Chevelle Wreck

[LateNight72]

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]

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]

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

[Gonzostyle]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Wear your seat belts or else.

Mick

[MrQuick]

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???

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]

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]

plus haven't you watched Mythbusters???

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

[BonzoHansen]

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]

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]

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

[Steve1968LS2]

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]

Yeah I had to read It a couple times too

[jeffandre]

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

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'']

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

[Conekiller13]

Man...........that's in My neck of the woods too. That's one of My favorite areas for sport bike riding and driving.