I remember the first time I saw an Advance Design Chevrolet. I was in grade one and a local business man had a black 53 parked in the back near the school. I would go look at it at recess and say to myself, "I'll have a truck like that one day."
Throughout the years I watched and waited. I even called old Merlin a few times to see if his 53 was for sale...(No.) I finally bought a 1950 prior to going to university. I was eager and tore into the truck, disassembling it without having a true plan. I did not appreciate what I had or what I was getting myself into. Well, i'll customize it! IFS, camaro rear, v8; the truck snowballed out of my control. I made many mistakes and eventually lost passion for my beloved Lady Luck 1950.
Years passed. Time heals all wounds they say and the itch began to grow. I began to look again. "This time will be different! I will not rip it part immediately! I will finish this one!"
I began to formulate my plan before I bought another. Stock looking, inline six, maybe an open rear end, gas tank in bed for safety. DO NOT RIP IT APART!
I found a lovely 1 ton a couple hours from home. It's not a short box. It's not a 1/2 ton. Well, it can't hurt to go look can it? I drove the two hours, I arrived and whats this? No rust in the cab corners, floors, solid fenders, really straight. Could this be for me? He said it ran...
I looked, I caved, I brought it home despite being a 1 ton... and a dually. The truck sat for a few months while I worked away. Days off came and I finally got to wrench on it!
Charged the battery, cleaned lines, turn key, kick the foot start... Blah. Nothing.. darn.
Check plugs. Good. Fuel pump. Clogged. Cleaned it up. Carb. Good. Rad. Good. Am I forgetting anything else? Tank was clean... What the hell, let's try again.
Key on... Kick... Vroommmmmmmm.... Wow. This thing sounds like an old sewing machine.
You know those moments of deep satisfaction? Zen? Being in the element? Ahhhh. Today was really special. Threw the red girl in gear and off I went down the back road. Good grief! The brakes in this old girl are right up top and touchy!! (Insert huge smile here!) Good thing I checked that before I left! Got back and my niece, nephew and my wife wanted to go for a ride. I happily obliged. ... "Uncle this truck is awesome!" " Is this as fast as it goes?" "Uncle? What's that green stuff coming out from under the dash?"
Well it was running flawlessly. We headed for home then BLAM! Oh good the muffler fell off.
Still, despite those two minor bumps the truck ran great. Today was the first time I've driven my dream truck and I loved every second.
I gave old Merlin a call to see if his 53 is for sale. He said come on over. Turns out he has a 51 1/2 ton Chevy and a 49 1ton GMC hiding further back.
I'm going there tomorrow.
What a beautiful day.
His 53?... Still not for sale after 25 years of inspiring me. I completely understand now Merlin.
