How a Small Fender-Bender In My '72 AMC Turned Into a Big Headache

[Hagerty]

Generally, I'm a "defensive driver." Even more so, when I'm behind the wheel of my 1972 AMC Ambassador. But some incidents on the road are beyond our control, which was the case when a GMC pickup towing a Chevy Vega rear-ended me on the way from a car show.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/how-a-small-fender-bender-in-my-72-amc-turned-into-a-big-...

[Swamibob]

Excellent story! I dig the car too. MY family has a LOT of Ramblers and AMC's when I was growing up, including a '70 Rebel SST.

[FlasherZ]

Your bumper guy sounds like mine. Small shop, absolutely refused to take any shortcuts and seemed distressed when I even suggested it. The price of plating chemicals has tripled in the past year, and what was an $800 job previously was $1,500 a month ago, and his next chemical shipment would make it $2,000.

[Punk]

I love how the car looked after the wreck. Looked like it was frowning and sticking its tongue out at the stupid GMC! The car was expressing its displeasure!!

[buellerdan]

Good advertisement for a proper insurance policy.

[DUB6]

   I was resisting reading this article because the headline not only depressed, but scared me.  I usually hate reading horror stories about nice classics being hurt in accidents, and I certainly recognized that but for-the-grave-of-the-car-gods, there might go I.

   But curiosity finally got the best of me, and I clicked on the story.  The moment I saw the first picture, I was glad I did.  "Nice car", I thought, "hope that is an 'after photo' and not a 'before'."  Then I got into the whole saga, and started to feel an affinity for Joe and his AMC.  By the time I was finished, I was almost cheering out loud for both of them!

   I am very happy that the car turned out so well, and I also wish I knew where "Don's Plating Shop" is located.  I've got a couple of bumpers that need work!  😊

[61Rampy]

Cool story! Cool car! I see where the bumper doesn't fit perfectly, but I still think it looks great! Knowing AMC's quality control in those days, it could have looked like that when new. I'm glad it all worked out!