Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 10:18:05 -0400
Reply-To: Tyrone Greene <macpine@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Tyrone Greene <macpine@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Crash Report
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Volks,
Last sunday evening, I was on my way into town [Key West, FL.] to pick
up my wife and two cookie munchers, when no sooner than having arrived
in Old Town [the historic part of Key West] and while traveling less
than the posted speed [35 mph] due to traffic, the cars in front of me
quickly stopped. I in turn did likewise, but the truck belonging to a
guy from Guyana behind me didn't. I looked in my rear view mirror as I
stopped, it dawned on me this truck isn't going to stop untill it hits
the van! Fortunatly for all conserned, he was not going too fast as he
at the last moment did try to brake. "Huh?!?", said my 87 GL Syncro as
though something was being stuffed up the south end of a north bound
critter. No persons [he or I] were injured.
The front of the truck [84 Ford Ranger] is toast...as well as it's rear
right tire which went flat on the spot.
On the other hand, the Syncro fared better in that there was no damage
to the body. Though the rear bumper got tagged, it's still useable. What
took the brunt of the impact was the bolted on tow bar. It was bowed in
somewhat as well as it and the tie-down loops it is bolted to are tilted
down another 30 deg. or so. The ball [which is still fine] must have
been the first point of impact as the bar is bowed around it and the
trucks bumper is severly poked in where the two kissed.
But the thing that has me concerned the most is what I can't see. Since
this little rear assault, there has been a new lively sound coming from
the front right side that involves something in the suspension.
Especialy is it audiable when going over any unevenness in the roadway.
So my question is this, What kind of shop do you volks think I should
take the Syncro to have it's downunder checked? Or should this be a
dealer thing? If so, keep in mind that the nearest dealer [South Motors]
is three hours north of me up in south Miami and would involve two
people in two vehicles to make a six or so hour trip on two different
days [and we are not talking about weekends either].
Also, the guy who did the dirty deed is calling and pressuring me
already about if I have an amount the cost will be, because he doesn't
want his insurance company to have to deal with this boo boo. His home
is in Miami but he's living down in Key West during the week because of
the municiple waste water construction job he is on. I donot want to get
"plumbed" by this! Please send your .02 cents worth!
Tyrone
Big Pine Key, FL
87,85,81
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