MTFCA Forum

I'm sure many of you who use YouTube are familiar with Matt and Jim from Strong's Garage. Recently, a video was put out by Strong's Garage informing of a recent accident involving Matt. Figured I would pass along the news. He was driving his 1966 Ford / Mercury pickup truck wind someone ran into him head on. There is a GoFundMe page setup for those who would like to donate. He survived, but it's going to be a long recovery.

For those who aren't familiar, they do a lot of work on antique Vehicles including a lot with Model T's using mostly vintage equipment.

Go Fund Me link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-t ... -community

https://youtu.be/wEzuKff80nQ?si=KuPXR6SG-2w0dyko ... https://youtu.be/kV-i_W7MqS4?si=SMql0BfwEft1ymbo ...

Yes, it's terrible that bad things can happen to such good people. Based on that photo , don't know how he survived but Jim on the show today said he is out of the woods and gonna make it.

I really hate that this happened. Glad to hear he may be OK. Our prayers and thoughts go to him, family and friends. Been following you guys for awhile.

Likewise, many prayers to Matt as well as his family. My gosh that's unreal. And I don't have to tell you how I think this happened.
God bless him.

That must have been one terrible impact. In 40 plus years in autobody repair, I have never seen a cab removed from the frame.
Cars split int two, yes, but that this something I’ve never seen before
I hope he is doing better and has a speedy recovery

The Ford PU was really hit pretty hard to knock off the cab. Hopefully the driver is OK. If the driver was in the cab that’s a real serious accident. Maybe the cab was removed after the hit but if it wasn’t that’s an another story.

I got the impression that HE was in that P.U.
That's the only one I see in the picture. Back then they had a lot more steel in them no doubt.

well, the cab is held on by 4 bolts. i had to replace-patch my front cab mounts on my 66 to allow the column shifter to work again. so they are not held on by much. sheesh,that is hard to look at knowing i drive 1.

Had a pickup near me get into a bad accident. Tore the cab off the frame and jettisoned the motor from the chassis. Of course, the vehicle that caused the crash was doing 100 mph

tdump wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 15, 2025 9:30 pm

well, the cab is held on by 4 bolts. i had to replace-patch my front cab mounts on my 66 to allow the column shifter to work again. so they are not held on by much. sheesh,that is hard to look at knowing i drive 1.

Sad to read this. Yes, I had a 66 f100 and those cab mounts tend to rust badly. Anyone who has one, or looking to buy should inspect them carefully.

Speedy recovery Matt.

Would anyone have an update on Matt's recovery process?

yes I do


Erin posted a new update to Supporting the Hotte Family: A Call to Community

The past few days have brought significant changes for the Hotte family. On Tuesday, Matt underwent pelvic surgery, and the doctors are pleased with how it went. Wednesday brought another major milestone: Matt was successfully extubated and began breathing on his own. One of the most emotional moments came when Cassie heard Matt’s voice for the first time in days — a powerful reminder of what a gift it is that he’s still here. They were even able to talk and reflect on the blessing of his survival. Matt knows that Jesus saved him and is the only reason he is still here. That same day, Matt shared a tender moment with Ida, lying beside her in the hospital bed — a special time of connection and comfort. Looking ahead, Thursday holds promise as the medical team evaluates whether Matt can be cleared to remove his neck collar. There’s also hopeful talk of moving him out of the ICU soon and into a quieter space to rest and continue his recovery. Cassie and Matt are no strangers to the ups and downs of a healing journey, having walked a similar road during Ida’s time in the NICU. They know progress often comes in steps — sometimes forward, sometimes back — and we ask for continued prayers for steady healing and strength in the days ahead. The outpouring of generosity on the GoFundMe has deeply moved Cassie. She’s in awe of the kindness shown by people near and far. Thanks to your support, they can focus entirely on Matt’s healing without the added burden of financial stress. Matt’s spirit remains strong and determined — he’s motivated to get home to his children as soon as possible. Please keep praying for continued healing, strength, and a smooth path to full recovery.

newest from Aug. 16

Erin posted a new update to Supporting the Hotte Family: A Call to Community

We have so much to be thankful for this week. Matt has made incredible progress in his recovery — standing for the first time (with help), bearing weight on one leg, and officially saying goodbye to his neck collar. He has now been moved out of the ICU and into the trauma ward, where he continues to regain strength and spirit. Each step is hard-won, and he’s meeting the challenge with determination (sometimes a bit too much, as Cassie has lovingly had to scold him more than once to slow down!). This week also brought another beautiful moment: Matt and Cassie shared a cup of coffee together — a small but deeply meaningful milestone. And perhaps one of the most emotional moments yet came on Friday night, when Porter, Faron, and Hazel visited their dad for the first time since the accident. On Saturday morning (August 16), Cassie reflected, “How did we get so lucky two times?” — a reference to both baby Ida’s miraculous recovery just weeks ago and now Matt’s steady and inspiring healing. It’s a sentiment many of us share: overwhelming gratitude for second chances and the strength of this extraordinary family. Cassie and Matt want you to know they are truly overwhelmed by the generosity, prayers, and love they’ve received. Your donations have lifted a massive weight off their shoulders, allowing them to focus fully on healing and being together as a family. Because of this incredible outpouring of support, the Hottes now feel confident that they will be able to sustain themselves through this long road ahead. As such, they have chosen to close donations at this time. However, the GoFundMe page will remain up to share updates and continue spreading awareness of their story. From the bottom of their hearts, and on behalf of their children and extended family — thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for standing by them in their darkest moments. Thank you for helping turn despair into hope. Please continue to keep Matt, Cassie, Porter, Faron, Hazel, and Ida in your prayers as they navigate the next phase of this journey. The road ahead is long, but they are walking it with a community of love at their backs. With heartfelt gratitude, Team Hotte

Thank you very much Mark, .... please share future update info and how we can be of help.

When I made a donation to the Go Fund Me page I didn't know I would be getting updates which is nice. Got this one this AM.

Erin posted a new update to Supporting the Hotte Family: A Call to Community

Update: Matt is HOME! We are overjoyed to share that on August 19, Matt was discharged from the hospital and returned home. After so many long and difficult days in the ICU and trauma ward, being back under the same roof as Cassie and the kids is nothing short of a miracle. This journey has been filled with countless answered prayers — from Matt’s survival after the accident, to his steady progress in recovery, and now the incredible blessing of having him home again. The Hottes are now looking forward to quieter days — time to rest, recover, and simply be together as a family. There is still a long road of healing ahead, but this milestone is one worth celebrating with deep gratitude. Cassie and Matt want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your ongoing prayers, encouragement, and generosity. Your support has carried them through some of the hardest weeks of their lives. Please continue to keep Matt, Cassie, Porter, Faron, Hazel, and baby Ida in your prayers as they adjust to this new season and focus on Matt’s recovery at home. With heartfelt thanks, Team Hotte

Any older vehicle that has operated in road salt should be carefully inspected for structural damage from rust. Abuse or crash damage can also compromise structural integrity. A friend of mine had a new 1970 International Scout. He thrashed it from day one. When it was about a year old, it was up on a lift for some reason, and I noticed that 7 out of about 10 body to frame brackets were broken free. The vehicle had no exposure to beaches or road salt, just heavy abuse.