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I actually started this one with a stock rolling chassis and no sheet metal. Guy towed it to my house and left in front of the garage. My wife looked at the bare frame and said "Is that one of those glass trucks?" I share a birthday with Rodney Dangerfield I guess that's why I get no respect.
There weren't any specific phrases going through my head, but I definitely thought it was cool seeing this crusty old truck with bushes growing all over it and the tires sunk into the dirt. After the owner told me I could have it if I took it away was when I started making plans.
I bought my '54 from my grandfather in 1977. The PowerGlide tranny in my '57 Chevy was being rebuilt so this was just something to drive for the summer as a second car as I was going to summer school and finishing up college that fall. I had seen the truck before of course and had driven it in the field on Grandpa's farm.
First thoughts:
"Wow, it is dirty inside." (I hosed it out)
"Ouch, it needs a new seat." The old one was ripped with horse hair and springs sticking out. (I got it fixed and covered with vinyl that is still on it with no tears)
"This is a cool V-8. It sounds real neat." (My Dad's '48 Chevy pickup 3/4 ton was only a 6 cyl. as all chevy's were until 1955.)
"It has great wipers!" (they were electric, all the other old trucks I drove had vacuum wipers.)
"I wonder if this will take me to Wildwood, NJ? (My girlfriend and I went to the beach for the weekend shortly after I bought it, about a 3 hour trip for me.)
"I've had it this long I might as well keep it!!"
And I got rid of my '57 Chevy and my '55 Chevy which I had bought later and still have Old Betsy!!
My ex wife bought the 58 for my son.He was 17 living with Mom.Great Mom. I thought oh my god what has she got me into.When I saw it man what a ride.Got some problems,but we'll get through em.
My wife actually called me at work and told me to buy it. I recall my first words were, I don't need this pile of junk, the only nice part of this truck is the air cleaner." Come to think of it, I think the air cleaner is the part I haven't replaced so far.
Well, my truck came home in two trailer loads with lots of spare parts, mostly junk.
But my first thought was: I HAVE A DREAM !! I’M SURE I CAN DO IT!! ( I think)
My wife said go for it, and here I am today with that same dream. Just a few more years.
( I hope )
Mike
I was 11 years old and just thought what a cool old truck (sitting in front of my dad's friend's house). I didn't see any rust or dents just some chrome.
The friend decided to sell it about a year later and offered it to Dad. Dad let my brother and I buy it for $200. We had to tow it home, but that was a great day.
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