Heading to the 10th Annual AD Nationals in Franklin Indiana this weekend. I left the house this morning and drove to Statesville NC to meet up with PaPa Joe. Being that I don't have an AD truck I'm just a "Hitchhiker" on this trip.
The plan is to take "Old Blue " and Convoy to Franklin with the group from TN. We headed out towards Alcoa around 3:30, at quick stop to top off the tank and we were on the road. We made good time on I-40 until we reached the construction area where I-40 had been washed out. It is one lane in either direction for about 20 miles. We stopped in New Port for gas, "Old Blue" was averaging 14.5 MPG (much to the Lugnutz prepped T5).
We pulled into the Hotel parking lot in Alcoa TN, a little after 8:00PM. In the morning we will meet up with Dave Hoque and John Lowery (John L) and the rest of the TN bunch. We will be stopping along the route to let others join in the parade.
I'll get pictures along the way.
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/18/20251:59 AM. Reason: Spelling
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery 1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
Met up this AM with Dave and is Son Patrick. John L and is wife had left early and were already on the road. We topped off the tank and headed out about 7:30.
Our first stop was Jellico TN, right on the Kentucky Stateline. We averaged 14.8 on that run. Our second stop was at the Buc-ee's in Richmond KY. PaPa Joe had never been to a Buc-ee's. We grabbed a sandwich and cold drink . Our mileage dropped on that leg to 14.2.
We left Buc-ee's and had swapped drivers, I was now at the tiller. We stayed on I-75 and headed towards Cincinnati. The traffic was thicker, we passed a Veterans Motorcycle procession headed in the opposite direction that was lead by a Police escort, it had to be a half mile long.
We stopped one last time for a splash of gas. This time we averaged 18.2 MPG. At the gas Stop the floor starter hung on '"Old Blue" and we had to work through that. I think we flooded the engine trying to restart it but finally got it going.
We pulled into the Fairgrounds here at Franklin about 4:00 PM. John L and his wife were already there along some others. The Swap Meet Vendors we e already set up for tomorrow. We helped unload and then made it really way to the Hotel. Another long day of Bolter adventures.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Thanks for the update and pictures! Keep them coming!
Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery 1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
Great update, Tuts, and glad you and Papa Joe are joining us Northerners this year! Dad and I arrived in Franklin safe as well and looking forward to a great long weekend with friends, trucks, and a swap meet! See you fellas in the A.M.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Rob, this has been a real adventure. We get folks honking and waving at us everywhere we go. It been fun to say the least.
Having Breakfast at the Waffle House this morning , then on to the Fairgrounds and the Show. I'm looking forward to the Swap Meet..
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/20/20251:29 AM. Reason: Add Images
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Wayne 1938 1-Ton Farm Truck Stovebolt Gallery Forums 1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!
There were about 150 Trucks registered for the Show. These were quite a few in line 6's here today..
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/20/20252:35 PM. Reason: Add Images
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Some absolutely beautiful Trucks at this Show. I tried to get at least one picture of each. PaPa Joe and I are on the roadheading home or Iwould edit each and try to add more information on each picture. I may be able to do that once I'm home. For now I hope you enjoy these.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/21/20251:17 PM. Reason: Delete duplicate pictures
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Great photos. Looks like trucks in every shape and flavor.
Wayne 1938 1-Ton Farm Truck Stovebolt Gallery Forums 1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
The first was '54 3100 with a Cummins 4-BT,backed by an SM420.
The second was a '54 4800 with a 4-53T Detroit, backed by a 4 & 4 transmission and two drive axles. The owner said it had top speed of 46 MPH, up hill, down hill, loaded or unloaded..
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
The Trucks receiving awards were a great a sampling of everything in attendance. The were some very well built Trucks on display.
Our own John Lowery (John L ) was among the winners.
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/23/202512:53 AM. Reason: Add Images
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
I had a personal favorite. This owner has had this GMC since 1972, it was his High School ride. It has gone through many transformations over the years and is still being worked on. While I'm not really a fan of the LS crowd, this was the cleanest swap I have ever seen. The Truck now has a 2008 6.0L and 4L60E transmission. The owner has completed everything but the paint.
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/22/20254:51 PM.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
And then there was the Swap Meet... Unlike the Townsend Show, the AD Nationals at Franklin share the venue with the Hoosier Swap Meet. The Hoosier Swap Meet has been going for over 40 years.
There was just about anything an Automotive Junker could ever hope to find. There were plenty of Mom and Pop's vendors selling whatever was in the garage. Anything from vintage signs to gas pumps could be had.
I found a pair of pristine Dietz fog lights, they look as if they have never been mounted. I bought the pair for less than the price of just one light on Ebay. I found a Hot Wheels sign, while not vintage it was still COOL. I also bought a 1958 Indiana License plate.
Anyone that knows me knows I can't pass up a Craftsman Toolbox, well I didn't. It's hard to beat a $5.00 Toolbox (this makes 30).
There were several Cars and Trucks for sale as well. A 1941 Chevrolet 1/2 ton and a 1964 Suburban stood out. The asking price for the '41 1/2 ton was $19,500.00.
To top things off there was even a Soft Serve Ice Cream vendor. PaPa Joe and I both took advantage of that.
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/23/202511:44 AM. Reason: Add Images
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Wrap Up... We can put another event in the Books, this was more of a Pilgrimage than a show. I started out in South Georgia, on to Statesville NC, from there to Alcoa TN and finally Franklin Indiana.. A whirlwind to say the least.
The trip up to Franklin marked a couple Buckets List items for PaPa Joe. "Old Blue " had a true road test with the T5 Transmission upgrade(a thank you to Lugnutz), and it cemented his trust in his Truck. "Old Blue" performed flawlessly, we went up I-40 and I-75 in 5th gear, never needed to grab 4th. We averaged just over 14 MPG even with all the climbing. We didn't use any Oil and had no major issues.
We had a great time at the 10th Annual AD Nationals. We met up with some Old friends and made some new ones. Set over breakfast talking with Mark (Just Mark), Tom (1954 MI) and father Jim was a great way to start the morning. We enjoyed some beautiful weather throughout the weekend.
There was no shortage of Trucks on hand. I counted 12 inline 6 powered Trucks, the most I have seen at any show. The abundance of Stovebolts is encouraging, many owners are choosing to keep things simple. The quality of the Trucks on hand was fantastic. Many were built by Folks just like us.
Friday afternoon we were afforded the opportunity to visit a private collection of vintage Muscle and Race Cars. The collection was absolutely overwhelming. The Driver's names on many of the cars was a history lesson in itself. A J Foyt, Mario Andretti, David Pearson..WOW! Even the cars in the shop area had prestige, one had once belonged to Steve McQueen.
That evening those in attendance were treated to true Southern BBQ. The Blalock folks from Calhoun GA pulled a smoker behind their 1950 AD just to cook supper. A 110 LBS of pulled pork and baked beans..
Saturday morning found us at the Swap Meet. Treasures were everywhere just waiting for a new home. More Trucks came into the show grounds. We had time to take pictures and talk with the owners. The event drew to a close with the presentation of awards. Our own John Lowery took "Best Big Truck" for his flatbed, Congratulations John..
PaPa Joe and I said our "So longs" and headed out. Down through Louisville, stopping overnight in Knoxville. Sunday morning found us on the road again, I-40 is getting pretty familiar. About 1:00 we pulled into PaPa Joe’s driveway in Statesville. I still had another 350 miles to go. All told "Old Blue" had traversed 1181 miles, it was deserving of a good rest.
I got to Brunswick about 6:30, worn out, beat down , and HAPPY. Another great adventure with my Stovebolt family...
Last edited by TUTS 59; 09/24/202512:56 AM. Reason: Change image
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
Great wrap-up Tuts and it was great seeing you and Papa Joe in the Northern Country! Hoping to see you fellers make the trek again next year at the 11th annual!
Here are just a few photos. ---Picture of Dad with the 54' Stebolt we brought to the show. ---A 1954 that I loved the brilliant blue paint on....the picture doesn't do it justice... ---A great light-up Dayton Tire sign that Dad helped me get to add to the shop collection.
