Ah, fond memories. I did not choose a panel and suburban over everything else, the match-up was a result of luck, availability, and cost.
In 1969, I wanted a truck and a friend told me about a 1948 Chevy Panel truck for $70 on a used car lot. It turned out my girl friend's brother (soon-to-be brother-in-law) was a salesman on the lot. That truck took me and my friends on many trips.
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And, that '48 panel drove us away from our wedding reception (no soaping - the guests felt free to spray-paint good wishes on it).
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In 1970, my (now) brother-in-law saw a 1954 Chevrolet Suburban being used for target practice in a farmer's field near Crewe, Va. I bought it for $200 and donated the '48 Panel to a volunteer house-renovation group (and kept it running for them for 5 more years).
The 1954 Suburban has just been through a 9-year restoration to almost original specifications. Many old and new friends came to the Suburban's 50th birthday party to sing Happy Birthday and for a free ride (in what one neighbor called "a museum").
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The good news is that the hood emblem and grill letters are now painted and the truck cruises smoothly and quietly at 65 mph (original 3.90:1 enclosed driveshaft and 235 engine). This truck ain't no trailer queen but the neighborhood kids say it rules. Ain't life grand?
Tim
