The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 1950 3100 "Roller"

New guy here with a 'new' addition to my car/truck addiction. A bit of a story here, one that reminds me that I need to keep my sense of humor. I promise not to tell stories this long in the future!

She's a 1950 5-window with a 216. All stock, all there. Bought new just 5 hours east of me in the East Texas town of Nacogdoches by the seller's grandfather. It came with everything - all the paperwork from when it was bought new, payment booklet for that part which was loaned, insurance policy, oil change tickets - pretty sweet provenance. Body was rust free (other than some surface rust) and straight as an arrow, with all the parts. Grandpa had primed up a few fenders and hood, welded up some holes on the doors where some old aftermarket mirrors were mounted, etc. I knew when I saw it I had to have it as I have been wanting one since I was a kid.

Now for the surprise. Had to get her hauled here for me as I could not get out there anytime soon and wanted to get her home. Seller offered to have his son haul her to me as they happen to own a hauler, and I took him up on the offer. Son texted me the morning of and all was set for delivery that day. All was good until the phone rang around 1 in the afternoon. The son says "We got a problem....the truck rolled off the trailer and is upside down. Getting her put back on the trailer. Let me know what you want to do." Well, hell. I called the seller and he was about as upset and embarrassed as he could be. He said at this point, since we had not settled up yet, if I still wanted the truck he would just give it to me for free. That didn't seem fair - it was still worth something. Told him I'd take a look at it when it got here and let him know what I thought it was worth.

Well, the son was not lying. Before (when purchased) and After pics (when delivered) below. I walked around her when she got here and called the seller and offered what I thought was a low but fair price given the damage, and he accepted. Now the real fun begins, although now it will involve some unexpected body work! Oh well, winter is coming....

Welcome to Stovebolt
Man, that would be disappointing. But you do need a "project", right?
There's plenty of help here on the forums. There might even be other members close by to you.

Again, welcome and keep us posted on your progress.

Well, for falling off a trailer, it doesn't look horrific. Pound out some dents and it will be a keeper. Did you tell us if the engine ran? Welcome!

What a tragic story! I’m curious, did the son tell you how it fell off the trailer? I bet that’s a story in itself!

Welcome RustyParts!

Sad to hear about the trailer incident, but glad to hear you've decided to bring it back from that. Looking forward to see and hearing more on your trucks' return from the "oops" incident. Post updates as you're able.

Have you thought of naming the truck?

Thanks for warm welcome, comments and encouragement! With regard to the "How" it fell off the truck, he was a little vague, but said that the straps must have loosened because they did not break...not sure how that happens so I took it at face value. He was on a rural 2-lane and he said it just rolled off the back, "hopped a few times when it came off" and then went off the shoulder and rolled. Looks like it must have been a soft rollover because none of the glass broke except for the rear window which got hit with one of the old parts in the bed. Doors still close reasonably well, gaps are not terrible.

Does she run? The PO told me - after I bought it - that he started it up a few years ago, so once I go through things I will attempt to fire her up. Need to read up and see if there is anything I need to do given the rollover, other than the normal steps for starting up an engine which has been sitting for a while. Last inspection sticker is from 1981 so I don't think she has seen pavement in a long time (other the rollover!)

And a name will come in time...thinking something like "Rolene" to commemorate the delivery malfunction.

Or you could use "Rolly" if you prefer masculine names for your trucks. Although I do remember my mom using "Come on, Betsy" to coax a start out of a balky car.