Russ,
I lost mine right after 9-11. I still miss him a bunch. That's a hurt that goes pretty deep. I started a 53 to keep as a reminder of him ( we had a 52 that looked like yours but nowhere near as beautiful). Dad was an excellent resource on the old Chevys, so I also lost the best mechanic I ever knew. I can hear his voice most times I get near the truck.
I'm sure he's proud of you and the truck. May a part of him ride with you always.
With my deepest sympathy,
