Tweety Lives

Rob sent me an update in email. Apparently, Dad was able to start the car and drive it. It looks like there really is no engine damage. My concern would be for the frame. He should really get that thing checked out if he wants to put it back on the road.

Here is Rob's email:

Laci came by the house last night and the car started up. He backed it up and moved it next to the rest of the cars. When we popped the hood there was no signs of the frame being bent at all and the engine was not touched. It was amazing. The hood will need to be banged out or replaced, a slight dent in the front right quarter panel and the front grill was cracked. Other then that the car is as good as ever. The Durango only has about 5 or 6 dings but other then that it survived. No problems with the suspension or shocks. I was a little worried about that after they removed the tree and the car rose about a foot. I drove it for the first time Tuesday and all was good. I think a lot of factors came into play that prevented
much more damage.

The amount of dirt at the bottom of the tree provided a ton of weight when the tree got uprooted slowing down the fall.

1. The power lines and cables also slowed down the fall.
2. The tree was big but very slim keeping the damages isolated to a narrow path.
3. With the slow fall aided by the wires and dirt the branches were able to maintain strength and help support the tree.

It is truly amazing that there was not more damages to the cars, house or even worse, people.