Clarence, my 1948 F-1 panel truck; misfortune

[atch]

I think the only time I've ever posted about Clarence was in a "show us your vehicle" type of thread. Anyway, I bought it in February of 1973, 52 years ago. We've been through a lot together and it's taken me just about everywhere between York, PA and Wendover Utah/Nevada.

I could write a thousand-page book about our exploits, but today I've got only one story.

On 10/15 BJ Mayberry and I were traveling on I-64 in Illinois on our way to a gathering of old Ford trucks in eastern Kentucky. Sherry didn't want to go since we had taken an extended trip in Clarence last month.

Eastbound on I-64 somewhere in the east half of Illinois traveling at 70 mph a trailer wheel came flying across the median (also going probably 70 mph) and hit us head-on. Could have been catastrophic, but BJ and I are both fine. The hood flew up and caused some consternation for a few seconds but as we slowed down it came back down. The adrenalin had us shaking for a while but we incurred no injuries. Entire front clip is toast. Radiator and fan also as well as several other small items like the trans cooler lines, etc.

Illinois state police arrived about 45 minutes later and a rollback arrived about an hour after him. BJ and I are both at our respective homes in Missouri.

Clarence is in my shop and probably down for the winter.

So if you know anywhere that I can get hood, grill, radiator core support, upper and lower valences (attach to grill), or other arts to repair this would you please message me here. Those fenders are Be Bop fiberglass as when I put them on several years ago I couldn't find steel fenders. Be Bop appears to be out of business. I haven't found another supplier of 'glass fenders. Those of you on the H.A.M.B. and/or FTE (Ford Truck Enthusiasts) might have already seen this.

Yes, I'll post in the want ads, but this thread is more about the story and not about finding parts.

[Ray in La Mesa]

OOHH, that hurts to see!

[flatford8]

Sorry to read about Clarence……it’s good the tire didn’t come through the W/S…….Mark

[mercman from oz]

Sorry to hear of this mishap. Glad that you are both well.
Regards Mercman <><

[Flathead Fever]

I'm really sorry about that. The important thing is you're okay, but that still really sucks. I doubt the frame is hurt so it should be too bad a job to fix him back up. You take your chances out on the road; you can be the most careful driver on the planet but there not much you can do about an out-of-control tire. What are the odds that you and tire were in the same place at the same time. Better odds of winning the lottery.

[atch]

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Originally Posted by mercman from oz

Sorry to hear of this mishap. Glad that you are both well.
Regards Mercman <><

Mercman, thanks for resizing the pic. I've been trying to find out how to do that ever since I first posted this a few minute ago.

[atch]

b-t-w; and f-w-i-w; I've posted quite a few times in the Model A forum about my 1930 Model A sedan that's in my avatar. And I've only had it for less than 3 months.

[atch]

A pic sitting in my shop. The wheel/tire on the floor is what hit us.

oops; pic didn't load. I'll try again.

[GB SISSON]

I think it's commendable that you (and many others here) have kept the vehicle of your youth for so many years. Me, they seem to slip through my hands. Good story. Many would have abandoned it after the wreck, but you persevere!

[atch]

GB,

I've heard of the Jailbar Ranch; perhaps on here and perhaps not.

Glad to make your acquaintance.

[atch]

oops...

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by atch

A pic sitting in my shop. The wheel/tire on the floor is what hit us.

oops; pic didn't load. I'll try again.

[corvette8n]

Wow, glad your ok, I’ll keep my eye open in my area for any parts that might fit.

[deuce_roadster]

Maybe Karl Westcott here on the Barn would know of a supplier of those fenders if he does not himself.

[Ggmac]

There a f-6 in Missouri for sale on ebay for $$1,750 . No connection , I just thought it could hep . I know the fenders are diff but it may help with the other parts . Its in Thief river falls .

[Lanny]

atch, so glad that you two guys were not hurt.
I hope you are able to find good parts to put your
'48 panel back to the great cond, as you had it...




.

[atch]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

Maybe Karl Westcott here on the Barn would know of a supplier of those fenders if he does not himself.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I had thought of Wescotts but my initial search failed. If I were a better speller I probably would have found it sooner. Today I found them and they DO have the fender parts I need.

[Lawson Cox]

Sorry about the wheel and all. Glad everyone is okay. Especially finding all the parrs you need. You are truly blessed.

[atch]

Originally Posted by Lawson Cox

Sorry about the wheel and all. Glad everyone is okay. Especially finding all the parrs you need. You are truly blessed.

Thanks. Yes, He was certainly watching over us and we really are blessed.

I can certainly attest to your signature line: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes."

[Cecil/WV]

I got nice rear fiberglas fenders for my '40 pickup a few yrs ago from R & R Fiberglas in Cleveland Tn. 6/30/03 was the date 423 476 2270. I hope they are still there.