The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk First Cruise in my Bolt

Well guy, I finally got the nerve up to take my 54 out for a drive. Just up the strret to get gas! But It's the first time I had ever atually driven the ole' gal. To start with I had trouble getting her started, not the trucks fault! More my own dim witted experience. It has a 3 on the tree with a foot start and I had little to no idea how to work it. Us youngsters have rarely driven something that ya didn't just turn a key and put in "D" .

So once I overcame my limitations and I figured out the all too simple gearing! I backed out of the driveway and headed up the road. As I was driving I noticed a lot of play in the steering, I will have to work on that as soon as I can. Anyway, she ran just fine and didn't protest too much when I shifted gears. So I managed to get the 1/2 mile up the street to the local 7-eleven.

There was a group of older guys standing by a newer truck just chatting, they all had to stop and stare as I pulled up to the pump. Oh, did I mention I pulled up on the wrong side!! :P that will teach me! Once I got righted and put some fuel in, I was back on the way. Just gonna head to the house. But, it was an interesting trip.

As I left the station folks where still gawking as they drove by. I have to say, I've owned several cars in my life. Some were serious head turners for sure! But I never had the same feeling as I had as folks would watch this old bolt cruising along.

Soo that's my story and I'm sure I'll have plenty more of em' once I get more comfortable with how she handles. I woke this morning and walked out to my normal mode of transportation, turned the key and backed out of the driveway heading to work. As I did I found myself longing to get in my 54 and take her instead!

Hope ya'll have enjoyed my tale.
good luck and enjoy your own bolt!

2oldchevys

It is a lot of fun driving these old trucks. Sometimes I get quizzed about my truck and that feels good.

My first drive in the 56 was also to get gas. After I fueled up, I just about took out the pump when I tried to start it in gear. No idiot devices in these things.

Have fun.

I guess i have been lucky, am able drive my truck a lot. i have it for 24 years and it was a daily driver for most of the years except for the two years it was being redone. yes you will get a lot of looks and conversations. i got as many before i had it redone as i do now. the fun question is what kind of engine, my answer is a corvette six, i get a lot of knowing nods. some never catch on.

2oldchevys. Have fun with that thing!

Weeds

My first drive in my 58 fleetside was from Wichita Kansas to Austin Texas. Smooth all the way, but a little noisey.

You brought back good memories for me! I was able to use mine as a daily driver for about 2 years. I was just 17yrs old at the time, and the truck was ruff looking, but people just love these trucks. I would get good comments everywhere I went. Had to park it or nearly 13 years due to be moving to the big city. Was to afraid it would get stolen. Now I am rebuilding it, and should be able to drive it again in a few months. Can't wait! Nothing like driving these trucks. Just love the feel of it, keeping it mostly original.

Oh man, First real cruise I had to wear goggles. When I got my truck in 1980 the guys ex-girlfriend had sat inside and kicked every piece of glass out !!! I put my 350- out of a Chevelle that I wrecked in it and drove it with no glass been to Seattle and back twice since then. I bought it in Seattle and live in Kansas now. It sat in my garage for 10 yrs. and just got it out again last week. I am having so much fun. A friend just saw me on the hiway tonite and said I look just like I did 20 yrs. ago driving my truck. :):)

Well it sounds like I might have touched some nostalgic nerves with a few of you guys! All I can say is thanks for your inputs and thanks for the shared memories.
I will be looking forward to my next drive for sure. Right now I need to get some glass back in the windows and rubber around the doors so it will be safe and a little less breezy when driving.


Thanks again for the comments gang!

2oldchevys

Sounds like you are really enjoying the experiance. Now get some glass in there! LOL

Ron, If you were REALLY old (like me), you would remember when Corvettes had a 6 cylinder! 1953 & 1954 both had sixes (not sure about 1955---

Great story!
I have the same feeling every time I take my 57 out.
The truck was my fathers and he had it since it was new. While growing up the unwritten rule was don't mess with dads truck. Don't wreck it or take it without permission. Funny, I still have that feeling 35 years later and after he passed away.
After the frame of resto on it...I very gingerly drove the truck out of the garage for the very first time and went about 200 feet and then back to the garage, visualizing that the wheels would fall off or I had over looked something. It still is very new to take the truck out and my wife can tell I stress when on the road. I hope to get over that! I look toward the future and wonder what kids years from now will have to restore. I doubt they will want to restore a 2010 Chevy truck. With all the fancy gadgets and computer junk on them.
Good luck with your truck and keep it forever!

Congrats!!
It does feel good to drive it for the first time. And yes, something funny or silly usually happens the first time out. Enjoy it! The looks, smiles, laughs, waves, thumbs-up and even the occasional sneer or growl from an observer is fun.
Have Fun Safely!

Yup good memories mine sat in a field for 10-12 years. Brought her home again and cleaned the points, changed the oil and she STARTED . Drove her around the block until the gas can hanging from the hood ran out, pushed it home and started the teardown.

Brad

Oh,
Forgot to say, living in San Fran we have alot of tree huggin granola eatin Prias people. So they give me the dirty looks with my smelly exhaust.
I tell them I am big into recycling...

Thanks 2oldchevys, for sharing the story!
I look forward to having that experience when I'm done working her back to life... You know, it's really a fulfilling thing to be able to bring life back to a grand old vehicle. I'm so thankful for my dad, God rest his soul, for teaching me as a boy. Somehow I feel him smiling on my project!

Got the weatherstrip and such ordered, just waiting so I can put the windows back in and she'll be on the road.

I have a 65 and a 66 in process currently.

That's brilliant, I'm stealing your line for sure.

2oldchevys,
Remember, without pictures, it never happened.