Off topic - THE DEMISE OF YET ANOTHER DIESEL!

[79-240d-project]

Although I consider my MB to be a great car, I am in mourning for my true love.

[The Warden]

What happened?!?

If the frame wasn't damaged, it looks like you could just replace the bed (or put a flatbed on)...

Poor truck...if it were totalled and a 12 valve, I'd try and snag the engine

[79-240d-project]

I was heading for the hills for the opening day of hunting and an "idiot" going way too fast for rain slickened roads lost control at a bend in the road. He was heading straight for me. I was able to angle for the ditch to avoid a head on collision. Look at the nerf bar, right where my legs are at in the truck, the white spot just below the mirror is where his truck made first contact. That nerf bar was the best investment I could have made, it saved me from direct impact. The other truck hit there first and it lifted my truck up and then his truck slid down the rest of my rig.

I still do not know if it is gonna be totalled or not. I should find out tomorrow.

It is a 1998 1/2, a 24 valve. I bought it new directly from the factory. 5 speed, HD(one ton rear end), trailer special, camper special, anti-sway bars, 4x4, new tires. It is a darn shame. Only 70K on the motor. Runs like a dream.

I hope the frame is ok, if not, they gonna total it for sure.

[Tirebiter]

I found a guy on Ebay that is up in Sacramento and he converts pickup trucks to sweepers. I got a flawless bed, tailgate, and lights for $150.

[tomm9298]

If they say it is totalled and low ball you on the price, demand that they fix her. Then they will either fix her or get off the check book and offer you a fair price. Their first offer is ALWAYS bad.

[Ken300D]

I never really liked the look of those bars on the side much. But I was thinking of them more as steps than bumpers. I'm tall enough I don't need the step.

But as a side bumper - they're starting to look better to me. I presume yours are securely bolted to the frame?

I think that vehicle is quite fixable. It may no longer seem like new, but it could give you good transportation for a long time.

Ken300D

[bill murrow]

Dealing with insurance companies is soooooo much fun. They wanna screw ya every time.

I had an MG that got hit two days after I finally got it on the road. The insurance company wanted to total it AND take my car. NO WAY!!! I got the full totaled price plus my car but not before a long drawn out fight. Took me 3 months and a lot of very unkind words before we finally settled so stand your ground!

Let us know how this comes out.

BTW--who is your insurance company?

Cheers,

Bill

[83-240D]

heard this story the other night fom my wife who was talking to the ins agent for her company plan. he is driving thru an intersection on the green when a woman with a cell phone grafted to her ear runs her red and hits him broadside. she tells the cop it is her fault. so her company calls him and they start discussing the accident. several times the claims guy tries to trip him up to admit he is any part at fault. evidently here in wis. you can be at fault by bieing the one broadsided. but this guy is standing up to the claims guy and shooting back. after a few irritating minutes of this the claims guy finally says okay it was her fault. then the claims guy says btw what do you do for a living. after being told the claims guy just kinda whimpers......okay. thank you a check will be sent to cover the damage.

[bill murrow]

I was rear-ended when I pulled out from a stop sign. The girl I pulled in front of was going way too fast, which I didn't realize when I started to go. She came rolling up behind me which I was well aware of. Surprised she was on me that quick. I floor it and she still hits me in the rear, hard enough to bend the heck out of my step-bumper [Ford f-150]. She hit me about 150-200 yards past the point where i pulled out. The cop arrives, she says "Oh good, I went to school with this guy-maybe I won't get a ticket". I didn't get a ticket nor did she. In the end would you believe I had to pay for my own damages 'cause in Md. they have a law that states if you are as little as 1% at fault you pay for your own damages.

I thought if you're rear-ended its always the other guys fault. Not in Md.!

Cheers,

bill

[240Demon]

Oh man...your poor truck...

You have my favorite truck...4x4, 5 speed Cummins Dodge...I feel your pain

Good luck with the insurance A**holes

[george d]

So sorry about your truck!

That is the truck that I have thought that I wanted some day for years. I just have not been able to justify it yet. What kind of mileage do you get with your truck? I had one friend who had one when they first came out (the old, old body style) and he only got around 11 mpg. He said that the dealer said it was some "calibration" issue, but they never seemed to get it fixed. He ended up getting rid of the truck, and will never own another Chrysler product. Then he bought an E-Class station wagon, and had nothing but trouble with it, so now he will never own another Mercedes. Needless to say we never "talk cars" because Mercedes and Chrylser are my two favorite brands.

Keep us posted! I wish you the best!

George
2000 ML 320
1995 Plymouth Minivan 114,000 trouble free miles
1982 240D 195,000 miles
1977 Dodge M882 4x4 Military Pickup 1.25 ton, approx 8 mpg
1975 Travco Motorhome (Dodge M500 Chassis) 48,000 miles approx 7 mpg
1967 Dodge Motorhome (Dodge P375 Chassis) (would be a great candidate for a Cummins diesel transplant)

[79-240d-project]

On the freeway if I keep it around 65 I get 19-20. I have never tested city, I guess I really do not want to know, a guess would be 13-15.

I initially purchased the truck because I was doing a 400 mile round trip every weekend from my place to my parents house. I had a little Toyota 2 wd and I had been in some scary traffic situations. I needed something with more protection and size. Looks like I made a good decision.

[79-240d-project]

Oh happy day! Just got my baby back. The auto shop did a pretty good job.

Good for you. Nice considering the damage that was done. How's it driving?

[79-240d-project]

It is driving really great. I am glad to get rid of that rental car.