The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk SAVED from the crusher! 1966 SBFS SBW

I hope you like stories. I had to share this. This truck actually FOUND ME. True story. Called a guy on CL who had an exercise bike for sale. I showed up at the address but it's an upholstery shop. I called to confirm the address. "I'm next door at the metal scrap yard" he explained. I walk over and buy the exercise bike because it's exactly as described and what I want. So I then ask if they ever get old cars. He shows me a 1967 C30 Tow truck complete with boom and a 1960s ??? Mercedes 200 diesel no title.
I ask scrap yard boss man "How much for the Benz?"
"$600."
"Will you take $500?"
"Sure" he says.
I tell him I like old Chevy trucks.
"What year?"
"I have a 1965." I say.
Scrap yard boss man says, "A guy just called me and wants me to pick up his 1966 Chevy truck for scrap. I told him I'd give him $300 and he said come get it but maybe you could use the parts? Here's his phone number."
My jaw drops and I thank him. He just gave me some of his business.
1966 owner and I talk on the phone and arrange to see the truck next day.
I BOUGHT IT ON THE SPOT WHEN I SAW IT! $350

No title. Doesn't run. Not the original engine. Has a V8 radiator so I think it was probably a 283ci originally. TOTT unknown condition. Bed sides look REALLY good but has sheet metal for the bed. Doors are decent and not rotted out at the bottom. Cab door sills and rockers are rotted. Cab corners too.
Yes, it's really dark purple.
Aluminum grill has slight damage on the DS - see pic.
Windshield trim is all there.
Pretty sure mirrors are aftermarket.
Hood is REALLY nice but does need a patch at the rear corner PS.
I am really intrigued by the steel wheels and hub caps. They are 6 lug and have the 3 bumps but the rear wheels are deep dish with wide tires.
Truck looks lowered but I really don't see any lowering blocks. Maybe they heated the springs or cut coils.

Plan A = Try to get a valid title for it.
Plan B = Part it out. (Might be my only option if I can't get a title).

Photobucket LINK with 55 photos.

There is a process for getting an "abandoned vehicle" title in Tennessee. I'm currently doing that with a Suzuki motorcycle that was given to me without paperwork to get the Nashville codes department off a friend's back. It involves getting a VIN number verification from a law enforcement facility and a value appraisal from a licensed dealer, and some paperwork submitted through your local county clerk's office, but it's a pretty straightforward process. On low-value vehicles and antiques, it doesn't even involve posting a bond equal to the appraised value.
Jerry

I may try to get a mechanic's lien. I'll make it run and drive. I already have a worn out 250 that runs good. You already know about it. It would swap right into that 66 and then it'd be a running and driving truck. Mechanic's lien might be my best option. Haven't explored it much though.

You look like you won. That is a great place to start either way. Nice find.

Good story and even better save.

Nothing wrong with finding trucks when your not actually looking for them! Saving from the crusher is even better!!!!

I love it!! $350 is legalized theft for that truck. Great find. Put the 250 in it an drive the wheels off!