Chevelle Wreck [Archive] - Pro-Touring.com

Kenova

08-06-2007, 08:06 AM

A little strange that it was an old and newer Malibu involved and the new one looks to be in better shape.
Not really. The auto manufacturers have spent billions to make it easier to survive brutal collisions like this one. As much as I like my old cars, I'm undoubtedly safer in a new one.
Ken

68Punishergto

08-06-2007, 08:32 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/08/large_chevelle1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/08/large_chevelle2-1.jpg

rob07002

08-06-2007, 08:44 AM

HOLY @%&#!

That was what appears to be a nice car.

Sorry to hear the passenger died.

TonyL

08-06-2007, 09:03 AM

Wow. looks like it was a nice big block car once. It also would appear that he didn't use the right body to frame hardware. Or at least, didn't repair the floors as well as he should have (if he did). The body separating from the frame like that is very odd. I've seen hundreds of chevelles and countless other full frame cars like this one involved in all sorts of wrecks, I've NEVER seen anything like this ever. I want more info.

69TAPoser

08-06-2007, 09:16 AM

It is described as a head-on collision, but it appears that the right rear quarter of the Chevelle took the hardest hit? Maybe he lossed it, crossed the lane heading towards the ditch and was hit in the right rear qtr?

I agree with the body/frame seperation. What's up with that?

Phil

TonyL

08-06-2007, 09:22 AM

I agree that the car looks to have been hit in the drivers rear mainly. I'd guess that's where the impact happened.

70TWO NOVA

08-06-2007, 09:55 AM

Very unfortunate, my thoughts and prayers are with those involved.

BRIAN

08-06-2007, 10:23 AM

That is the difference between a well designed unibody car and an old body on frame type car. That newer Malibu did exactly what it was supposed to do which is collapse up to the front cowl leaving the passenger compartment protected. The older Chevelle has nothing to absorb the impact which can easily be seen by how the buckles are present throughout the body especially in the passenger compartment. The newer Malibu probably was even able to open it's doors. That is why when you hear guys saying they hate new cars because they can't take an impact simply do not know that is what it is engineered to do, collpase and save you life.

Hope everybody was ok but doubt it. That is a serious LR impact and the newer Malibu is most likely at fault as he has the front end damages. No good for anyone.

TonyL

08-06-2007, 10:37 AM

the newer Malibu is most likely at fault as he has the front end damages.

Not. The chevelle entered the malibu's path, ass bacwards and impacted the malibu in its lane. the chevelle was subsequently spun around. leaving it laying where it ended up in the middle of the road. The malibu, now mortally wounded, limped to its right, (the only natural instict of the driver is to swerve to the right to avoid the impact, causing his car to spin counter clockwise twice ending up where it did, off the right shoulder of the road.

Given the probable speed of the chevelle, if he'd lost control and spun the car at speed in excess of 80 mph the weight would have all been on the front of the car as it impacted. the nose of the car would have been down, and the ass end up. The malibu hit this upset balanced car in directly in the frame since it was raised up off the ground. actually knocking the frame out from under the car.

Steve Chryssos

08-06-2007, 10:51 AM

That's the weirded wreck I have ever seen. I'll bet the Chevelle was coming apart before the impact. Like maybe the driveshaft came loose and pole vaulted the car.

6'9"Witha69

08-06-2007, 10:53 AM

Not. The chevelle entered the malibu's path, ass bacwards and impacted the malibu in its lane. the chevelle was subsequently spun around. leaving it laying where it ended up in the middle of the road. The malibu, now mortally wounded, limped to its right, (the only natural instict of the driver is to swerve to the right to avoid the impact, causing his car to spin counter clockwise twice ending up where it did, off the right shoulder of the road.

Given the probable speed of the chevelle, if he'd lost control and spun the car at speed in excess of 80 mph the weight would have all been on the front of the car as it impacted. the nose of the car would have been down, and the ass end up. The malibu hit this upset balanced car in directly in the frame since it was raised up off the ground. actually knocking the frame out from under the car.Very plausible deduction, especiallt if the axle was impacted, that would cause the outward buckle of the rear frame to the Pass Side.

hdesign

08-06-2007, 11:15 AM

Not really. The auto manufacturers have spent billions to make it easier to survive brutal collisions like this one. As much as I like my old cars, I'm undoubtedly safer in a new one.
Ken

Yes, but I was referring to how strange it was that of all the cars on the road to hit....it was a late model Malibu.

Manufacturers have undoubtedly made incredible progress in understanding the physics involved with an impact. It is a proof positive that heavier bodies made of heavy gauge steel are not better in an accident.

MrQuick

08-06-2007, 11:31 AM

Not. The chevelle entered the malibu's path, ass bacwards and impacted the malibu in its lane. the chevelle was subsequently spun around. leaving it laying where it ended up in the middle of the road. The malibu, now mortally wounded, limped to its right, (the only natural instict of the driver is to swerve to the right to avoid the impact, causing his car to spin counter clockwise twice ending up where it did, off the right shoulder of the road.

Given the probable speed of the chevelle, if he'd lost control and spun the car at speed in excess of 80 mph the weight would have all been on the front of the car as it impacted. the nose of the car would have been down, and the ass end up. The malibu hit this upset balanced car in directly in the frame since it was raised up off the ground. actually knocking the frame out from under the car.

Even both cars doing 45 the combined speeds could do damage like that.

Even if the right bolts where used the washers ultimatly hold it all together. Combined with stock rubber bushings i've seen washers pull right through the frame holes. Pretty unfortunate and another warning to be safe out there.

BRIAN

08-06-2007, 05:50 PM

Is that fact as to what happened or what you feel happened?No argument just curious? In many states the Malibu will be held accountable for some of the fault as it is hit in the nose. Unless that Chevelle was going backwards and there are witnesses good luck with that one. It is almost impossible in the eye of the law to be 0% at fault if the front of your vehicle impacts another. Parked or car in reverse are the only two that come to mind and you better have witnesess as that story will change very quickly.

It takes a lot of work to determine exact causes of accidents and cars do not always respond in a way that sounds logical. Body on frame cars are some of the weakest in terms of taking an impact. Plus add to that it is a 30 year old car with some mods, patches or who knows what and all logic goes out the window.

Not my opinion just fact so don't shoot the messenger.

BonzoHansen

08-06-2007, 06:20 PM

Very sad.

"...were thrown from the vehicle" jumped off the page at me.

bookends

08-07-2007, 08:54 AM

wow that was horrible, proof that unless the car isn't going to be driven you should upgrade to later designed three point seatbelts, the passenger may have lived if these had been in place and worn.

LateNight72

08-07-2007, 10:09 AM

wow that was horrible, proof that unless the car isn't going to be driven you should upgrade to later designed three point seatbelts, the passenger may have lived if these had been in place and worn.

Unfortanutely, I believe they weren't wearing any belts, even lap belts..

-Todd

Rolling_Thunder

08-07-2007, 11:58 AM

Guys - this is tragic but if the above statement is true that they werent wearing belts my rational is survival of the fittest... if they arent smart enough to buckle up then you shouldnt feel sorry for them.... they are old enough to know... here in CA it is a LAW that you have to wear a belt...

I agree with the idea the chevelle was driving in excess and lost control... swerved into oncoming traffic and was hit in the driver's rear by the malibu...

TonyL

08-07-2007, 12:25 PM

it's also possible that the car lost the drive shaft, the car pogoed and ended up swerving out of control into traffic.

Gonzostyle

08-07-2007, 01:03 PM

Rolling Thunder, I thought the law was you had to have seatbelts if your car was originally equipped with them. My 63 SS nova was a seatbelt delete car (original GM plugs in the seatbelt anchor holes). I do not believe I was required to have them.

Having a metal dash, non-collapsing steering column, stock brakes and suspension definitely made me think about belts and how poorly other people drive.

Of course I upgraded everything except the motor before selling the car. Safety first!

-Jeremie

BonzoHansen

08-07-2007, 02:26 PM

it's also possible that the car lost the drive shaft, the car pogoed and ended up swerving out of control into traffic.
So you mean the DS dropped from the front u-joint and planted itself? Man, that would be violent at highway speed. Time to look for a DS loop. Gottta learn from tragedy.

TonyL

08-07-2007, 02:28 PM

it's just one possibility. could have been anything, broken tie rod, flat tire, wheel spin, etc.

There does appear to be a mangled drive shaft in the road though.

Rolling_Thunder

08-07-2007, 02:31 PM

:dunno:
Rolling Thunder, I thought the law was you had to have seatbelts if your car was originally equipped with them. My 63 SS nova was a seatbelt delete car (original GM plugs in the seatbelt anchor holes). I do not believe I was required to have them.

Having a metal dash, non-collapsing steering column, stock brakes and suspension definitely made me think about belts and how poorly other people drive.

Of course I upgraded everything except the motor before selling the car. Safety first!

-Jeremie

I believe this is true... you dont NEED them if they werent originally installed... however i believe all 69 chevelles (like my 68 charger) got at the minimum - lap belts... and if your going to put money into a BB chevelle with nice wheels and tires and what looked to be killer paint and body you should install belts if the car does not have them

Vegas69

08-07-2007, 03:04 PM

We have all done lots of stupid things and still live to tell about it. Hard to say what happended. In a car that old your chances of surviving a crash like that aren't good even with three point belts. Sure does make me want to put a roll bar and racing belts in my car.

MickMc

08-07-2007, 04:30 PM

Wear your seat belts or else.

Mick

MrQuick

08-07-2007, 06:23 PM

it's also possible that the car lost the drive shaft, the car pogoed and ended up swerving out of control into traffic.

Not possible, park brake cable and exhaust x over would prevent this...plus haven't you watched Mythbusters??? :enguard:

Yes, wear your seat belts, not only does it help your when in an accident it might also help you keep control of your car when you get loose by keeping you in the seat...in front of the wheel...where you belong.

hectore3

08-07-2007, 08:02 PM

Morrison 3 point belts,Borgeson collapsible steering shaft, and a simple 4 to 6 point padded roll bar welded in would have done wonders here.

TonyL

08-07-2007, 08:11 PM

plus haven't you watched Mythbusters??? :enguard:

i suppose running over the shaft could also cause a problem. the most likely cause is that the chevelle had traction issues

BonzoHansen

08-08-2007, 08:09 AM

i suppose running over the shaft could also cause a problem. the most likely cause is that the chevelle had traction issues
The trans end of that shaft looks pretty pristine.

But something broke.

Steve1968LS2

08-08-2007, 02:11 PM

Unfortanutely, I believe they weren't wearing any belts, even lap belts..

-Todd

The guy in the old Chevelle lived.. the passenger in the NEW Malibue died..

Hard to keep straight given the car names...

70TWO NOVA

08-08-2007, 02:14 PM

oh I thought the passenger in the OLD Chevelle/Malibu died, either way my heart goes out to those involved and their families.

Steve1968LS2

08-08-2007, 02:21 PM

oh I thought the passenger in the OLD Chevelle/Malibu died, either way my heart goes out to those involved and their families.

Actually, you're right.. I miss read it.

The whole Chevelle/Malibu thing threw me off.

70TWO NOVA

08-08-2007, 02:24 PM

Yeah I had to read It a couple times too

jeffandre

08-12-2007, 08:20 AM

Not possible, park brake cable and exhaust x over would prevent this...plus haven't you watched Mythbusters??? :enguard:

As far as drive shaft pole vaulting goes, didn't Jeff Schwartz have that happen to him in Cadillac Attack a few years back? I will make sure to have a DS loop at the front and rear of the shaft for extra protection! I need a new air bag vehicle...

65chevelle''ss''

08-13-2007, 09:46 AM

This is very sad news.. I live within 20 minutes from where the accident happened. I've driven HWY 30 many times.. I don't know many details although I heard on the radio that Mr. Phelps and Hartley were both true classic car enthusiasts. They had a passion for our hobby.. My condolences
:candle: