How you'd fair crashing your classic car.

[Old Henry]

A great video by Consumer Reports of a head-on collision between a 2009 Chevy Malibu and a 1959 Bel Air: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPF4fBGNK0U

That steering column coming up to hit me in the face or chest is what I've always feared most.

[19Fordy]

Gee, what a shame to destroy that nice collectible car.
However, new cars are built safer -designed to save lives.

[rowens55]

Shocking!!! I had no idea!! But I guess that's why (without even knowing) I drive in the slow lane!!

[Tim Ayers]

Search Youtube for films of even older cars crashing. I was amazing to see how the body would become detached from the frame with so many '30's-era cars. Crashes must have been a life or death situation; especially before safety glass.

[wbedwards]

That video is mainly why I put seatbelts in my 59

[Tinker]

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Gee, what a shame to destroy that nice collectible car.
However, new cars are built safer -designed to save lives.

At least they used a 4 door

[rheltzel]

As I drive my '35 (stock except for '39 hydraulic brakes) every day in all sorts of conditions, I notice that I'm driving much more defensively and carefully than in a modern car, which makes up for some of the additional risk inherent in driving a car that was never designed with the sort of crash survivability that we take for granted nowadays. I admit that won't help me if some idiot in a modern 7,000 lbs. F350 crosses the center line and hits me head on, but by driving defensively, the way we should always drive regardless of the car we're in, I figure I've improved the odds enough that I feel almost as safe as I do when driving a modern car. Whether or not that's a false sense of security, I've put 10,000+ safe driving miles on my '35 in the last two years. Not as much as Ol' Henry, but quite a few.

[Admiral]

I often joke -- a bit of gallows humor -- that getting into a fender-bender while driving my '36 would be lethal. Crashing is always in the back of my mind when I'm in it, though I don't let it scare me. I say a little prayer before heading out and try not to do anything reckless.

[PeterC]

Originally Posted by Admiral

I often joke -- a bit of gallows humor -- that getting into a fender-bender while driving my '36 would be lethal. Crashing is always in the back of my mind when I'm in it, though I don't let it scare me. I say a little prayer before heading out and try not to do anything reckless.

I'm with you re "Crashing is always in the back of my mind " -
when I was flying P51 Mustangs ... crashing was always on my mind - in a good way ... I was very careful to have a plan B at all times as best I could ... carried that thought driving old cars as well - always do a "preflight" before getting out on the road, air pressure, coolant level, fuel level, brake check, oil check, steering, etc. ... ALWAYS driving with safety in my mind - how fast, what lane, who’s around me, what’s happening far ahead and behind me, exit strategy for emergency move etc. And yes - I very much enjoy being out in the 35 Coupe - but tempered by my pilot training.

[robert dick]

Peter C
ever run across a P51 named "ain't missbehavin--

[Bob C]

When that video first came out it was said that they probably didn't just pick that
car at random. It is one of the most unsafe cars produced. The X design of the
frame leaves the passengers with no side protection from the frame and the steering
column is mounted right behind the bumper so it is driven into the driver like a spear.

Bob

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by robert dick

Peter C
ever run across a P51 named "ain't missbehavin--

This 'n? DD

[Hoop]

PeterC,

Having a Mustang pilot give a Flight Safety briefing is like Evel Knievel teaching a motorcycle safety class.

Check six

[rheltzel]

Originally Posted by Hoop

PeterC,

Having a Mustang pilot give a Flight Safety briefing in like Evel Knievel teaching a motorcycle safety class.

Check six

You're kidding, right? You're not seriously suggesting that the brave Army Air Corps pilots who risked their lives to protect B-17 crews from German Me 109's were in the same class of character as Evel Knievel, are you?

[rowens55]

I actually took that to
Mean that those guys were brave and had to sometimes do some crazy things to protect their charges and themselves. I don't believe he was bad mouthing anyone.. And I Agree with him. Those men were hero's.

[46ford]

Originally Posted by wbedwards

That video is mainly why I put seatbelts in my 59

That video is a great illustration of why seat belts won't help in my '59. Seat belts are part of the total design of new cars, not an add-on.

Drive safely. Most accidents (even where someone runs the red light) are preventable if you drive defensively.

[robert dick]

v8coopman
might be the same one , it used to be hangered in the same hanger as me in Bedford ma

[Hoop]

"You're kidding, right? You're not seriously suggesting that the brave Army Air Corps pilots who risked their lives to protect B-17 crews from German Me 109's were in the same class of character as Evel Knievel, are you?"

rheltzel,

Sorry that you did not understand my comment about P-51 pilots. It was a compliment to a group of men who easily humble even today's military aviators.

I can understand that you have no idea of the danger they faced from not just the missions they flew but from flying an aircraft that demanded an immense amount of skill and guts to fly.

PeterC is being modest. Like any red-blooded pilot, he would have flown the P-51 even if it was guaranteed to rip his ears off, set his hair on fire, and leave him with a permanent limp. Actually it could do much worse.

Safety is a relative term. Safe for Peter would scare the crap out of most men.

[rheltzel]

I concede I misunderstood your post. I apologize. I am a student of WW II and have as good an understanding of the bravery and skill of P 51 pilots as anyone can have who wasn't even born until after the Greatest Generation saved western civilization. That's why, not understanding where you were coming from, said what I said.

Again, I apologize for suggesting you were being disrespectful of their memory.

[CC33]

Since we are talking about P-51's, maybe 20 years ago or so one crashed here on Cape Cod. Someone won a raffle to go for a ride in it. Unfortunately it crashed and both occupants were killed. A week or so later I was coming out of a store that is directly across the street from the main airport here on the Cape. When I heard the roar go right over my head a stopped dead in my tracks. I knew the sound right away. There were maybe 8 P-51's taking of two at a time side by side, then rolling out into an orbit waiting for the others to take off.
They flew in formation out to the scene of the crash as a memorial flight. It really was a moment that brought a tear. Wish I could fly...

[wbedwards]

Originally Posted by 46ford

That video is a great illustration of why seat belts won't help in my '59. Seat belts are part of the total design of new cars, not an add-on.

Drive safely. Most accidents (even where someone runs the red light) are preventable if you drive defensively.

Your right, but, should it happen we will at least stay in the car and not go on an excursion outside through a window. That car has heavy metal and a full frame, but no crumple zones and I would not want to have a wreck in it. I am not comfortable driving very fast with the manual brakes, steering, and old rims although I have been through all of it and it is in good shape.

[PeterC]

Originally Posted by Hoop

"You're kidding, right? You're not seriously suggesting that the brave Army Air Corps pilots who risked their lives to protect B-17 crews from German Me 109's were in the same class of character as Evel Knievel, are you?"

rheltzel,

Sorry that you did not understand my comment about P-51 pilots. It was a compliment to a group of men who easily humble even today's military aviators.

I can understand that you have no idea of the danger they faced from not just the missions they flew but from flying an aircraft that demanded an immense amount of skill and guts to fly.

PeterC is being modest. Like any red-blooded pilot, he would have flown the P-51 even if it was guaranteed to rip his ears off, set his hair on fire, and leave him with a permanent limp. Actually it could do much worse.

Safety is a relative term. Safe for Peter would scare the crap out of most men.

Did not mean to set this thread off in the wrong direction - just wanted to correlate safety is a learned state of mind ... and just to be clear - I was not a WWII combat pilot as the war was long over when I fell in love with these birds - started my civilian flying interest in 1968 with my first ride in a 51 .. set my mind to be a pilot and fly them .. which I was lucky to experience.This is me in 1968 (click to enlarge).

Glad everyone is all settled down again.

[nospartsman]

I was hit May 14 2015, 1/8 mile from home. The road was on top of freeway overpass, the miscreant was exiting the freeway, he cleared one lane of traffic but forgot there were two lanes. He hit me with a BMW under acceleration (he said he was late for church). His insurance is Gieco. It looks like a fender bender until you look closer. The left frame horn is rolled to the right, radiator lost all fluid, grille broke, grille guard bent, wheel bent, original bumper bent, NOS bumper irons bent and broke, the worst is the cowl panel between door and fender where the left fender attaches is buckled, also when the car is viewed from the rear the left side of the car is higher, not level, the frame is wracked. This is a survivor 40 with very nice original upholstery, original paint on the body (the fenders had been repainted). I was only doing about 25 mph but did get my arm wacked by the steering wheel. We'll see how Gieco is to deal with, has anyone had any experience with them. I had an unmolested 40, I don't now.

[Kurt in NJ]

Lowball offer, quick total, want to take it away before you settle so they have control ---ones they can make $$ on the salvage because the damage fixable is something I am seeing more and more

On a car recently totalled (don't know ins co)the offer was low, ---where do you get your prices --XXX guide online, go there find cars all were 2000$ more than their offer ---their reasoning for offer --"you will negotiate lower price when you buy the car so we adjust our price from the guide price"

Have you contacted your insurance company, do you have appraisals , estimates for repair ---hopefully you have antique ins with proper agreed value

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by wbedwards

Your right, but, should it happen we will at least stay in the car and not go on an excursion outside through a window.

That's about all I figure I'll get out of my seat belts as well - they'll at least keep me in the car.

[19Fordy]

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Originally Posted by nospartsman

I was hit May 14 2015, 1/8 mile from home. The road was on top of freeway overpass, the miscreant was exiting the freeway, he cleared one lane of traffic but forgot there were two lanes. He hit me with a BMW under acceleration (he said he was late for church). His insurance is Gieco. It looks like a fender bender until you look closer. The left frame horn is rolled to the right, radiator lost all fluid, grille broke, grille guard bent, wheel bent, original bumper bent, NOS bumper irons bent and broke, the worst is the cowl panel between door and fender where the left fender attaches is buckled, also when the car is viewed from the rear the left side of the car is higher, not level, the frame is wracked. This is a survivor 40 with very nice original upholstery, original paint on the body (the fenders had been repainted). I was only doing about 25 mph but did get my arm wacked by the steering wheel. We'll see how Gieco is to deal with, has anyone had any experience with them. I had an unmolested 40, I don't now.

7/18/15 What a shame. Glad you weren't hurt. Hope you have good collectible car insurance policy. It can be fixed just like mine was.

[scooder]

Originally Posted by wbedwards

Your right, but, should it happen we will at least stay in the car and not go on an excursion outside through a window. That car has heavy metal and a full frame, but no crumple zones and I would not want to have a wreck in it. I am not comfortable driving very fast with the manual brakes, steering, and old rims although I have been through all of it and it is in good shape.

What's wrong with manual steering and brakes? And your wheels, yes wheels, if you've had the tyres off you'll know if there ok, wouldn't you?
I don't own anything with power steering or brakes, I do know the condition of my wheels. It concerns me not. Oddly my opinion is almost directly opposite. I don't like the lack of feel with power steering or brakes, mine tell me all the info I need. I know exactly what my cars limits are, cus I can feel it. I'm sure all this power assisted stuff lulls drivers into a false sense of security, only giving the info when it's too late.
I do drive defensively, I learnt from the start to think that every other driver on the road is trying to kill me, seems to work. That and not driving on the other guys back bumper.
Martin.
Atleast they used an off brand car in that film.

[RobR'35]

Those planes are awesome! Ive yet to get a ride in one.
I seen my first one in Topeka,KS.
I really had a hard time walking away from the darn thing.
And when it was flying over the plant I was helping build. it would make the hair stand on my neck. What a machine!!!!

[Kahuna]

I'm in total agreement with Martin.
Know your car. Know it's limits and yours.
I drive my 32 as fast as the traffic with no fear
of the car or an accident.
Might as well stay home otherwise.

[46ford]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

I'm in total agreement with Martin.
Know your car. Know it's limits and yours.
I drive my 32 as fast as the traffic with no fear
of the car or an accident.
Might as well stay home otherwise.

I guess I flew airplanes and rode motorcycles long enough to know that the only way to save your a$$ is to stay out of a wreck in the first place. It also keeps your car looking nice.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by scooder

I don't like the lack of feel with power steering or brakes, mine tell me all the info I need. I know exactly what my cars limits are, cus I can feel it. I'm sure all this power assisted stuff lulls drivers into a false sense of security, only giving the info when it's too late.

One of my kids hit something because when he slammed on the power brakes in the car there was that delay that they all have before they really grab. I much prefer my good old non-power-assist juice brakes that grab instantly when hit. Non of that mushy power brake junk.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Old Henry

..................when he slammed on the power brakes in the car there was that delay that they all have before they really grab.................that mushy power brake junk.

I believe they had a big re-call on that one. DD

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by 46ford

I guess I flew airplanes and rode motorcycles long enough to know that the only way to save your a$$ is to stay out of a wreck in the first place. It also keeps your car looking nice.

Ya I'm not sure the motivation in this thread... other then being safe. I will say I've known at least 5 people in my small circle on modern 80s up bikes that have had less then great outcomes. I feel safe in a old car. Even with my old 28 with the gas tank at my knees.

I also fear more, when driving even in a new car, people on the phone ... more so then my safety in a old car that is less fast and that I pay way more attention to defensive driving.

But sh*t happens too. Even with all the safety stuff in the world.

Be safe!!!!

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Ya I'm not sure the motivation in this thread... other then being safe. I will say I've known at least 5 people in my small circle on modern 80s up bikes that have had less then great outcomes.

I often say to myself when I'm thinking I'm driving a dangerous vehicle, "It's safer than a motorcycle, even with a helmet on." Or, when I'm on a road trip and it's 95°, "At least I'm sittin' in the shade, not like those motorcycle riders that gotta sit out in the sun."

[Flathead]

I think a 59 Ford would have done better, perimeter frame and safer steering box placement.

[Adam/Mill Valley CA]

I ride a lot(since 1967), and drive my '36 a lot-I think the defensive habits you develop on a motorcycle serve you very well driving a vintage auto (or any auto, for that matter). My mindset when riding is that "every other person on the road is an idiot, and they're all trying to kill me". Not true, of course, but helps to keep you out of trouble. In anything other than a fender bender in one of our flatheads, you're probably toast. I do have lap belts in mine, for whatever they're worth.

Insofar as the risks and rewards of motorcycling, that's a whole other discussion.

Adam

[Johnnydidd]

After watching video makes me question using seat belts in my old cars?????????

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by wbedwards

That video is mainly why I put seatbelts in my 59

The way that "A" pillar collapsed, not sure seatbelts would have helped in the 1959 Chevy.

I know that if some one hits me head on or from the side while I am going 45mph in my 1937, I am pretty much finished.