Truck and Driver Dead at the scene

[desertrider479]

Good news/Bad news.

The good news is that less than two miles into a test drive on a new clutch installation I was T-boned by a kid on drugs and did the roll over thing a few times. So much for a 95% complete frame off restoration of a 1982 Chevy shortbed flatbed. Unfortunately, med. pros. felt the need for me to survive so I could deal with a kid with no insurance, no registration, no license, etc.

$196,000 worth of medical debt with more to come. I wish they had left well enough alone and just buried me in the ditch. I'm now trying to get over a crushed pelvis, burst fracture of the 3rd lumbar spine not to mention minor head and assorted internal injuries. I've got more rods,braces and screws in my back than it took to redo the truck.

Without intention, I will probably become a pain in your butts as I now have to try to get my 1969 GMC 1/2 ton longbed going with little or no money and even less knowledge. Anyone who can help with what I can use from the 82 1/2 ton 4x4 on the 69 1/2 ton 2x4 will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Mudder]

Doesn't sound like the kind of day I need. Welcome to the site. I'm sure you will be able to get some help here.

[Joe67]

Welcome. I'm very sorry to hear about your incindent....

You have come to the right place to rebuild your truck though

[Americanrider]

damm the luck... I wish you a speedy recovery and a hard-nosed judge to put that kid away for a long time. What is the status of the 69?

[desertrider479]

The 69 has very minor dings in a few, low visibility spots, 350 2 barrel runs like a raped ape and there is a small amount of rust on the bed sides that are being worked on as time, money and pain permit. The big problem I have at this point is 1st and 3rd gear sound like they are being eaten alive. This just started the other day when a neighbor tried to adjust the clutch to make it easier for me to shift. (Three on the tree.) I have trouble getting under the truck to try and find the source, but from inside it sounds like it's coming from further back than the tranny and too far forward to be the rear end. I'm fixing to eat a bunch a pills so I can get the rear end in the air and go under but by the time I get the edge off the back pain I'm usually pretty foggy eyed and stupid. I live a bit off the beaten track so getting help is always a problem.
Any ideas where to look?

[Mudder]

Does it have one of those bearings in the drive shaft? If so, I woud look there first.

[Jebb1978]

Welcome to the board Desertrider479, where exactly in Arizona are you? I may be able to help you out if you are not too awful far away and time permits. I live in the North Phoenix area.

[desertrider479]

Thanks Jebb, I'm south of Pima at the foot of Mount Graham. Pima is about 10 miles west of the Safford/Thatcher area if any of that helps. It's about two hrs. east of you through Apache Junction and Globe.
I managed to get the rear up on jack stands and ran it in all three gears. It doesn't sound near so bad with the weight off but still can hear the noise. I did check the carrier bearing and although old, it's still good. That was as far as I could get for now. It's going to cost me at least 2 days in bed until I can get back at it but it's the price that has to be paid for now.

Don't suppose you know if my 82 front end (4x4) engine, tranny, tran. case and all will fit the 69 do you?

[QKENUF4U]

bummer man !! i wish you a complete recovery. ive kinda been there done that from a motorcycle accident but i wasnt nearly as bad as you are.
good luck with the truck.

[krue]

Welcome to the board, I wish it were under better circumstances. I don't know how hard it would be to convert your 2wd to 4wd. Maybe someone on the 4x4 page can help.

[Jebb1978]

I am not sure of the 4x4 conversion either? Sounds like it would be a neat thing to toy with in the future? For now I would just like to see you get that thing working properly so you can get yourself around.

I have actually been to Thatcher on a few occasions, though not in many years. It is a bit of a drive and would require me to plan ahead a bit but I may be able to lend a hand. If you wish you can PM your phone # to me and I will give you a call this weekend. Maybe I can find some camping near by and talk the wife and some buddies into heading up for a weekend. That is a beautiful area you live in.

Let me know,
Shawn

[72BlckButy]

Welcome, and I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I had a run in last night with a non-insured driver, so I understand on that part of your experience. I wish you the best, and I know that the Board will come through for you....

[72CSTC5]

Sorry about your loss but you must not be taking too many pills, you are still typing fairly well as far as punctuation goes. When I was out of work for three months and living on pain pills this site kept me going and sane. I was on here alot all day long. Good luck and this site is good therapy.

[phantom dually]

Welcome!!

[Tynee]

to the board. I know that alot of the 2wd Blazers running around out there are converted from 4wd, and my intuition tells me taht what can be done can be undone. I don't have real concrete info for you, but I'm certain that with the proper application of some fabrication skills, you could make it work.

Good luck with the recovery.

[Canadian694x4]

Welcome To The Boards...sorry to hear about your accident, hope things somehow turn around for you.

[66egchamp]

regret hearing of your accident, i've come close to your current situation. suggest u keep your mind active and your body will heal. your in the right place. welcome from south florida, hope your feeling a little better every day...get well

[jsbgump]

Welcome

[LUV2XCLR8]

From West TN