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We went to Timberline Resort in Canaan Valley, WV for MLK weekend 2005. Had a great time snowboarding, hanging out and even got some fresh snow. Left Monday morning to check out and return the rental house key. Not more than half a mile to the rental office, and only 5 minutes from the rental house, I hit a bad patch on a narrow road, lost control and rolled the truck into a ditch. |
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Poor little BackPack Rack (RoverSolutions) |
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Good news, I bought the truck back from the insurance company for a steal. The bad news, insurance companies suck and I am still arguing with them on how I can get the truck to my house. It is residing up in PA right now and I was initially told they would tow it to wherever I want. Now they are balking and saying I need to pick it up. I am pretty sure the truck will start up and is drive-able, but the broken sunroof and alpine window, not to mention the wavy door tops make it a not very pleasant option. But, the option of not having the truck back sucks worse. So if you see a dented and garbage bag wrapped truck on the side of the road between PA and VA, please stop.
Well, I got the truck back. Was able to negotiate with insurance company to pay for a tow and was able to find a local guy who did it for a good price. Truck is in a little worse shape than I hoped. Rear roof, right alpine and rear sunroof of course were messed up. But the front roof over the driver and passenger was also a lot more crushed in than I thought. The engine and mechanicals were all in good shape. Oil had leaked on top of the cylinders from the rollover and after some good advice from Kyle I was able to blow the excess oil out of the plug holes. After some thorough cleaning of the cylinders and plugs, a liberal dosage of carb cleaner down the intake and the engine fired up, but ran roughly. Pulled the MAF and a saw that a good amount of oil had gotten into the air box and contaminated the sensor. A good soaking of electrical contact cleaner and the engine was purring like a kitten, although rather smokey. Next, on to the body. |
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As you see, quite a bit of bent metal. But I am not looking at getting it all straight. Just up out of the way and some semblance of the old shape. Hopefully will be getting a nice tight rack to hide most of the now deformed roof. First step was to begin stripping the interior, carpet and headliner. This truck will be used as primarily an off-road only vehicle and I will be eliminating a lot of the creature comforts. Rear seats, seat belts and most non-essentials will be pulled to easier get to the roof and also because they won't be needed for it's reincarnation. |
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I am using a 4 ton Porta-Power to jack up the roof in the areas needed. Along with a 2x4, this is working out quite well. |