Sad Sad News.

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:04 pm

We had some really bad storms go through our area this morning and our place at Lake Martin, Alex City, Alabama, got hit pretty bad by either a tornado or straight line winds. Sadly, a big tree fell on our carport, don't care about the carport, but I had the truck parked there and covered up. My Mom sent me these pictures and I will go there in the morning to asses the damage, hopefully I will get lucky, but I can't tell much from the pictures. It looks like the tree crushed the carport in just behind the cab, but it also looks like that rear tire is up in the wheel well a bit and that tells me there is a lot of weight sitting on the truck. I would've gone today to look at it but we have had storms here all day and we cannot do anything until the insurance guy assesses things. Please say a prayer that my Pawpaws truck isn't severely damaged. Fingers crossed. Probably gonna have to have a few beers tonight to help me sleep.

Jims68 · Post by **Jims68** » Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:26 pm

Sorry to hear about that, but sounds like everyone is doing fine? Good Luck with that!!!

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:31 pm

Thanks. No one lives there, it's our lake cabin. I am about 30 minutes away from there and will go check it all out in the morning. I'm glad that my Mom wasn't there. There isn't any damage to the house or anything else, just the carport, but her vehicle would've been parked right next to the truck and would've been totalled. I will know more in the morning and will take lots of pictures.

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:02 pm

Got a first hand look at the damage today. It doesn't look good but still, I won't know for sure until the tree is removed and that is in the works. It's a mess. I can tell that the top is bent in and I saw some broken glass. The side windows seemed to be intact though. The one pic that scares me the most is of the side. I can see that the bottom corner of the cab is lower than the bottom of the bed so that's not good.
This really sucks. That damn tree was the only tree that fell in the whole area and it just had to fall on my truck. I hate seeing her like this, it's been a very emotional day for sure.

Post by **Hobcobble** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 6:21 pm

Wow. I'm sorry to read about this.

Its good that nobody
was nearby during the storm. I know what this truck means
to you and your family and hope the damage is minimal.

John

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:19 pm

Thank you. This truck has been a family member and we will do what we can to save it. It just breaks my heart to see her like this. The tree will be removed Saturday and I will be there to immediately start tearing the carport away from the truck and get a better look.

hmaynord · Post by **hmaynord** » Tue Apr 21, 2020 11:29 am

hate to see this Marty. prayers for a better-than-feared result. tornado down here in the general area, but nothing bad here.

sledgehammer · Post by **sledgehammer** » Wed Apr 22, 2020 7:16 pm

That is sad news.

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 8:34 pm

Update: the tree will finally be removed on Monday, so soon I will be able to see what the truck looks like finally.

Jims68 · Post by **Jims68** » Mon Apr 27, 2020 7:52 am

My fingers are "crossed" for you and your truck! (I'm not really sure what that means) Anyway, Best of luck for you!

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Mon Apr 27, 2020 8:08 pm

Update: tree and carport are gone. I was glad to see the truck back up and not squatted down anymore. She has some damage, but I think she can be repaired. I didn't get a picture, but the tailgate is also dented on the top. These are some well built tough trucks!!!
Tell me what y'all think.

PwrWgnDrvr · Post by **PwrWgnDrvr** » Mon Apr 27, 2020 8:25 pm

Do u think u have adequate insurance to repair? Unless u insure for a "stated value", which is for classic vehicles, the blue book value will be way less than the cost to repair and they will total it. You'll get a grand or two maybe and the truck will be gone. Option 2, pay for fixing it out of pocket. That is several thousands of $ damage. Option 3, beat it yourself enough to open doors, get a windshield, or not and call it a ratrod as is.

Txas2step · Post by **Txas2step** » Tue Apr 28, 2020 6:17 am

So sorry to see this. Since it is a long time family member, the sentimental valve out weighs the cost to repair (IMO). Best wishes .

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Tue Apr 28, 2020 7:48 am

We have already made the decision to fix it out of pocket. I'm just wondering how that top could be fixed without having to change out the cab? Also, the truck had the textured roof and where would a shop even find something similar to paint the top so that it looks back to normal. I really want to keep the truck as original as possible, not going full restoration, we just want it fixed.

Jims68 · Post by **Jims68** » Tue Apr 28, 2020 8:33 am

My roof had a 6" dent in it and I used a "gravel guard" spray to replicate the "vinyl top" look. You cannot tell the difference between the repair area and the original top. The can I had was OLD at that time, and I can't remember the name of it either. You could also use a "Sprayable bed liner" too.

See this stuff and watch the video (scroll down), then you can "test" it before spraying the roof.

Duplicolor RGA101 Rocker Guard Coating - Black (14.5 oz)
https://www.jbtools.com/duplicolor-rga1 ... gJjZfD_BwE

PwrWgnDrvr · Post by **PwrWgnDrvr** » Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:29 am

You cut the roof off thru the pillars each side of the window and at the back you have a choice. Either cut thru the sides at the base of the window, or drill out all the spotwelds and remove the entire pillars from the lower cab back panel. A skilled welder then mig's your replacement roof back in.
Matching the paint on the roof is the LEAST of all your worries. This is not an easy job. Also, the cowl gets replaced with a patch panel the same way. See the topic on the forum where brikar shortened a bed to get a feel for the level of sheetmetal work required.
First order of biz - find a cab to get your replacement parts.

Jim100 · Post by **Jim100** » Tue Apr 28, 2020 11:54 am

What Terry said. That sucks but defiantly can be fixed.

Txas2step · Post by **Txas2step** » Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:40 pm

Might consider finding a donor truck/cab that you could cut the top off. Most of the rust problems are on the lower part of the cab. It doesn't appear that the wind shield frame /pillars are wracked. Not exactly easy ,but could be done. The faux vinyl top is another issue. Don't think there is anything on the market that is a match. Maybe someone can suggest a possible alternative.

DocsTruck · Post by **DocsTruck** » Wed Apr 29, 2020 3:52 pm

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, already looking for a shop that specializes in restoration and fab work.

cudaboy · Post by **cudaboy** » Fri May 01, 2020 11:18 am

Hey man, sorry to see this. That's a tough break. amazing that the door window frames held up so good !

Sweptline.ORG

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