5kS Durability

[Michael Spiers <mikes@specnet.com>]

I was driving home from work last night in my (her, whatever) '84 5kS, was
about three miles from home, and doing between 50 and 60 MPH.  Lady in a Mazda
pickup getting ready to turn (rather, merge) into my lane, which is only a
one-lane road.  Looks right at me, then guns it.  Cute.  I locked up all four
tires, slid through the intersection, and nailed her.  Folded her rear bumper
under, and sent her careening into the line of cars in the turn lane in the
oncoming lane.  Got out, expecting to be missing the whole front end of the
car.  NOT A SCRATCH!  No broken lights, no busted plastic trim, no dented
metal.  Couldn't believe it.  There were two marks on the top of the bumper
where the bumper had compressed about three inches, and the bottom of the
plastic trim that goes around the bumper had left a trail.  But the bumper had
sprung back out to exactly where it belonged.  Those two trails were the only
indication that I was in an accident.  Well, the only NEW indication anyways.
 There were enough old bumps and scratches that I could have easily gotten a
new front bumper out of her insurance company, but I didn't feel like screwing
anyone over unneccesarily.  Besides, she learned her lesson and will probably
have a fun time explaining to her husband how her rear bumper got mashed!

-Mike
87 5000CS TQ