The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Old trucks are good starting vehicles

Hey. I've recently started using my '55 first series as my "daily" driver (not every day of course). It is bone stock with the 235, a 4 speed hydramatic, and it sucks gas like nobody's business. It kind of makes me wonder why more kids nowadays don't drive these sorts of trucks. Personally, I think these trucks are the perfect starting points for new drivers. First of all, you can't get very far without going broke from the gas, you can find a useable, restorable AD truck for the same price as a modern economy car, you can learn so much about basic maintenance as well as emergency manouvers, and most importantly for parents, these things don't go very fast, so you don't have to worry about hydroplaning! Now for us new drivers, these trucks can be easily outfitted to go faster, they look so much cooler than the little economy cars from the 1980's and '90's, and parts/resources for them are popping up everywhere (Ebay, old truck retail stores, NOS finds, other enthusiasts, junkyards, etc.). Case in point, the AD trucks, along with other trucks of that era, are perfect for learning the basics of driving while having fun in the process.

Hi Old Black 55,
You’re right of course; but you're talking to the right crowd here
Some people will only use a vehicle as means of transportation and don't like to get their hands dirty; they might admire your truck, but see it as something they never could ride/maintain. For starters, nothing better than an old truck, if you don't go back too far, easy/cheap parts, not a whole lot of electrical spaghetti under the dash and the hood. And once they’re running not a whole lot of work to keep them running. Good to see that we have a new/younger addict in the group. How about some pictures? Or maybe even your own page in the Gallery; we need some more Canadians in there anyway.
Have fun and drive safe

Richard

OB55:

As Richard said, you're preachin' to the choir.

Another selling point: They're big and heavy. It takes a lot of damage before you can't get out of one.

They're also good to teach kids how to drive sticks in, seeing as it takes some very serious talent to screw up the transmission. My grandpa taught two of my aunts, my dad, and my uncle how to drive in my truck. There was a lot of grinding, from what I'm told. They've all got some funny stories about driving it!

And, in case I haven't already said so,

Welcome aboard!

old black 55 where are you in Victoria? thought I knew most of these old trucks but don't know you or your truck.

Great story and congrats on a cool old truck. Drive safe and have fun! Welcome to the Stovebolt Page. :p

Hey, nice to see some support, and some other good points for why these trucks need a comeback. To answer Truck'26, my gallery page is in the New Guy's section now, as "Wesley Patterson's 1955 First Series Chevy". I used my best and most recent photos for the gallery, so what you see is what I drive. Finally, to answer olblu49, I am out in Sidney BC. I try to drive the '55 pretty frequently, mainly because it's just that fun to joyride in a "tank", but I am also planning to take it down to Royal Oak sometime in the next few weeks when I get some time.