I am really lucky.
My wife spotted our 59 about a second after I did and suggested I pull over and take a look....2 weeks later we had it and it was time change the oil and spark plugs and get to know the truck a bit.
I'd just finished a fence project in the back yard using my Dads fathers DeWalt radial arm from sometime 50-60 years ago. He was an auto mechanic and gauge builder among other things, and my favorite photo of him is of him sitting on a crate rubbing a connecting rod bearing.
Anyway, as I was getting out the wrenches to drain the oil, I remembered that I had my Moms Dad's S-K socket set, complete and in the green metal box. I had never used these before. He liked funky tools and stuff too, and at some time he had engraved his initials in each socket and his full name on the ratchet handle. I used that set to work on the truck that day.
I needed to break free some exhaust connector bolts to remove the funky old starter that needed to be replaced and used an old breaker bar my Dad gave me, it was the perfect tool for the job.
I have my Moms uncle's cabinet makers tool set from WWII, and anothers solid brass wood plane and Black and decker jig saw with the original blade set too.
I use most of these tools and intend to find a need to use the rest.
I am lucky to have known all of these guys and hope I've learned something from each of them.
One of the coolest things about having tools that were handed down from those before us is not only does it give us another reason to think of them but also a common bond of holding that same tool in your hand that they did, either working on your truck or fixing a fence......
Jeff
