01 February 2012
# 2939

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1965 Chevy 1/2-Ton

"Walter's 65 Shop Truck"

Owned by
Dan Leis
Pennsylvania

From Dan :

In the mid to late 60's, my Grandfather drove a 1964-66 Chevy truck. I remember riding in the middle, having the shifter bang off my knees while he ran through the gears. I loved the looks of the truck then, and it's still one of my favorites today.

Here I am, 40-plus years later, now married with two boys of my own. My wife, knowing how much I love old trucks, tells me about the truck her Uncle Walter has in his garage. She hasn't seen it since she was a little girl, and doesn't remember much about it except that it's red.

Uncle Walter really was a basic kind of guy. No chrome, no frills, just a three on the tree and a straight six made him happy. Upon his passing, the truck ended up in my hands, and I also appreciate a simple truck like his.

Imagine my surprise, when we enter his shop, closed down since the 70's and find his truck is a 1965 Chevy! I went in expecting a '68 or '69, but to find one of my dream trucks -- I was floored!

It has the 230 six, an inspection sticker in the window from 1973, and power nothing.  It has white bumpers, grille and wheels, hand choke, and no frills in sight. Mileage is in the mid 70,000 range. The original jack is in place under the seat, and the owner’s manual is in the glove box, along with a spare set of tail lamp lenses and the radio delete plate.

Walter did get a bit fancy and installed a factory AM radio. On the passenger floor I found a box with a new Carter single-barrel carburetor still in shrink wrap. I thought it was pretty cool that the key still hangs from the dealership key ring.

He had drained the gas and water when he quit driving it in 1973. After towing it home, I added gas, water, and a battery. She rolled over a couple of times and came to life. There was lots of oil smoke that cleared up after a few minutes. It idled as smooth as can be. My guess is that Walter, knowing the truck would sit a while, gave each cylinder a shot of oil when he tucked it away. 

Just wanted to say that I have been completely amazed at how well this truck runs and drives. Everything about it works so well, the steering, shifting, suspension. No rattles! I attribute this to Walter keeping up with all the little things, and that makes it such a pleasure to drive.

I love these trucks all dolled up with the chrome bumpers and trim, but this one will stay the way you see it. One day I'll fix the wrinkle in the driver’s fender and door, but for now I'm having too much fun driving it. A basic kind of guy.


Thanks Walter.

Dan Leis
Bolter # 24091

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