Accident on freeway, GMC finished? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**WorkinLonghorn** · 07-22-2020, 09:55 PM

It was a good run. 24 years with this "Longhorn" style GMC.

Was making a run to Ventura North 101 to pick up a motorcycle project and some kids lost their surfboard off the top of their mini-van and jumped out onto the freeway and were running around trying to retrieve it. People were swerving and panicking and it I ended up in the back of a semi. Of course the impact totally missed the bumper. Just creamed the front pretty bad. seems like I was barely moving on impact but the damage is pretty bad. Can't get the hood open but it looks like my new GM "Performance" engine is OK. The rest, not so much.

palallin · 07-22-2020, 10:00 PM

Don't give up!

Since it missed the bumper, the frame is probably OK. A front clip *might* do you.

toolboxchev · 07-22-2020, 10:05 PM

I was going to mention the same. The other areas you would have to worry about is the cab to frame, cab to doors, cab to bed.

Look the entire thing over before you get a quote to repair. The shops do not like our truck due in part they are more into bondo and bolt on parts.

Nice thing is you will be getting at minimum an entire front end including brass and copper radiator.

Insist on GM Original sheetmetal or Tri Plus. They always attempt to skip on repairs.

**truckster** · 07-22-2020, 10:05 PM

Looks like a front clip to me. I would pull the damaged sheet metal and see if there's any frame damage.

toolboxchev · 07-22-2020, 10:11 PM

And yeah, I think we all feel for you. It is going to be a bunch of unwanted work.

**Boog** · 07-22-2020, 10:22 PM

As said the impact went above the bumper so there should be no frame damage. All you need is a front clip. You could possibly buy a whole parts truck for much of the front clip and sell the rest. It would be expensive if you tried to buy all new parts but if you were ever planning to do a resto on it now's the time to start.

yuccales · 07-22-2020, 10:34 PM

Sure sorry to see that. Hope you're ok.

vitamin_c95 · 07-22-2020, 10:45 PM

Truck looks like she's crying in the front shot, as are we. Hopefully just a front clip as mentioned

57taskforce · 07-22-2020, 10:59 PM

I bet that one still has another life left in it. Even if the frame is tweaked a little that can be over come. With as much work as some guys have to put into rust repairs, I think that one is definitely salvageable. It looks to me like the hood, core support, and fenders took the bulk of the impact.

RichardJ · 07-22-2020, 11:00 PM

Windshield looks OK. "A" pillars look OK.

May no be that much damage. I've read your opinion on the subject, but I'd add Disc brakes when you put it back together.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 07-22-2020, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

...... if you were ever planning to do a resto on it now's the time to start.

That's the closest I've come to smiling since this happened. Thanks

Of course there is no insurance. I just get liability coverage.

The tow truck driver was very adamant that all I needed was to get a come-a-long and a tree and pull it back out. Ha!

I'm sure there was no frame damage. I was barely moving on impact and this is a one-ton frame anyway.

So I guess I will upgrade my membership status here and put a WTB for a front clip! Never done anything like this before but I learn fast. Thanks for all the comments thus far and yes, disks might be a great idea. -BA

57taskforce · 07-22-2020, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

That's the closest I've come to smiling since this happened. Thanks

Of course there is no insurance. I just get liability coverage.

The tow truck driver was very adamant that all I needed was to get a come-a-long and a tree and pull it back out. Ha!

I'm sure there was no frame damage. I was barely moving on impact and this is a one-ton frame anyway.

So I guess I will upgrade my membership status here and put a WTB for a front clip! Never done anything like this before but I learn fast. Thanks for all the comments thus far and yes, disks might be a great idea. -BA

The front clip is a pretty easy swap. If you can find a complete clip, you can swap the whole thing at one time with a little lifting help from a buddy or two, this is assuming nothing frame or cab wise is hurt.

factorystock · 07-23-2020, 12:32 AM

These guys specialize in these years, might have a complete clip. In Fremont. Probably not cheap, but one piece at a time on your own is the other alternative. http://www.vintagechevytrucks.com/

Astro-Balls · 07-23-2020, 12:53 AM

That'll Buff Out..

gmc684x4 · 07-23-2020, 02:08 AM

From the bumper bolts the frame looks fairly straight
Glad you are not badly hurt

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 07-23-2020, 02:49 AM

Bummer man, but at least you're okay. I agree, from here it looks like the front clip "only". Other than that check hinges closely, grille brackets and latch so there are no surprises later on. Steering too of course, but it's probably okay.

**special-K** · 07-23-2020, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factorystock

These guys specialize in these years, might have a complete clip. In Fremont. Probably not cheap, but one piece at a time on your own is the other alternative. http://www.vintagechevytrucks.com/

Yep, Vince is good people. A true 67-72 truck lover from way back.

Beyond the front clip parts, the body mounts 'may have' shifted. If the cab and bed have no contact evidence, that shift (if any) was minimal and just a matter of an adjustment. Good luck on getting back together for more years of good service.

68Gold/white · 07-23-2020, 08:22 AM

In the midst or the repairs...my thoughts...from experience...
Remove the front clip, remove the engine/trans,
THEN trailer it to a body shop that has a frame machine, whether the frame
looks bent OR NOT. if you have to pay to have it put on a frame machine, to
tell it's OK, that would be awesome. Then if it does need work, they can get it done.
THe shop should be able to give you some sort of estimate before you commit to this.

I'm pretty dedicated to encouraging folks to put front disc brakes on these awesome
classic pickups, THey shouldn't be driven without disc brakes!!!

**Ol Blue K20** · 07-23-2020, 09:38 AM

First, I'm glad you are ok. Second, that looks like a weekend repair for you and a buddy. I hope the parts hunt is quick and easy.

jjzepplin · 07-23-2020, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factorystock

These guys specialize in these years, might have a complete clip. In Fremont. Probably not cheap, but one piece at a time on your own is the other alternative. http://www.vintagechevytrucks.com/

^^^^ THIS^^^^ This fella is a great guy and I have purchased many things from him before. It's a candy store for us guys.

**Steeveedee** · 07-23-2020, 09:56 AM

Youch! I hope you can get it fixed.

**3757chevy** · 07-23-2020, 10:05 AM

Been there ,Done that . About a year ago . Glad you are OK. Trucks can be fixed.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 07-23-2020, 10:15 AM

OK, a lot of great advice here and it will all be carefully considered. I'm a lot more optimistic about all this after reading.Thanks.
I know this gets asked over and over but what years Chevy or GMC will be correct for a 1969 GMC? I want to start the search immediately. Thanks again- Brian

**Ol Blue K20** · 07-23-2020, 10:22 AM

If you buy chevy fenders a GMC grill needs 67 or 68. Only 68 has the marker holes.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 07-23-2020, 10:57 AM

Thanks. -BA

07-22-2020, 09:55 PM	#1
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,855	Accident on freeway, GMC finished? It was a good run. 24 years with this "Longhorn" style GMC. Was making a run to Ventura North 101 to pick up a motorcycle project and some kids lost their surfboard off the top of their mini-van and jumped out onto the freeway and were running around trying to retrieve it. People were swerving and panicking and it I ended up in the back of a semi. Of course the impact totally missed the bumper. Just creamed the front pretty bad. seems like I was barely moving on impact but the damage is pretty bad. Can't get the hood open but it looks like my new GM "Performance" engine is OK. The rest, not so much. Attached Images __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent. Last edited by WorkinLonghorn; 08-12-2020 at 12:59 PM.

07-22-2020, 10:00 PM	#2
palallin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. James, MO Posts: 1,239	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Don't give up! Since it missed the bumper, the frame is probably OK. A front clip might do you. __________________ '69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt.

07-22-2020, 10:05 PM	#3
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? I was going to mention the same. The other areas you would have to worry about is the cab to frame, cab to doors, cab to bed. Look the entire thing over before you get a quote to repair. The shops do not like our truck due in part they are more into bondo and bolt on parts. Nice thing is you will be getting at minimum an entire front end including brass and copper radiator. Insist on GM Original sheetmetal or Tri Plus. They always attempt to skip on repairs.

07-22-2020, 10:05 PM	#4
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,795	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Looks like a front clip to me. I would pull the damaged sheet metal and see if there's any frame damage. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

07-22-2020, 10:11 PM	#5
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? And yeah, I think we all feel for you. It is going to be a bunch of unwanted work.

07-22-2020, 10:22 PM	#6
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,957	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? As said the impact went above the bumper so there should be no frame damage. All you need is a front clip. You could possibly buy a whole parts truck for much of the front clip and sell the rest. It would be expensive if you tried to buy all new parts but if you were ever planning to do a resto on it now's the time to start. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-22-2020, 10:34 PM	#7
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,588	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Sure sorry to see that. Hope you're ok.

07-22-2020, 10:45 PM	#8
vitamin_c95 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: So Cal, CA Posts: 108	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Truck looks like she's crying in the front shot, as are we. Hopefully just a front clip as mentioned __________________ 1971 C20 Longhorn 350/350 "Conquistador"

07-22-2020, 10:59 PM	#9
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 6,231	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? I bet that one still has another life left in it. Even if the frame is tweaked a little that can be over come. With as much work as some guys have to put into rust repairs, I think that one is definitely salvageable. It looks to me like the hood, core support, and fenders took the bulk of the impact. __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0

07-22-2020, 11:00 PM	#10
RichardJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,413	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Windshield looks OK. "A" pillars look OK. May no be that much damage. I've read your opinion on the subject, but I'd add Disc brakes when you put it back together. __________________ '67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC

07-23-2020, 12:32 AM	#13
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,353	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? These guys specialize in these years, might have a complete clip. In Fremont. Probably not cheap, but one piece at a time on your own is the other alternative. http://www.vintagechevytrucks.com/

07-23-2020, 12:53 AM	#14
Astro-Balls Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 822	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? That'll Buff Out.. __________________ 1968 C20 Fleetside 396 4sp PS PB AC CST . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWK8GgWD4uA

07-23-2020, 02:08 AM	#15
gmc684x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Whitehorse yukon Posts: 1,218	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? From the bumper bolts the frame looks fairly straight Glad you are not badly hurt

07-23-2020, 02:49 AM	#16
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,120	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Bummer man, but at least you're okay. I agree, from here it looks like the front clip "only". Other than that check hinges closely, grille brackets and latch so there are no surprises later on. Steering too of course, but it's probably okay. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

07-23-2020, 08:22 AM	#18
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,280	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? In the midst or the repairs...my thoughts...from experience... Remove the front clip, remove the engine/trans, THEN trailer it to a body shop that has a frame machine, whether the frame looks bent OR NOT. if you have to pay to have it put on a frame machine, to tell it's OK, that would be awesome. Then if it does need work, they can get it done. THe shop should be able to give you some sort of estimate before you commit to this. I'm pretty dedicated to encouraging folks to put front disc brakes on these awesome classic pickups, THey shouldn't be driven without disc brakes!!!



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07-23-2020, 09:38 AM	#19
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,834	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? First, I'm glad you are ok. Second, that looks like a weekend repair for you and a buddy. I hope the parts hunt is quick and easy. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man

07-23-2020, 09:56 AM	#21
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,088	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Youch! I hope you can get it fixed. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

07-23-2020, 10:05 AM	#22
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 3,851	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Been there ,Done that . About a year ago . Glad you are OK. Trucks can be fixed. Attached Images __________________ '35 1/2 ton Pickup (bought 2020) '68 C10 Suburban (bought 2021) '72 K5 Blazer (bought 2013) '67 Stepside (bought 1997-sold 2021) '96 Bronco Eddie Bauer (inherited 2010) My 1st day here-'67 C10(sold)and '72 K5 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702056 "Another Blue Chevy"(1935) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799203 '68 Burb...https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=822994 MIKE

07-23-2020, 10:15 AM	#23
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,855	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? OK, a lot of great advice here and it will all be carefully considered. I'm a lot more optimistic about all this after reading.Thanks. I know this gets asked over and over but what years Chevy or GMC will be correct for a 1969 GMC? I want to start the search immediately. Thanks again- Brian __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

07-23-2020, 10:22 AM	#24
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,834	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? If you buy chevy fenders a GMC grill needs 67 or 68. Only 68 has the marker holes. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man Last edited by Ol Blue K20; 07-23-2020 at 11:25 AM.

07-23-2020, 10:57 AM	#25
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,855	Re: Accident on freeway, GMC finished? Thanks. -BA __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

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