Car pulled out in front of me from a side road last pm. I barely had time to hit the brakes before I hit them at near 70 mph. My truck hit hard, bounced and spun 180. In about 10 feet I went from 70 to 0. I saw it coming although didn't believe she was actually pulling out, and feared for my life in the 0.8 seconds that it took to impact. Instead, I opened the door and walked away with barely a bump. That truck literally saved my life.
I've owned it since new, now has 80k mi. The adjuster has said they would total it. The amazing thing is, other than the crumpled front end with the hood flexed to near roof height, all the glass is intact. The doors all work perfectly. In fact if you cover from windshield forward, you would not know the truck was hit except for the deployed airbags.
I'm toying with buying it as salvage - I have right of first refusal - and sending it to a rebuilder. Maybe keep it in NM for a vacation truck or still get some use out of it in some fashion. So the question is, have any of you had experience in rebuilding, or recommend a shop? I'm in the Midwest, toying with trucking it to Christo Slee and letting him get creative w it.
Any suggestions appreciated.
I went today to get my belongings and pay respects, and although corny, thanked the truck for taking care of me and letting me get back to my family even if the truck wouldn't. I sat in the drivers seat, inserted the key and turned it out of habit. And darned if that engine didn't start. Didn't run but a few seconds, but started right up just like every other day.
Maybe that's a sign.
Be careful on the road.
