Well my friend and I started off on Monday to go from Bangor, Maine to Ocala, Florida in or cars.

First day - Traveled 800 + miles and in Mass. and Conn. had trouble getting gas as electric service was non-existent. Finally, got gas in Southern Conn. Never considered - no electric - no stop signals - no gas and back ups you can't imagine.
End of day around 7:30 PM checked out numbers 27 plus miles per gallon including at least eight times pulling off highways to find gas. Wasted about 11/2 hours.
Tuesday - 7 AM filled up with gas, checked oil, washed windows etc. and hit the road. Making great time and mileage went up to just over 30 miles per gallon. Not bad considering STS system, forced induction cam etc. Lady was making me proud, especially since my buddies Gran Sport was about five miles per gallon behind me and he had given up trying to play.
Now it happens! After 1,500 miles we are on US 301, in Florida, about 40 miles from my final destination. We are in the right hand lane waiting for the light to turn green. I am right behind my friend and there is a tractor trailer on my left. Light turns green and we start off about 30 to fifty feet out I see an object coming towards me on the left - sh t the truck driver decided to pull into the right lane, honk the horn, step on the gas, and see this giant wheel meet the side of my car. Of all things my thoughts are you SOB your ruining my car. As the lug nuts on the front wheel are spraying fiberglass in the air and I am being thrown to the left over the curb I can't believe it. Your fu ing up my lady. Went up over the curb and managed to stop. Passenger side six or eight inches higher than the drivers side. Couldn't get out of the drivers side so managed to get out the passenger side and ran around to see the damage. His lug nuts ran down the side of my car and created a perfect circle between the door and rear portion of the car.
The semi stopped about 50 yards down the road, I called 911 and just kept looking at my car. My 2003 Anniversary Lady that was as perfect if not better than the day it was built had major damage to the driver side and looked like a piece of s___.
Well the police came and filled out all the reports then asked me if I wanted to have it towed. While several of the CCW's were well marked up and one tire was showing a large piece of rubber sticking out I decided to check the tire pressure and all were between 28 and 30. Decided to get into the car and start her up - Fired up instantly and everything checked out. Told the officer I was going to drive it and get her home. Didn't go over 45 but made it around midnight.
Next day checked her out and drove to St. Petersbutrg, Fl to have her checked out. Now waiting to hear the level of damage.
It will probably be more mental than anything else. Car can be repaired but just goes to show - you are never in total control
Just really bummed out but thankful no one was hurt.

 

I hate it when stupid people destroy other peoples property! I hope everything gets better for you!

 

So sorry to hear about this .I know how you keep your stuff.
At least you know good guys in Fla to repair it.

Dan

 

That's sad!

 

Ouch !

 

Wow, what bad luck - hope that whomever you get to do the repairs does a great job and you get the car back on the road soon.

 

I think I'm going to be sick! Can't imagine how I would deal with it were it my 50th AE. Anxious to hear how it all works out. Sorry!

 

a group hug to make you feel better, I'm sorry to hear about your car, but at least you're not hurt.

 

I know how you feel, I learned long time ago to always watch the big trucks, Working around them the last 23 years there are blind spots for sure where the driver can't see.
Glad you are ok and your car will be as good as new, I will add this, When you do get it fixed have them paint the whole car, I went through this last year. No matter how good the painter is after a while you will be able to tell one side was painted and not the other.
Again, I am sorry.
Mr.Bill

 

Hey Dan good to hear from you. How did the top work out? Joe and Mike will take good care of the necessary repairs and in hind sight it could have been a lot worst.
Police couldn't believe I wasn't hurt and all I could talk about was what happened to my car.

 

well that sux. I hope they fix it up to your satisfaction.

 

Ouch!!! Good luck with the repairs.

 

Its not the trucks, its the drivers. Down here, its constant and the truck drivers always say..."I was cut off". Its a big problem with those
"cowboys".

 

I'm in for the group hug hope all goes well,

 

Oh Doug, It made me sick reading your post. Every time, something like this happens to one of our member,we all feel it. On the bright side and most importantly,your OK! The car is in good hands with Joe. Please keeps us informed and we hope for a rapid recovery for your Lady.

 

Sorry to hear Doug

 

I'm sorry to hear about your car, but at least you're OK.
She'll be ready to join again you once she's fixed.

 

Wow... I'd be pi$$ed. Glad you're okay.

 

Again, Sorry about your car, Can you post a picture of the damage the wheel did to your car?
Mr.Bill

 

Wow, sorry to hear this, glad your ok. I think the problem is the "new breed" of truck driver out there, they get paid by the trip or miles. It should be illegal to pay them that way. Hope you get her fixed up fast.