when i was a kid, i wouldn't be caught dead owning a 6 banger. my taste ranged from a 409 chevy to a host of smallblocks. 6 bangers were as unkool as 4 door cars, like studebakers. ol' kool wasn't goin' for that! when i returned from the service, i was pretty banged up, and didn't get around too good. my dad gave me his 1954 chevy 1/2 ton, all original, including a spotlight that was dealer installed. it had an auto tranny, and the p.o. had installed a full guage package in the dash. the choice was to drive the truck, or stay home, and to be honest, the old truck sorta had some appeal to me, and i was grateful to my dad for the gift. he went out and found a fantastic 50 merc, so we were both happy. as i healed the truck became part of my therapy. being a gearhead, i started thinking about hopping up the truck. then it hit me, why not improve the 6? that became the plan and mission. lighter springs in the vacuum advance to increase timing advance speed, and performance parts from a company called clifford research, which advertised 6=8. they were right. split manifold, and the addition of a 2 bbl carb helped the old truck plenty. i was aware the auto tranny was the weak link, but kept it anyway. nope, it wasn't a racer, but a pretty snappy little street machine that was fairly good on gas, and real dependable. i drove that old truck into the ground. after a few years of beating the truck was starting to show serious signs of wear and tear, so i sold it. whatever happened to it, i don't know. i will say i would give plenty to have it back, but i'm sure it is gone forever. what i have left are some great memories, and a profound respect for the old iron, much the same as i have for the man who gave me my first stovebolt. this morning, i lost him too. i would give plenty to have him back as well.
i am convinced there are lessions in life. there are things we should pay attention to, learn from, and never forget. i often remind myself that the days of spring, summer and fall are short, and the winter is cold and dark. while we can, we should take the time to drive the back country roads, picnic, hold our children, and enjoy that old truck smell. while we can, we should love our friends, and forgive our enemies. these things are sometimes difficult to do, but are important. we should do these things while we can, as soon enough, we won't be able to.
i lost my best and closest friend today. he is gone as sure as that old truck, never to return, despite how much money i would give. i do have, keep ,and cherish the memories. i will keep him forever in my heart and in that place build a sanctuary to him.
the days of spring and summer were short, and now in the fall i can see the darkness of winter on the horizon. it makes those drives down the back roads alittle more special. take the time folks. take a lifetime. enjoy the ride.
