Okay... (Damage photos up!)

[PeacefulChaos]

PHOTOS OF DAMAGE! ---> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 5314892862

If you can't see the photos Here are some of them.

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Alright... New to the site... But here goes..

I'm PeacefulChaos... And I'm 18 years old... Female, just so you all know... And I've got a 1964 Dodge D-200 3/4 ton pickup... Manual transmission 4 speed with granny gear. 225 Slant 6 Motor... Bought it for about $800 and the third owner of it. It is my first car, and I bought it myself, cash. Fixed it myself, cash. And worked two years to get it that way.

I guess the truck was used for military purposes... Old Kernel retired and bought the truck. Then somehow ended up with the people I bought it from. They used it for a farm truck for many years.

Was fixing it up myself... I replaced a lot on it... And a lot of the parts were custom build from the military... Hard to do, but I managed. I replaced the spark plugs, gave her a tune up, replaced all the hoses, and the fan belt... dismantled, cleaned, and reassembled the carburetor... Fixed the brake pedal, replaced the lights in the back... Fixed the driver door so it would close.... Replaced the rear U-Joint... Re-lubed the drive shaft while I was at it... And many more things.

Got it running.. Yeah, it's still had a lot of work to do... But It was drivable, and I was very proud of it till some idiot @#% ended it while parked in front of my house on Friday the 6th. That truck, flew 40 feet, and ended up wedged in my hill. Now, I've got loads of work to do... And not sure where I can get original parts for it. It was hard enough finding carburetor parts, filters, wiper blades, lights, and springs to replace the ones that control the tension on the gas pedal.

Now I've got to find a bed for it, new leaf springs, transmission, battery, and multitudes of other things. Though, I want to restore it to it's factory condition. There is no damage to the front, aside from the inside of it... I'm not sure what else was jarred when the idiot going Over 60 mph hit it... Some Oldsmobile... or Buick... I don't know. I never saw it happen cause I was at work.

I don't know if the insurance agency will total the truck... But if I keep it, will it be worth the investment to fix it up original? Or will it be better to get the check from the insurance and try to buy an all new one? I know it's one of only 6 thousand some odd made... But I'd like to have that year, that model... And well.. That truck. I put a lot of effort into it. Learned a lot... Love the truck to death. I'm completely devastated that all my hard work went for nothing. I suppose, parking it on the street to save it from potholes was the better option though.

Luck of the draw... :(

If anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do, and where I can find parts cheap to restore it to original condition... Please. You're suggestions are greatly appreciated.

-PeacefulChaos

[slick]

I guess we need to see a picture of the damage? From there you need to check to see if the frame was tweaked in anyway. If the frame is good then hopefully you can just replace the bed. I would ride the insurance out and see if they will total it out, then maybe you can buy it back from them and stil have enough money left over from the insurance to fix it up.

[wally426ci]

Alot of times you can get it totaled and then buy it back from the insurance company. I would insist that if they total it, you get to keep it and get the money.

Then I would find another truck and see if your cab/ front end is better.

[PeacefulChaos]

My main problem is, that all the trucks for parts around my area are... Not original. There is a place just out of the Metro area which has 2 of my model truck, or so it looks like... And they aren't all Original parts.

I've looked everywhere, and purchased parts from all over the US for it. I spent 2 summers working JUST to fix it and get it running for this years Greaserama.

I don't have the pictures of the damage yet. They should be available soon, I hope.

I do need to take it apart and fix it, but with my schedule coming up, I'm not only out of a car, but out of time to do so.

And I'm keeping the truck. Most definitely, keeping the truck. It's my first car, and my only car, and I worked my @#% off for it. I think that for something not my fault, I shouldn't have to give it up. And I will fight it, even if it means an Attorney.

My truck is worth about $5,800 Blue book. So I should have at least that coming, if not more. Insurance won't pay to have it fixed up because it'll be about 5,800 just to fix it myself with me doing all the work (minus the body work). Or so I've added up from what I can see of the Damage...

Also, if anyone knows about the military issued D-200s, I'd like to know a little more about them. I believe I have the gun mount for it with the truck... And it was painted red at one point. Perhaps used as some sort of fire truck while in the service?

Oh, if my truck could talk... I'd love to hear all it's stories.

[fosh69]

If that truck was in the military, there should have been, at one time, a data plate on the dash with all the military info: serial number, model, equipment and such. Were it me, I would check for frame damage... those frames can be straightened by a qualified shop. (My Uncle has his frame alignment rack still down in AZ... uses it all the time.) If no frame damage occurred, you are in good shape. Beds can be found, tho I think the later double-wall bed is more prevalent just 'cuz they're more stout. Is yours a single wall bed? If so, you can always look into upgrading to the double and using the older style end caps and narrow tailgate. The narrow tailgates are hard to find in good shape, tho. That might be a little more work than you're willing to do, but as you said, "It's my first car, and my only car, and I worked my @#% off for it". If you're into these trucks that much and you let it go, you'll kick yourself for about a long time (like I still do). My first vehicle was a 1970 Adventurer I bought from my Grandpa when I joined the service... being the idiot I was (or am) had to have a car. By the time I got around to getting another I had to drag a 69 D200 out of the mountains in NM and fix rust, modify, modify, modify, just to get close to what my first could have already been. Oh well, maybe some day I'll learn.

Back to my original point (as if I had one), If you're looking to make it original you'll need that data plate among other things. Also, if the person driving that car is still alive, I'd be all over him/her. That sucks to have happened. Good luck with your truck!

[PeacefulChaos]

I haven't found such a plate.. Though there are some weird tags all over it. I mean, the one under the hood... The permanent marker with odd numbers... And then the VIN... Plus I have another couple on the passenger door... But I don't think they mean anything... And I don't know if they've been removed since then. i just haven't paid any attention.

The Kernel died though. I think that's how the people I bought it from came to grab hold of it. I would ask.. But... I don't know. Maybe he kept the plate? You never know... My grandpa used to keep all sorts of odd things from his cars... I'll check again, but I doubt that they'd give a civi-vehicle a gun mount...

I'll try to get it towed over to my Uncle's home. He's got a full shop, and promised to help me with it so long as I do the labor. Which, I don't mind at all. I just have to deal with the insurance first, which I can't even begin with until next Monday. The police wouldn't give my parents any information, and I ended up coming home from work with my truck wedged between a phone pole and my hill... Looked like some dukes of hazards crap. I was so pissed. The car that hit my truck was a mid sized Buick... Never even applied the brakes. I'm guessing that the frame is bent though, because the driver side of my truck is higher up than the passenger side on the rear end, and the cab was crunched by the bed.

Thanks for the advice though. It's greatly appreciated. One never expects these things to happen... And they do, but you just can't grasp it. I hope the insurance works with me on getting a settlement at least. I need another car since that one was my only mode of transportation... Thinking about getting a 72 Dodge Dart... Same motor... It'd be nice to have.

Thanks again. 'Twas a big help. :)

[wally426ci]

Well it sounds like you are on the right track. Good plan. If the frame isn't too bad, you may be able to get it going again without a bed for a little bit. I wonder if it would tip over forward though without the weight...

But feel free to keep up the questions, looks like a cool truck. And not too many ladies into them, so that is pretty rad.

[PeacefulChaos]

Older cars are better. No one realizes it, but all of those cars were made to last. And I mean, Last... In about 20 years, you won't see any 2011 Hybrids on the road. They'd have all been scraped because the cost to repair the computers are outrageous. Older trucks have simple mechanics that anyone can learn and do themselves. Not to mention, all the work and effort I put in my truck is less than the cost to buy a brand new car. And it's much safer in terms of where I live. Hahaha good luck trying to steal my truck. It takes about 5-10 minuets to warm up even in summer. :D

I love the truck for it's practicality, it's potential, it's style, and it's rarity. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[slick]

Might want to check that salvage yard outside of Manhattan, KS. Can't remember the name of it because it's been a few years, but they might have some swepty parts.

[MountainMoparRobin]

Older cars are better. No one realizes it, but all of those cars were made to last. And I mean, Last... In about 20 years, you won't see any 2011 Hybrids on the road. They'd have all been scraped because the cost to repair the computers are outrageous. Older trucks have simple mechanics that anyone can learn and do themselves. Not to mention, all the work and effort I put in my truck is less than the cost to buy a brand new car. And it's much safer in terms of where I live. Hahaha good luck trying to steal my truck. It takes about 5-10 minuets to warm up even in summer. :D

I love the truck for it's practicality, it's potential, it's style, and it's rarity. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I'm glad to read this, I'm even happier reading this and knowing that it is coming from the heart of a female! its good to see that you have the interest, and your staying with it! what do you need?

[MountainMoparRobin]

Older cars are better. No one realizes it, but all of those cars were made to last. And I mean, Last... In about 20 years, you won't see any 2011 Hybrids on the road. They'd have all been scraped because the cost to repair the computers are outrageous. Older trucks have simple mechanics that anyone can learn and do themselves. Not to mention, all the work and effort I put in my truck is less than the cost to buy a brand new car. And it's much safer in terms of where I live. Hahaha good luck trying to steal my truck. It takes about 5-10 minuets to warm up even in summer. :D

I love the truck for it's practicality, it's potential, it's style, and it's rarity. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I'm glad to read this, I'm even happier reading this and knowing that it is coming from the heart of a female! its good to see that you have the interest, and your staying with it! what do you need? what are you using for transportation in the mean time?

[PeacefulChaos]

I co own another car... 2002 Ford E-150... But it's my dad's work car, and our family car... I can't use it at all because the hours my dad works, and it being our only car now.

So... I guess I'm stuck bumming a ride from my best friend across the street... A 98 Ford Mustang... I pay for gas, and she takes me out. But it is an inconvenience for her, so I try not to use that option if I can avoid it.

As for what I need... I have no idea right now. I've got to deal with the other insurance company after I get my police report, which will be at the earliest, Monday. A lawyer maybe? After that, I've got to get all sorts of things.

And there is a auto shop just off 7hywy... It has two of the swetpline trucks at least... Even from a distance, I can see that they have minor parts I can use. Like a steering wheel... Mine is too hard to turn without power steering.. Perhaps a gas pedal? I'm missing that... I could also use metal to repair the door sections, and the floor right below the button for the high beams... Maybe a new exhaust... And if the transmission works in them... The beds aren't the same as mine though, and I need to find an original one, or go to a body shop and have all of it repaired. I do have rusted through parts, and it needs to be patched anyways.

But before I do anything, and plan for anything, I want to make sure the Insurance company will comply with what I think I should get out of it.

And thank you for the kind words. I wasn't expecting the compliments. :)

[Hobcobble]

Welcome to the site. There are some members in Kansas who
could possibly help you out. Maybe they'll read your thread and
respond. Its good to hear you've done so much to the truck
already.... sounds like you've put a lot of effort into it.
John

[Daddiojoe]

Peaceful--

Check out www.slantsix.org for lots of great info on the wondrous slant six. Best of luck w/ your truck and getting it fixed up. Keep us posted.

Joe

[soopernaut]

Welcome to the site.

I've recently seen two scenarios of people dealing with insurance companies with older vehicles. They both had very different outcomes.

In one situation it was a nicely cloned car. It was being transported and didn't have insurance coverage on it. The owner's insurance covered it anyway but low balled them for what they would pay to fix it and what they would pay to total it. Basically they wanted to total it because they figured they could get more for it at an auction.

The other situation was a car that had many upgrades but had a relatively low book value. The other driver's insurance paid more than book value due to some craigslist ads of similar cars that were overpriced. These were not amounts that people sold their cars for but amounts that people were asking, which seemed overinflated to me.

You didn't mention if the person who hit your truck had insurance or if you are going to have to deal with your insurance company.

I agree it is refreshing to see a young female who is into old cars/trucks and does the work on them herself.

[Dood]

Very kewl truck for a lady. You have my sympathies on your loss.

[PeacefulChaos]

The owner of the other car was Not driving or riding in it. It wasn't stolen, so she lent it out to someone, and he got drunk and sped 60+ in a 30.

She has insurance, and my insurance company won't do anything for me since I'm not liable for anything/did anything wrong. The cop said I did a very good job, and he couldn't ticket me for anything if he tried.

Only problem is... I won't get the police report with the other car's insurance till Monday. I will have to fight for everything myself, or get an attorney. But I'm confident I'll win, because my truck was doing nothing but sitting there, looking cool and being old. That was it.

I know what the blue book value of my truck is... Anywhere from 2000-11000 And I fall right in the middle. About 5800... Which, is pretty low seeing as I spent 2 years working and all my salary on the thing.

And I didn't drive it often. I wanted to NOT wreck it so I could continue to fix it and we could have a work truck to haul lumber and things. Now, my own priorities are pushed back.

I'm not taking anything under 5800 for it, and I'm keeping the truck. If they don't want to pay it, they can pay the over 6000 to have it repaired to the way it was. I'm not giving it up. And if they decline my request, I'm getting an attorney.

I shouldn't have to give up my truck because some drunken idiot @#% ended it while it was legally parked.

[Hobcobble]

Check on a box with "Butch" Romig in Garnett, KS
and "FunkyJPB" in Parsons, KS. They
post on this site somewhat regularly.
John

[dwightlightnin]

That sucks bout your truck and i hope the insurance company is smart enough to give you what you want because it sounds like there going to in the long run anyhow.Cool that a chick likes the old mopars too.Im always looking for idiots on the road had some lady pull out 15 feet in front of me like i wasnt there while i was going 45 mph,lotsa blue smoke from the emergency stop and probably have flat spots on my tires but i saved the truck and the ladys jeep woulda been totaled for sure.Maybe you can take the money and find another truck and use yours for a parts truck.I want to see pictures of the gun mount,is it like a cop car shotgun mount?

[68Dodge1]

From one female swepty owner to another "WELCOME ABOARD"! sweet truck BTW