Hi all,
In the mid to late 60's, my grandfather drove a 64-66 Chevy truck. I remember riding in the middle having the shifter bang off my knees while he ran through the gears. I loved the looks of the truck then, and it's still one of my favorites today.
Here I am, 40 plus years later, now married with two boys of my own. My wife, knowing how much I love old trucks, tells me about the truck her uncle Walter has in his garage. She hasn't seen it since she was a little girl, and doesn't remember much about it except that it's red.
Uncle Walter really was a basic kind of guy. No chrome, no frills, just a three on the tree and a straight six made him happy. Upon his passing, the truck ended up in my hands, and I also appreciate a simple truck like his.
Imagine my surprise, when we enter his shop, closed down since the 70's and find his truck is a 65 Chevy! I went in expecting a 68 or 69, but to find one of my dream trucks, I was floored!
It has the 230 six, an inspection sticker in the window from 1973, and power nothing. White bumpers and grill, white wheels, hand choke, and no frills in sight. Mileage is in the mid 70,000 range.
He had drained the gas and water when he quit driving it in 73. After towing it home, I added gas, water, and a battery. She rolled over a couple of times and came to life, lots of oil smoke that cleared up after a few minutes. It idled as smooth as can be. My guess is that Walter, knowing the truck would sit a while, gave each cylinder a shot of oil when he tucked it away.
So here are a couple of pics of "Walters truck". I'm sure I'll always think of him when I drive it. A basic truck for a basic kind of guy.
Here we have it on the dolly, the first time out of the garage since 1973.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz268/DLeis/Walters%20shop%20truck/IMG_0666.jpg?t=1267725967At my house, only gas, water, a battery, and a bath.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz268/DLeis/Walters%20shop%20truck/IMG_0948.jpg?t=1318089062I love these trucks all dolled up with the chrome bumpers and trim, but this one will stay the way you see it. One day I'll fix the wrinkle in the drivers fender and door, but for now I'm having too much fun driving it.
Thanks Walter.
