Check out this Connie Chung video and take it VERY seriously:

[Stewart G Griffin]

Check out this connie chung video and take it very seriously:

i was just thinking about the headrest issue a few days ago---will try to find a link for a supplier asap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGVt14jSyUw

[VileZambonie]

Looks like you need a car stewie

[eventhorizon66]

All of this is common sense and not news at all, even in 1986.  Glass isn't a good head restraint?  Really...wow.  Trucks have a higher COG than a car?  Whoa.

I don't think anyone here thinks of these trucks as safe, even by 80's standards.  During that period, Volvo was really the only manufacturer putting any sort of thought into car safety.  So while cars may have been "safer" in a few regards, as a whole, they weren't very safe in 1986 either.

I personally don't think there is anything to take very seriously here.  If you are really concerned about safety the best thing to do is use this site to pick out a modern car.

[1HI4x4]

Let's see here, my one ton pickup without head rest, VS a Geo Tracker with headrest. I WIN......................

[choptop]

I feel more secure in one of my trucks than I would in any tin foil car whether it has the head rests or not. I have never seen anyone that got killed in one of these trucks, but have seen several "safe" cars that had to be cut apart to remove the body. You can get killed in anything, it comes a point when you just have to enjoy life, and the time you were given. When its your time to be called home, its time. Im not installing airbags, headrests, antilock brakes, and the rest of the junk in my truck because someone says its safer. Like I said, I have never known anyone killed inone of these trucks, but know many who have been killed in what was supposed to be a safer car.

[Blazin]

I'm bigger I bet I win too when hit by some earth biscuit in there safe / smart car. I knew a guy that died in one of our trucks but it was almost unrecognizable after the wreck! All this legislation for safety etc. is good in some ways, but it is idiot proofing the public! We should be gaining common sense not false security!
 I was rearended in my 86 Chevy K20 back when I was 18 by a buddy of mine in his mothers Delta 88. Only damage to my truck was some scratches in the tail gate, bumper, and a broken back window from my head! He was doing about 30 MPH I signaled to turn and he wasn't paying attention. He turned to avoid me but the front tires were locked. It demolished the front of that Olds. I had a little knot on my head, and a stiff neck for a few days.
 That woman that lost her leg. Duh, your talking about an early 70's Monte Carlo vs. a tin can Nissan truck!
 Having back up sensors, and a camera is not a reason to not use your mirrors, or look behind you! Having door bars and air bags doesn't give you excuse to drive like and idiot!

[78 Chevyrado]

I have highback buckets....   I thought about that on my own, that and I hit my head in one of these trucks before.  Might be whats wrong with me

[Irish_Alley]

70s Monte vs a Nissan is like our truck vs a smart car, guess who will be hurt or have more damage

[Stewart G Griffin]

Well, at any rate i feel the lack-of-headrest feature IS an issue----Blaz, that knot on your head could have been worse.  Also, i don't think the rear glass breaking from your head should be considered normal and should be taken lightly.

i remember seeing an ad for this very problem in the back of car magazines and will post a link asap.

[eventhorizon66]

To be fair, the headrest issue is something that has concerned me (slightly) as well.  Fixing it is simple and has the added benefit of getting rid of the garbage stock bouncy seats.  But the point to take to heart here is that it makes no sense to try to reengineer these trucks to meet the safety standards of today.  You'll fail and spend a ton of money.  If ultimate safety is your top concern start driving one of these:



Short of that, make peace with your maker, 'cause death happens.

[Grim 82]

I would rather be in my 82 K10 than in my '04 ZR2 blazer with headrests and airbags, etc. if I was going to be in a wreck. The laws of physics trump traffic laws every day of the week. I put ram seats in the pickup, and I use the removable headrests, but safety starts with prevention. People just don't really want to pull out in front of big ugly primer gray pickups with cow catchers on the front.

[VileZambonie]

I think you need to understand that the last year of these trucks was 1991. It is nearly 20 years later and safety standards have changed. If you own a 73-91 pick up and are concerned about safety and fuel mileage the real answer to your concerns is to get a different vehicle. If you own a pre 1968 vehicle are you aware that you can be skewered in a frontal impact by the steering shaft? Are you aware that shoulder belts weren't standard in the beginning? If this is a VERY serious concern of anyone who owns one of these trucks it's pretty foolish to even own one don't you think?

[bobcooter]

You're right Vile. I'm putting mine up for sale tomorrow!  No, seriously, I had forgotten how hot Connie Chung was! Thanks Stuart!

[VileZambonie]

LOL Didn't she marry Maury Povich or Jerry Springer?

[bobcooter]

LOL Didn't she marry Maury Povich or Jerry Springer?

Yea, now that I think about it, she married Maury Povich. Man you've got a great memory... He was kind of a dweeb if I remember right. I may have been a little jealous.