Welcome Home The Chevy arrived in Pennsylvania on May 1, 2014 about 5:30 pm. The driver had the truck unloaded in 15 minutes.
My head was spinning and I had to stare at the truck for a while to fully understand it was here. I have been waiting a long time and even though Craig did not get to finish his tasks 100%, the truck looks great. A very welcome home. I cannot believe it is really in my driveway.
The very next day, I drove the truck to the Notary to get it legal in the state of Pennsylvania. Then, I went to the grocery story and Walgreens. Lots of stares. We took the truck to dinner and there certainly were a lot of looks. At the house, I have had people stop and ask me questions about the truck: it really is an eyecatcher.
Very fun to drive. You must really drive this truck as it has a lot of issues to make you pay attention. I got to 50 mph and the engine was screaming for another gear.
Craig will be coming to PA with the extra parts, catalogs, and other items.
I cut out the angle iron that was put on the bed at some point in order to install the other tailgate hinge. Was not the easiest process as it took the grinder wheel and a saws all to cut it and a large hammer to knock it loose and then off.
Installed the gate and the "rusty old hinges." The gate can open and close but it is so delicate and old -- I will leave it closed.
I greased everything until I ran out of grease. Have to get some more!
I broke the red lens on the only tail light during the process so I ordered another lens. I was tempted to go for LED but changed my mind to keep it original looking.
Noticed that the truck is very hard to start the warmer the engine. I called Craig to run through a check list.
It is charging and oil pressure is good. Gas gauge not accurate as I filled it up today but it does not show full. It has a new battery and it is a six volt. Craig said check the starter as he did not touch the starter.
I removed the rear end cover as it had a small leak. Cleaned it up, installed RTV black sealant and re-installed it. Added new gear oil. I did not desire to re-use the oil in there.
Used some clear silicone near the windshield to seal up a small crack near the glass.
Installed
two red reflectors below the tailgate as there are no turn signals, reverse lights and only one small red stop light. This will greatly improve driving at dusk.
I reached out to Bob Adler yesterday regarding the hard starting when hot issue and as usual he replied with a solution. He is an amazing guy to have available for answers and solutions.
Went to a local body shop to get an estimate on fixing the door hinge on the driver's side. He expected no more than $100. But there is a month waiting list.
But while there, I met a guy who worked for me way back in 1992 and he would keep an eye on it for me.
So I'm in a holding pattern.
I had a guy stop at the house and asked me to sell it to him!
Craig informed me that Lauren Finkler is doing a follow up story on the truck for
The Homer Glen Gazette. I sent her an email to freshen the details.
I installed the sun visors and patched some holes from the interior. The rust on the inside of the cab is pretty bad so I found that the spray caulking works the best. Once dry, you shave or cut to make it even and then paint it. It does not turn out very pretty but I do not want perfection on this truck. What I want is the leak to stop and yet keep that patina going.
I bought and installed a new tailpipe and
cowl vent drain hose. Greased more fittings that I found.
Chained down all the
oil cans and
such in the bed for patina purposes.
The driver's door window issue is the handle itself is stripped. I will order a new one and I still need the door fixed yet as well.
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So many people have stopped me and asked questions, or given me a thumbs up, or just pointed and stared.
It is an eye catcher and I laugh as we really did nothing with the body or chrome. The exterior looks all of its 65 years at this point but as I predicted earlier - an old truck brings back find memories of those old enough to remember.
I was anxious to get the truck to its first car show and last week of May, I took it to Wexford, PA. They average over 1,000 vehicles and the truck was a hit. People loved the patina, the story board and the items in the bed chained down. I enjoyed telling the story to anyone who asked and took some pictures. I got a kick out of the fact I was parked next to my friend John Berger and his 2009 Orange Challenger with a Hemi engine. The car is beautiful and spotless but nobody paid it any attention as my truck is so different and has such an interesting history.
There were a few other vehicles there with original patina and they were eye catchers, too. Obviously the general cruise car or truck is tricked out with special paint or chrome or something that makes it stand out.
I certainly enjoyed the evening looking at all the vehicles but I generally stayed close to the truck to answer questions and just watch reactions of the people. I heard a lot of stories from people and heard nothing but compliments and warm wishes.
I really wish Craig was there to see how people reacted to his body of work. I had the story board in front of the truck and a lot of people took the time to read the details of the truck. I was and am proud of what Craig and I accomplished with Craig as the heavy hauler.
It certainly will not be the last show it will attend and I look forward to keep telling the story. I was so pumped up last night as the weather was good, they had a huge crowd, a military honor guard for the National Anthem, and a prayer for everyone's safety. They have a disc jockey there playing the oldies and the show is at a church so it is a family event. 
