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Dec 10, 2002 | 08:49 AM

humanatek

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Need some help...

Hey guys. I was wondering if you could give me a hand with something. About 3.5 years ago I was rear-ended on the freeway pretty bad. I was at a dead stop and a 1979 Ford "Bobtail" truck that was traveling 40+mph creamed into me. The case finally made it's way to court and we have a problem. The truck is no where to be found and I am trying to explain to the jury that it was a bobtail and the opposing attorney(i.e.Insurance company pawn) is trying to make it sound like it was simply a pickup truck. Does anyone have any pictures of a 1979 Ford Bobtail truck? Can anyone provide a link to pictures or data on that type of truck? Also, can anyone point me to a link with the definitions of single axle, 2 axle and 3 axle trucks? Thanks a million!

Dec 10, 2002 | 11:54 AM

Mil1ion

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Need some help...

Bobtail is refering to a truck without anything on the frame but a cab.
This will usually end up with something other than a regular box.

Is this what you are talking about?

Ford refered to them as Chassis cabs.

Please explain, so I can be more of a help.

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Dec 10, 2002 | 03:41 PM

mjodaly

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Need some help...

I can think of several types of vehicles that may fit your description but I think what you may be describing is a custom built truck most commonly used to move mobile homes and such. I think you will find these are not made at a big 3 plant but a private conversion facility. As for the definitions you need, whatever state you are located in can give you the info. Contact YOUR state DOT otherwise it is possible to get bad info from another state. One suggestion may be to license# of the vehicle to your DMV, get the VIN then figure out what it left the factory as. You do have a lawyer don't you?

Dec 10, 2002 | 04:02 PM

dfisher1

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From: Gainesville, FL

Need some help...

All,
The expression is "bobtailing". It means that a longhauler has dropped his trailer and is driving without it.
The vehicle is not a bobtail. It has a nomenclature. Probally an F900.
You will have to define the model number and it will be easy to get a pic after that.
So what is it?
My Way is the Highway,
KingFisher

Dec 10, 2002 | 04:24 PM

mjodaly

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There definitely ARE vehicles known as bobtails,1/2,3/4,&1 ton chassis cut off several feet behind the cab. The biggest user of these is the aviation industry, civilian and military. They are used for moving ground support equipment, cargo and sometimes aircraft. These are generally not for highway use and usually have rear axle solidly mounted to frame. For this reason I did not mention these vehicles, the ones used for mobile home moving are often short 1 ton chassis.

Dec 10, 2002 | 06:18 PM

Torque1st

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A single axle dump truck is also often reffered to as a "Bobtail".

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Dec 10, 2002 | 06:26 PM

fatdaddy

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humanatek , Your attorney should have compiled all of this information prior to the actual trial date.....And , he should have prepared You as too the general nature of Your testimony by the opposing attorney as well-----What he Shouldn't have done was TOO COACH you , rather all you have to do is simply tell the truth as you remember the chronology of the events as they happened.....fd