The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks After nearly 18 years, finally got to drive it...

All,

After nearly 18 years I have finally got to drive dad's truck on some of the roads near our home. I went last week and got the TAG and got some insurance from Hagertys.com. So far my wife and our 3 kids have taken a few laps around the old country roads and have really enjoyed it. I just love it.. I am just tickled at how tight the truck is.

So all is great. The Lord has blessed me to help me get it back together while my daddy is still with us and before daddy gets too old to drive. My plan is to drive it home (my dads home) for Thanksgiving. He knows I have been working on it but I have not told him I have it on the road and stuff. I hope to show up there and surprise Daddy with the truck. He now has 5 grand kids and I hope he will feel like taking all 5 of them for a spin in the old truck. I know my kids will be beside themselves with papa driving them around. This was my goal like 3 Thanksgivings ago and now it looks like I will make it....

I really appreciate all the help from the folks here that have give me info and been there when I needed help and some venting...

So... some more thoughts.
I have been really happy with how the truck drives although I have not been over about 50mph. I need to get the front end lined and the tires balanced. But it drives great.... After having ever nut and bolt off of this thing I am surprised it drives as well as it does.
I can see right now that the 5/11 rear end in this thing will for sure have to be replaced. I did not do much with the thing with thoughts of rebuilding it and putting something like a 3:07 or better. I do not plan to tow anything with it.
I also have a good friend that offered up a Saginaw 4 speed transmission to me that I may try to put in the truck. I was thinking that the 4 speed would be cooler than the 3 speed now I have already cut a hole in the floor for the shifter. I will have to formulate a game plan on that later I guess.

I really want to replace these rally wheels I have on the truck. I want some chrome wheels that look similar to the star cragers. Like that old school hot rod look. I am keeping my 6 lug so I am not sure who makes what. If you guys have any wheels that look like those in a 6 lug can you pass me the kind? I got maybe 16 of the old steel wheels for these old trucks but I really want to put some chrome wheels on it.

I really like the way these flowmasters sound on this 327 (300 hp heads and med CAM). It really has a nice sound to me. I may try to make a video of this thing and post on the YouTube.

Thanks to all.. let me know if you guys have some ideas on the wheels.
I have some new pics that I have posted. I will put some more out soon. I still have to do a final buff with the foam pads.

Michael...I can't help you regarding the wheels,but just to say you've done an outstanding job!
The 6-lug might be a problem with 5 spoke wheels. Hopefully someone will prove me wrong....

Your dad will be so proud,and I look forward to seeing/hearing the Youtube video!
Thanks for sharing.
Jock

Michael,Having looked at your web pages before and seeing them again with a finished vehicle,I can understand your excitement and glee. You've done a really great job and your "helper" should be especially proud,although he may not understand what a great experience he's had for a couple more years. Congratulations. It looks terrific.

I think your dad is going to be very excited to see the old truck. What you should do is make sure to have your camera handy to catch his reaction when you show up in it. Good job and enjoy that truck.

Looking real good, you done yer Daddy proud. I miss mine every day, it is the memories that solace me. Have a good Thanksgiving!