applicable charges. I am a dog person too and I feel your loss. I hope she shows up. Good luck on the truck.

Thank you Rash. We have had a few people call or Facebook (whatever that means) my wife, but so far all the dogs have been misidentified. That said, at least the local population in and around Childless county are still actively searching and keeping an eye out for Haley. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of assistance we have received so freely from complete strangers.

The truck is allegedly going to be ready on or about 9 January, so I suspect I'll have an update to provide everyone at some point.

Thanks to all,

GCP

 

[DFark]

Glad the family was unhurt. Hopefully an honest person will find Haley and she will be returned to you. Good luck with the repairs.

 

[BLoging]

i hope you find you dog i am glad there is people out looking for it please keep use up to date if there is some one that find's dog of your's

 

[GCP]

Thanks again.

UPDATE: There is nothing significant to report other than the pickup date has been pushed back. I'll let you know more as I hear more.

Thanks

 

[GCP]

Got the call late today from the auto body shop. Everything is repaired and ready for pickup. I'll be heading that way within the next few days. Once I accept the truck and put her through the paces I'll report back.

Stay tuned...

 

[Grizzly]

Best of luck be with you Gabe. Any word on your dog?

 

[KB0OU]

I sure do hope the truck works out okay. I wish your dog would show up somewhere and they would call you. Please let us know how it all goes.



Good luck from Joplin, MO.

 

[GCP]

Thanks once again guys. I picked up the truck today. The shop appears to have done an outstanding job. The 450 mile road test home was performed flawlessly by the truck. I'll post some pictures and include an update on the performance after a few more miles.

As for Haley, our beautiful Golden Retriever, we have received no news. Our family has moved her from MIA to KIA status. Don't get me wrong, we would love to get her back, but it's time to move on. She was loyal, forgiving, patient, understanding, and had no limit of unconditional love.

GCP

 

[Grizzly]

I'm very happy about your truck and very sad about Haley. Your right, it's time to move on.

Your neighbor, george

 

[Prairie Dog]

My hunch is a lovable dog like Haley (especially a friendly breed like golden retriever) has found a new home.

 

[Paychk]

My hunch is a lovable dog like Haley (especially a friendly breed like golden retriever) has found a new home.

X2 on the new home