The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre A tough introduction - Wisconsin

It's a tough thing for me to do this introduction. My Dad passed away from cancer and left me his 1/2 ton 1946 Chevy truck. The truck was restored by the both of us as a father and son project 28 years ago. I was 12 then.

Even as I write this it's tough for me. Never in a million years did I think I would be writing about my father. Some lessons come hard.

Back in the early 80's he bought the truck for $600 from a local service station. It was a service station that was the last of it's type. I can still remember the temperature, the time of day, and the excitement in my Dads face as we drove it home. My parents were flat broke but my Dad wanted this as a reason to do something special with his son. I didn't realize that then but I do now.

We worked hard and took every last piece apart. Back then the internet wasn't invented and companies that made replacement parts were non existent. Our only option was to comb every single salvage yard in Wisconsin and attend every swap meet we could find. Boy do I miss those days.

But we accomplished it inside of just 3 years. I would come home and do homework then I would wait for him to get home so we could head out to the garage.

I had such a perfect childhood, I wouldn't change a thing. During the rest of the 80's and 90's my Dad and I attended hundreds of shows and spent a lot of time in that old girl driving around and just talking about stuff. We would visit other truck people and help them with motivation and spare parts. It was fun.

I'm 40 now and have 2 sons and a daughter. Henry is 7 and is just excited as all get-out. Oliver is 2 and Emily is 10.

My Mom handed me the keys the other day and said "When you and Dad restored this he knew one day this would be yours". "Take good care of it and have fun with your kids."

The truck has sat for 5 years. Cancer didn't allow him the time and energy to deal with it towards the end. The next thing for me is to try and get it started. Then make some new memories.

Mike

Howdy...

welcome to the 'Bolt.

You already share the sickness and you are among fellow truck addicts.

*smile*

-W

Thanks -W-

I started a blog so I can post photos and progress. I still have to proof read it but this will show some photos.

http://kens46truck.wordpress.com/

Mike

Mike, Welcome to the Bolt.
Great story but I can relate to how tough it is too. Mom passed from cancer and my sister has been battling it for several years.
Enjoy the truck and the time you and your kids spend fixing her up again. I'm sure this is what your Dad would want.
Keep us posted on your progress and all the fun you have with it.

Thank you Bill.

Mike,
You tell a very caring story. Your memories of your father and his love for you and his old truck are priceless.
Welcome to the "Stovebolt" and just feel free to ask away about any concern you might have about your dad's truck which now you are the the proud owner of. By the looks of the pictures you posted, your truck has been well taken care of. Continue the story.....

Hi David

Boy, that sure is a nice truck you have. That red is quite the color!

After I posted my introduction Henry busted through the front door and pounded out his homework so I could take him out to the barn to see the truck. Man, it's like my childhood all over again. lol

Anyhow, thanks for the kind words.

Mike

Hey Mike, Sorry for your loss. I'm sure your Dad will be watching & smiling as you & your son enjoy that old truck. You're lucky to have such great memories. Welcome to Stovebolt! See ya! Mark

Mike, welcome to the site. What a heartwarming story about the time you and your Dad spent with your truck. Good luck as you and your children work to get her back on the road again

This is a great story and the way your dad probably meant for it to be. Enjoy the past memories and make some for the future. Along this same line my daughter was 12 when I started my 37 she is now 30 and still talks about helping me. She gets the truck when I'm gone.
Welcome to the Stovebolt. Let us know how we can help..

Very sorry about your dad,but the memories are great. My dad passed away when I was 13. My 2 brothers and I had to work to help my mother. I was very fortunate to get work in a garage owned by a man who became my father-in-law. We still have his shop truck, 54 Chevy. I have preserved this old piece of history and always remember him when I start it up, fix something broken, wash and clean it up. Seems like you will have many of these in your future and your children's future. That is what these old trucks do to you. Welcome aboard, the trip starts now.

Someone wanted to buy it today, all I could say "She's not for sale". Now or ever!

Mike,
Welcome!
Thank you for using your name. It is always nice to address someone by name & I believe it makes for a more personal Forum.
Enjoyed reading your story & your blog. You are a good writer. Remember the good times/memories of/with your father and create new ones with your kids. They grow up so fast.
Looking to hear more from you as you "truck" on.
Harold

Thanks for such a warm welcome guys. It really means a lot.

Mike

Hi Mike
Welcome. I can relate to your story as I lost my dad to cancer also. I did not have my truck at the time, but my early mechanical skills were taught to me my him. I still have his old toolbox and tools. Keep the great memories alive and pass them down. Have fun with the truck and making memories for your kids!

Mike,

You're a great story teller, I love the blog so far. Thanks for sharing.

Mark

Wow. You are indeed a great story teller!

Welcome to the Bolt!

Eric

Welcome

Very nice truck, should be up and running in no time.

Enjoyed your blog.

I enjoyed it also. Very touching story. Having that truck, and the memories that go with it, is priceless! You and your sons will continue the legacy. Your dad would be proud.

Thank you

I didn't realize by posting my story how many people that touched. I just received another message about a young man who lost his father and is having a hard time dealing with life. It's a tough thing and I wish I had answers.

Hi Mike, welcome. The old cliche about what goes around comes around is true. I hope you enjoy spending time with your kids and the old truck. It's great to recall the good memories you have of your father. Make the most of it.

Leo

For the guy who sent me that message. This post is for you. So sorry abut your loss. Hope this helps. http://kens46truck.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/how-to-break-out-of-prison/

Hello Mike!

Welcome to the Stovebolt site!

I can relate to your story, I recieved my '46 from my Dad many years ago. I plan to pass it on to my son and grandson someday. For now I'm enjoying watching my grandson playing in Papa's truck when ever he comes over.

It's always good to see another "Bolter from Wisconsin! We have got to try to have a Wisconsin get-together sometime!

Randy B.
Slinger, WI

I'm in Oconomowoc Randy. It would be fun.

Hi Mike, what a great truck and what you will one day cherish as great and happy memories. My father also passed away from cancer when I was only 25 (I'm now 51) so I do understand. I wish that my 19 year old son shared this hobby but he is more interested in his girlfriend (that's OK) and his music (that's not). Good luck - you and your kids will make your dad proud.

Thanks

Hey, when I was in my late teens I was more about the girls than anything else......then I came to my senses. There's still hope for you bud!

Mike

Mike, welcome to the Stovebolt from a fellow Cheesehead. I am pushing 80 and my father has been gone 62 years but I still remember him fondly. I have a son who is also a motorhead. We spent Sunday at the Jefferson swap meet and car show. We cruise together and along with his boy, my grandson, we have a lot of fun with our old iron. Maybe we will run into you one of these Saturdays at Gus's drive in in East Troy. Good luck on your project.


Weeds

Welcome Mike. Although you don't know it yet, you are among friends. Your idea about making new memories is absolutely the way to go. You and your family will enjoy the process of living with an old truck. Your Dad couldn't ask for a finer tribute. None of us could!

Very best wishes,

Les

hey you guys , STOP IT! , save these stories till you get to FOX LAKE, on july 28th! and bring some chairs , we all got alot to talk about! and bring some pics of your truck! look for the big red GMC pumper: thanks mick