I vividly remember the Matchbox I got for Christmas so many years ago. It may have been a Corgi, or, a TootsieToy, you get my drift. It was my favorite for years. It was a Chevy Panel. The back doors even opened. I just loved the way it looked. I've always had a soft spot for Panels. Driving home from work back in '84, I caught a glimps out of the corner of my eye, behind a body shop, a '49 3100 Panel. I drove past that thing for about 2 months. Finally I stopped in to inquire about it. "400 bucks, and, it's yours". I didn't have much money back in those days, but, I dipped into the rent money. I had to have it. 400 small block, ran 14.8's in the 1/4 mile. Drove that thing every day for 10 years. Even without heat. It became my only vehicle. I mashed the front of it in '94 when a woman stopped short. This was a very emotional event for me. Especially after vandals got to it. It was hardly recognizeable. I can still remember that feeling, as a tear rolled down my cheek. 8 years along I started saving my nickels and dimes, literally. After 2 years of gathering my acorns, almost 10 years to the day I wrecked my '49, I found this beauty.http://community.webshots.com/user/pywgn
I'm falling just as much in love with this truck as I did my '49. Every upgrade brings more affection for it. People have asked me, "why didn't you just buy one that was already done?".
Well , if I did that, It wouldn't be "my" truck.
I know you guys can understand that. I've already had the "Piewagon" out to Pittsburg, the Poconos, and, Delaware a couple of times. I don't think I'll be getting rid of this one any time soon. They may have to bury me in it!! Love the new forum. I'll be back often. I have been, and, will continue to post progress in my WebShots albums.
Feel free to go check it out.
Thanks,
Jim Sgrig
