"Old Ugly" in Hospice

[GHarman]

Yep, had a major fenderbender today, with "Old Ugly". The old hunk of iron is not dead, the heart still beats strong, just a bent front axle hub assy and a bent spring. However, the insurance company has not weighed in on the matter. I am at a loss as what to do after all the work that has been done over the last couple of years. I have no truck and the repair is dependent on availability of new Springs and the condition of the front axle or availability of a replacement axle assembly. I can no longer do the heavy work nor crawl around on hands and knees. It is a conundrum to say the least. I am very thankful that no one was hurt. GregH

 

["Mad Max"]

springs and axles are 'gettable' - be about $2000 for both but they're out there. I'd work the 'fix it' angle from the insurance company, and if they want to total it tell 'em to just cut you a check for the estimated repairs - don't let 'em have the title man.

- Sam

 

[GHarman]

Sam, Thanks for that advise! I will surely check out that possibility. How much would YOU charge to replace front springs and an Axle with new bearings/races, Warn hubs, front wheel/4 wheel alignment? I dont care about the sheetmetal but a new body is in the plan, if I can get it rolling. It also has an annoying electrical short and a leaky t-case seal that was recently replaced. GregH

 

[GCroyle]

Greg,



Bad news on the truck, glad to hear no broken humans, just truck parts. Good luck getting this taken care of.



Greg, off topic, I got a neighbor accidently hooked on handloads, bought his own single stage setup, lots of parts were on B/O.

 

[GHarman]

Gary, Good to hear from you! Looks like another reloader in the makingOo. The truck is down fer the count. We'll see if it is repairable or just an unmanageable project. GregH

 

[MMeier]

Fix it !!!

 

[PToombs]

Greg, glad to hear you're ok. Sorry about the truck. Try to fix it if you can, if not, find another one!

 

[DValentine]

Sorry to hear this Greg. You could put our two trucks together and have a good one. :-laf

 

[GHarman]

Dave! Now there's an idea!!!Oo. :-laf. What are you gonna do with yours? What kind of damage? I know somebody that has a Truck and trailer. GregH

 

[DValentine]

The bed is hammered. I don't know if the frame is bent. I am serious. I will talk to you. I need the truck right now as I am still in Pueblo... . but we can talk for sure. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. It still drives and a friend said he thought it was tracking ok (driving behind me)... but I will have it checked out.


Dave

 

[PToombs]

Dave, I knew I shoulda sold the wife and 1 kid and bought your truck. :{

 

[GHarman]

An Update. My insurance company wanted to total the truck. They said it was borderline, so I provided a 15 line item veto! (maybe I should run for President:-laf). They are hauling it down to a shop for a second opinion, on Friday.

During the first estimate by the adjuster, I saw a bent pitman arm, damaged hub, stressed axle tube behind the weld by the left steering yoke. (You can tell, cause the rust popped off the tube. ) Bent leaf spring. I am concerned about the steering motor and the condition of the wheel bearings (they are new) in the damaged hub assembly, the trunions and bearings in that steering yoke. 'Course, the tire and rim are trashed. GregH

 

[dpuckett]

Normally, the insurance companies will give you the option of them taking the truck, and giving you "full value" for it, or subtracting salvage value ($800 in 06) and giving you a check for the balance- no title changing, no salvage title on your vehicle- and you do with it as you wish (fix it).



I still think they need to either fix yours or give you a like vehicle in like condition.



If we were heading out there sooner (thinking of Colo for a honeymoon in Oct), I'd buy it from ya.



Dan

 

[GHarman]

Normally, the insurance companies will give you the option of them taking the truck, and giving you "full value" for it, or subtracting salvage value ($800 in 06) and giving you a check for the balance- no title changing, no salvage title on your vehicle- and you do with it as you wish (fix it).



I still think they need to either fix yours or give you a like vehicle in like condition.



If we were heading out there sooner (thinking of Colo for a honeymoon in Oct), I'd buy it from ya.



Dan

Dan, Not sure what is going to happen, or how best to meet the need. I do have the offer of another truck from Dave Valentine(His '93). Everything hinges on the insurance company and what they are willing to do. For me, vehicles are only interesting when they run. I am not a trained mechanic (little mechanical knowledge) and they are not my hobby. What little I do know, was learned out of necessity. However, I do have considerable mechanical ability. But, my days of bench pressing Trannys and T-cases is long gone. Anybody can crank a wrench, but not many folks can rebuild a transmission, I'm sure you understand what I mean. Thanks for your reply. Will keep posting. GregH

 

[GHarman]

Dan, The best time to come to Colorado is after the 21st of September. The colors are at their peak and the weather is still very mild. Lots of wet snow in the mountains in October. Congratulations on your pending Wedding. GregH

 

[DValentine]

The truck is yours for the taking Greg. Still trying to hydro the boiler. Had some large valves leaking. Now its freezing. We will see how things go. I will let you know when I get laid off.

 

[GHarman]

Dave! Thankyou so much for your generosity! I am overwhelmedOo. This is certainly an answer to a real need. Got to have a truck; BUT a DIESEL, No Less, WOW! DAVE!!!THANKS A MILLION!!!



The insurance company did total "Old Ugly". I retained the title and it will be transported back to my shop. We'll see what transpires. Was thinking about building a sled for a power generator powered by that Diesel motor. I know that I could weld it up, but I dont know if I can handle the material. Old men can dream, cant they. The body is wore out but the brain still works. Finding a Generator and getting it in place is another hoisting and rigging job. Man! How do I get into this stuff. All I really want to do is the light weight bench work:-laf. GregH

 

[DValentine]

Off topic again... . the boiler passed hydro tonight. Looks like we will be done sat. I will call you later in the week.

D

 

[GHarman]

Dave, I sent you a P. M. . GregH

 

[GHarman]

Organ Donations from "Old Ugly"

"Old Ugly" is history. RIP. The insurance company decided that it was to expensive to repair and bought me out. I did retain the vehicle and title. With Dave Valentines gift of his '93, "Old Ugly" will provide some needed parts for the already awesome runnin' monster that "Dr. " Dave Valentine created ( picture a mad scientist wringing hands with evil laugh as the monster awakensOo. ). I had to relearn how to drive and got a real appreciation for those of you that really know how to modify and maintain your trucks. WOW! I dont expect ever to have another truck! This has got to last a spell. Hopefully! I can stay out of trouble. It has got all the power I could ever need and satisfies the latent teenager in me(hotrod:-laf). It makes me wish I had the disposable income to mod it further, Naw, I'm quite satisfied:-laf! Thanks a Million, DAVE!!!! I had no idea how I would ever replace my truck. I have owned/driven a truck since November,1971. I was feelin' plumb NEKKID! GregH