Found a new Great "Crash Testing" web site.

[Best F100]

In the past, I had seen both the widely advertised crash testing sites - NHTSA.gov and the IIHS sites. Basically, you go and check how the vehicle you are considering buying, fared in a structured, laboratory test. In this crash testing, velocity and acceleration are fixed parameters.

I happen to be one of the many big Ford Motor Company fans on this site. Over the weekend, I stumbled upon the web site salvageford.info. In it, you get to see how all models fared in real world, crashes, as well as their present condition, in the salvage yards nationwide. You get to pick the type of crash you are interested in (front end, roll over, etc), and view many interior and exterior photos. Of course, you don't know A) the conditions involved, B) speeds involved or C) how the occupants fared in these crashes. (Hope everyone was OK).

I came away with the impressions of how stout, and well designed the constuction safety cages are. (Even cars as small as the Ford Fiesta). There may be sites for other manufacturers like this, as well.

There is almost too much information to take in here. So for all you folks who "gawk" at accidents, as you pass them, here's a site for you.

 

[eljefino]

Cool!

 

[tightwad]

This may have been posted before, but for those who say "They don't make 'em like they used to.", here's a reason to be glad they don't. 2009 Malibu vs. 1959 Bel-Air. And I used to ride around in one these with no seat belts when I was a kid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrXViFfMGk

 

[Artem]

Originally Posted By: tightwad
This may have been posted before, but for those who say "They don't make 'em like they used to.", here's a reason to be glad they don't. 2009 Malibu vs. 1959 Bel-Air. And I used to ride around in one these with no seat belts when I was a kid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrXViFfMGk


Ehhh, let the Malibu sit outside rotting away for 60 years and then redo this crash test with a freshly built 1959 Bel-Air.

Even considering as far as automobile safely construction has come these days, i don't think the results will be the same.

 

[NHGUY]

The only crash absorption old cars had were the frame rails (body on frame) and the engine.Usually the engine would break loose of the mounts easily and drive itself thru the firewall,pushing the dash backwards and crushing the occupants.The frame rail would have the steering box bolted to it with a solid shaft steering column affixed.When the frame rail folded backwards so did the box.Thus the column would be a lance travelling backwards and upwards,knocking out teeth,removing noses,and breaking jaws.If you ever removed the fenders of an old car,you will note flimsy inner fender (splash) panels merely bolted on with only a few bolts.Most all offset impacts were absorbed by a fender alone.Sheet metal is not meant for that purpose....so the fenders usually would peel right off.Now you have welded inner panels that are integral to the suspension (strut towers) and strength of the car.Normally these are further reinforced with box section reinforcements.Add that to lower boxed rails that are welded to the inner panels,you have a very rigid powertrain "box" that is designed to distribute loads.Car manufacturers knew the old designs were dangerous,killing 40-50,000 every year...but with no government oversight and no buyer outrage,nothing was done.Until Nader,Corvair and Ribicoff came along in 1966.