Hit and Run in the 67

[Davids68F250]

Hello all, I am just recently back on the forum after a hiatus. I sold the 68 http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =1&t=49426 in 2012. Pretty much have regretted selling it since, as it was a great truck, but that's usually how it goes. I am semi in the market for another truck, and have a line on a project, but we will see how that ends up.

On to the story of the hit and run:

Back story, my Dad has a 1967 F-100 shortbed stepside (with 71 front clip), that was a mid-90s restoration.



Anyway, being used as a truck and living outside took a toll on the paintjob and the seat. The clearcoat is just about gone, the seat material has given up, and the wood in the bed needs to be replaced.

In the past few years, my Dad has replaced the seat with a perfect one we found at a junkyard, swapped the original 3 on the tree out for a C4, and did a little work to the 352, including intake/carb, headers and exhaust. Anyway, it's a working project. Since he retired, this truck is his driver (this or the 65 Mustang). It's a clean truck, just needs a coat of paint.

Well, just over a week ago, my folks were at the store, and someone who was up to no good went speeding through the parking lot, lost control, and hit 3 parked cars, the truck included. The car sideswiped one car, then hit the truck on the side of the bumper, wasting it, destroying the brackets, bending the rear edge of the frame, taking out the taillight, damaging the rear fender, and tweaking the bed (it's not square anymore). As the car kept going, it pushed the truck out of the way, where it spun a 90, jumped a curb, and stopped when the driver's side hit a light pole. The other car continued past, hitting another car, and getting wedged into a corner, the driver jumped out and took off on foot.

Thankfully, not one was hurt, but so far there is no word on whether the other car was insured, stolen, or otherwise. My Dad's truck is not covered for this type of thing, so he will be out of pocket unless the driver is found.

Looking over the damage, it's really not too bad. All fixable. It's just going to be some parts and labor (free if we do it!). The restoration is moving ahead! The truck is still driveable.

So just waiting for an insurance representative to come look at the truck and do whatever they do.

Here are the damage pictures.





I thought I had more pictures, but they're on the camera still.

Already picked up a replacement door (67 only) and fender.



An unfortunate incident, but the truck will be redone better than before.

[sargentrs]

Wow! That sux! Good luck on the insurance findings.

[Mancar1]

Glad no one was hurt. Best of luck to you.
A few years ago my daughter's apt complex was having the parking lot resealed and she had to part curbside.
Well some jerk side swiped her car during the night. Yup a hit and run.
So I feel your pain.

[Ranchero50]

You should be able to bring that rear fender back straight with some time and hammer / dolly work. Uninsured motorist coverage should at least pay for the paint.

The bed can be pulled back straight too. You'll just have to find something to pull against while bracing the truck. I've used power poles and a come-a-long to straighten stuff before. Just place a 4x4 between the frame and the pole, then hook from the bed corner to the pole to pull it true. Measure diagonally across the bed corners top and bottom to make sure it's true.

You can probably heat and beat the frame ear back true once the bumper is removed too.

Good luck and post pics.

[Davids68F250]

Little update. They found the driver, so it's now up to the insurance to declare a value, assess the damage, and so on and so forth. And go from there.

One estimate we got is $3200 without parts. The frame is bent, but fixable. We found all the parts needed. My Dad has purchased some stuff for it already, including the wood and slats for the bed, the right rear fender, of course the driver door and fender, plus a few other restoration parts to get it back going.

It also has a bent axle on the passenger side, so that will need to be replaced as well.

One problem he can't decide on is the rear bumper. He can't find a bumper he likes (like the one that was on there pre-wreck), but that's really not a huge deal.