Small Wreck in my 240SX

[dfw240_EE]

1992 Nissan 240SX Fastback

I had a small accident today in my 240SX. I was going just a touch too fast, and was following a little too close to the car in front. Nothing too bad, like 5-10mph over, and following about half of a second too close. A car two cars ahead stopped suddenly for a light, lady in front of me stopped and missed, but I locked my wheels skidded right into her. Like I said, I was going only slightly too fast and only slightly too close, so I did stop enough that it wasn't bad.

I chipped some paint off of the plastic nose cone where it flexed, especially around the impact point at the license plate and some around the driverside headlight. The hood also buckled about 1/4" upwards. The car still runs just fine and is drivable. The flip ups work, the radiator is not breached, and I see no fluids leaking from the car except the one oil leak that was there before.

I am fine and the other lady was fine as far as all were concerned. I just hope she doesn't suddenly appear with whiplash later. Yes I know that is a real possibility with the nature of the wreck, but something about the wreck did raise suspicions. Probably nothing, just the nature of it reminded me of that "swoop and squat" thing you see on all the investigative journalism shows. The rational side of me said it isn't, but I can't shake the thought. She was alone in the car, so it probably isn't.

Her car, a previous-generation Mitsu Galant suffered no damage on initial inspection. I did not see any paint chipping on her rear bumper and it appeared unbuckled. That was superficial though, I couldn't put her car up on jackstands on the spot and examine deeper afterall!

All in all, it could have been much worse. After final exams are done I will take it in to a shop to have it examined with particular emphasis on suspension alignment, and drivetrain alignment. I did notice that it felt sluggish, but it wasn't scraping at all. Might have just been shot nerves, I am going to take it around the block now and check it out. I will be safe this time!

[TurboSilvia7587]

luckily it was just minor

[dfw240_EE]

I just came back from my quick jaunt around the block. Wound up at the local grocery store for Blue Bell (excellent ice cream)

It's ok, checked the headlights and turn blinkers, brakes, steering, power, etc. Everything feels fine except it seems to be wanting to drift right. However, it is long overdue for an alignment even before the accident. I should get that lifetime alignment deal at Firestone.

[dfw240_EE]

This is going to sound lame, but the bent hood is only minor. It didn't crease, and isn't noticable from a distance. I think I will keep it like that for awhile, to remind me of how stupid I can be.