General Motors Crash Tests 1960s

@myphonyaccount Your comments indicate you may be too young to remember the world of the 50s-60s. Seat belts were optional on many cars at that time, but nobody wore 'em! Ignorance and resistance to change were factors. They had safety campaigns (driver ed safety films, road signs promoting safety) but few paid much attention. Even long after government intervention, the public was slow to change.

Where the Big 3 damaged themselves in the past were in safety recalls. Before the Pinto disaster, a memo was circulated among FORD brass in the 60s concerning first gen Mustangs erupting on impact. Tip to restorers: a piece of lead behind the rear seat solves the problem. Nothing was ever done. Also, 73-87 Chev/GMC pickups situated their gas tanks outside the frame rails. Side impacts cause infernos. Install a fiber glass "baffle" around tank. Problem solved. Nothing done. Cost was the reason.

@hrb266 Who and what department were you employed? You must have old data that you could post that would be of interest to viewers. As you know, by the late 60s, cars began to employ impact absorbing materials (steering columns, dashboards, armrests etc.) that were a result of the tests. We didn't progress from the wagon to the shuttle overnight. New cars more reliable is a broad statement. I have had excellent service from my 65 Impala (135,000+ miles, not rebuilt). Very reliable. Period.

@hrb266 Your broad statements have me wondering about your credibility. Auto manufacturers have, of course, made great strides in safety in the last 50 years. But, in the interests of fuel economy and cost cutting, they have severely downsized front/rear ends of vehicles, thus increasing the risk of injury, especially in a smaller car. Greater amount of sheetmetal will absorb much of the impact before it reaches the occupants, and you will be safer, provided you are belted.

I'm guessing crashes in the 60's often times meant death.

Gee Whiz!!! You'd be lucky to walk away from a crash like that with severe whiplash, barf! You'd be just as safe or safer driving a car with a body made out of wood.

those dummies get tossed!

Good for you!
I drive vintage cars everyday, just because someone says that a Prius is safer in a crash wont stop me from driving mine!

@QuanticChaos1000 At least onld cars don't have the breaking problems like the Prius :p

Absolutely!

The Prius is the joke of my car club because our 25 year old EXP's and LN7's get better mileage, are cheaper to repair and can hold more cargo! (and they have better build quality)