Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Seven states in two weeks.

Possibly more than some Americans do in a lifetime.

So we crossed the Mighty Mississippi once again and drifted into Illinois

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstm6ybawi.jpg

We headed up to the tourist welcome centre and rest area some time after 6.30pm

Like every one of them we had seen on this trip, they are large, clean, well equipped and actually welcoming.
I really enjoy this feature of the USA

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqfvlksvl.jpg

Looking back at Iowa, over the bridge we had just crossed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psh5audvnh.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspymwajtf.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscyxruqos.jpg

Once we were done there, it was near 7.00pm and we still had a long way to go, into the sunset to get to Macomb, our planned stopover for the night.

It would be the first and only night on this trip that it was just Craig and I, kinda weird as we had become so spoiled being in great company every day and night the last two weeks.

The trucks windscreen was showing the signs of the many miles we had covered thus far, and taking photos into the setting sun was just not successful, though the scenery as on most of the trip, this time of day was actually beautiful, with farmsteads, machinery and architecture passing us by while we tried to ignore the glare of the setting sun.
After using the washer and wipers, the view was even worse and possibly even dangerous

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7ieavrlg.jpg




Making it to Macomb, which is a University town, we tried the Super 8 Motel, but it was full up, the receptionist was very sweet, a former gymnast, which was very apparent by her posture, shape and looks, she was surprised when I asked her if she was a gymnast at school as to how I knew. Simple observation really.

So no bed there, she suggested we drive a few miles across and over town to another area with some hotels and restaurants, which of course we did, by now it was dark, so the Wayz Satnav and our free WiFi got us to the next area, seemingly newer and also upmarket from the Super 8 which we subsequently found out, did not get great reviews.

The first hotel we got to was fully booked as well, BUT.........

IN TYPICAL AMERICAN SERVICE INDUSTRY STYLE, THE RECEPTIONIST ASKED WHAT WE NEEDED, AND PROCEEDED TO CALL AND FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY ELSEWHERE.

Service excellence in practice.

I also got a cuddle and a selfie when Craig took the truck and headed off to see about tariffs and what was on offer at the next hotel, 300 meters away. Leaving me to say thank you, get the selfie and direct her to the site for the trip report.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjdajjkxp.jpg

Welcome to the Hampton Inn, part of the Hilton group.

Pricier, but clearly in a different class.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssq7hxa7x.jpg

Parking up the truck, we unloaded once I walked over from the first hotel and got to our room

Because Craig is a Hilton Honors member, he also got a discounted rate on the room, based on just supplying his email address. So much for loyalty schemes. Free money is good.

I think it is worth posting the room, cannot recall the cost, but under $120.00 for the night, and included a decent breakfast, help from staff and a secure carpark.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfwr8nbpm.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps521cz0sc.jpg

And a rather sweet welcome.

Little touches that are noticed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psck32uz72.jpg

After a bit of a false start, looking for a place to eat, as we were getting hungry now, we found our way down the road and over to the other side to a well camouflaged Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.
Typical Sports Bar, Student hang out, where the beer was cold, the waitresses hot and the wings even hotter.

Mikayla looked after us and ensured we even had desert after our deceptively large plates of food.
Wings really is a speciality where ever we went in the USA and I found myself passing up on burgers and pizza time after time, to try various versions, flavours and combos of wings.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psagkkcjlj.jpg

Not a fight or a frown up to this point.

Certainly worth toasting the trip so far.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5ouhrvyo.jpg

Mild for Craig, mixed hot and Teriyaki for me.

Portions are deceptive and some places the “drummy” section of the wings were larger than some restaurant drumsticks.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfnrrdaz3.jpg

After dinner, paying and heading out, I saw this poster on the wall......

Wonder if it was a chicken on its way to the kitchen.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuxhxklwa.jpg

Late to bed, we had a lazy start planned as we wanted to get to Hannibal in time for the businesses to open, via a detour Craig had planned along the way.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Woke up, showered, checked internet and forums the next morning.

Filled the cooler with fresh Free hotel ice as Craig had filled it the night before to prime the sodas and beers (unused) and took it and our small traveling backpacks down to the truck to pack it up.
All our stuff, untouched as expected, but still such a different experience to South Africa, England and possibly many other places.
The parts of the USA that I have travelled now, keep my head and heart in a great place when it comes to this sort of thing.

Remember what I said about chatting to all and sundry?

When we got up and saw how very dirty the glass and mirrors were on the truck, I went in search of some help. Craig got the truck packed etc.

I spoke to a gent in the kitchen, from the Philippines, he was in charge of the kitchen and catering in the hotel.
So once I explained what I needed, he gave me a large wad of industrial strength paper towel with some dishwashing liquid on it to remove the bug wax and brains from the screen, plus a large bucket of fresh water.

Nimble as an acrobat, Craig was straight up (thankfully, because my knackered back had not really let up at all, since leaving England and we were almost headed back)

So between us we washed all the glass and I dried the side windows and mirrors.

Then returned the bucket, and headed for breakfast where the coffee and smell of waffles was calling us in.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psm8ncw46j.jpg

All secure and ready to roll.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszpsltqye.jpg

Right

I think some of you know me reasonably well.

I really do speak to anyone.

Back in the restaurant I saw a challenge, well not really a challenge, but certainly an opportunity.

As I was getting my Froot Loops cereal for brekkie......

In walked an Amish family with their daughter looking just like the stereotypical view we have of them.
I made eye contact with the husband and told him his daughter was absolutely gorgeous, which he accepted.
Obviously there followed a 15 minute conversation between us, the wife respectfully off to the side, but still part of the conversation, and that 4-5 year old, showing the most incredible restraint I may ever have seen in a young child. Most kids would be bored and unpleasant after less than 5 minutes.
They were really interested in our motivations for travelling the roads less travelled as well.
Turns out they and another couple were headed city ways for business and had overnighted in the hotel too.
They are part of the US part of the Happy Egg company and supply a lot of the eggs we get in the U.K. as well.
After wishing each other well on our travels, we all had breakfast while the one went on his mobile for a telephone call and the other presumably worked on emails.

What a refreshing start to my day.

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After breakfast we headed out onto the road and for Craig’s mission.

US style “Transit” roadworks trucks.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgm46vehb.jpg

We did contemplate hijacking this truck for Dennis’ Shell Gas Station project.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0kuh7orp.jpg

Rolling along the Hiway, we eventually found Craig’s target exit and drove into......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssr3h2jii.jpg

Of course his Wife Lorraine had allowed him to head out on the trip with me.
So a tribute would be fitting, despite the spelling and detour which proved to be interesting.
Every village has some vintage trucks and cars to show.
Here there was. Great 1930’s Ford and obvious S10donor parked near a business on some land, but I did not want to just walk in and take photos.

Loved this bit of yard art, he had loads more displayed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psssc4cn2k.jpg

And as mentioned before, restrooms are all free, clean and available in even the smallest establishments.
So before heading out to the motorway we stopped here.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu8ni5tua.jpg

Back into Missouri

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjrlq61dn.jpg

Rolling into Hannibal, it became apparent what it was famed for.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx7nxwrcl.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshwjwqs1d.jpg

Loads of classic and vintage cars here, used as daily and drivers it seems, speaking to owners.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6iqipufh.jpg


We stopped in the street outside the Mark Twain tourist and information centre and I went in to use the restrooms and also to find out about parking tariffs and limitations as we do try respect the rules.

All parking is free, all day for you was the reply.

So we parked the truck with all of the stuff on and in the rear loaded and went off looking for stuff.

This is certainly another two day town, or possibly more.

So much to see and do.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Rian, It seems as You have a way to find All kinds of Pretty Ladies! Eve and I appreciate the kind words and really enjoyed our time we spent with you and Craig. It humbles me that so many people like my Caddy as I thought I was one of Few to feel the way I do about it. I have met many people on this Forum and haven't been disappointed yet, we all have many things in common one of which is our Love for Vehicles mainly Trucks. Thanks Again for making our Home one of " The Stops" on your Tour of the Midwest. You guy's are always welcome to stop by again! Ray and Eve

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Thank you Ray, Eve and the babies for welcoming us in and back.

The Caddy is loved on all the forums I post on.

PS. Yes I do love women, old and young.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Tourist mode.

This town has so much to offer.

History, friendship, friendly people, shop keepers that actually want your business, who will talk to you and listen to you.

Craig got the bulk of the conversations done on this day.

We passed a couple of shops and saw things, pretty things.

Quilting is not my thing, but I certainly get it and was glad to see it is still alive here.
Beats walking into a shop and buying new clothes and soft furnishings.
The fabrics and their colour vibrancy caught me eye.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswhtw6hrb.jpg

Next shop we walked into was small, cluttered, filled with the most random of stuff, but would offer most people something interesting to look at, touch or buy.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psymocmodo.jpg

While Craig and I were discussing the little bat, above, a lady overheard our double accents and enquired about origins etc.
So started another 30 minute conversation with a stranger, after a bit Craig moved on to look at the shop content, a mix of real antiques and tourist niknaks.
I carried on speaking with Lee, our new friend and Craig made an interesting discovery when he saw a newspaper article dated 2014

With Lee, whose identity will be further protected. Lovely, intelligent and friendly St Louis lady.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psayn9fgco.jpg

The newspaper article quoted “Shop Owner celebrates 95th Birthday”
And below it a write up and photo of a lady.

Craig realised that the lady who was behind the counter, was Ila May Dimmitt, owner of Show me Antiques and Gifts. And so ensued another long conversation.

She was now 99 years old and still ran the shop single handedly.
Seems pretty much everyone around her had passed since losing her husband in 1974.
For her the shop was not making money as it used to, but it certainly beat seeing doctors, psychiatrists or various other costly therapies of old age.
Work is what keeps,her alive.

What an awesome young lady she turned out to be, and absolutely charming.in the most Southern of ways.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgkmd71si.jpg

Her business card, which people do not throw away.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscmjsu0hf.jpg

Back on the street, the next shop had another very interesting widow shopkeeper who owns two Toyota Prius cars, but told us all about her wild driving life and being caught many times for speeding over the years and walking away from every event, free.

Fun safety.

Pic taken for Craig’s daughter Elli.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdcdh4q1k.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psshsfh6vp.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psomkanhkn.jpg

Provisions.

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http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psur5v93px.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psoszudzy6.jpg

Randomness abounds.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7ciaxpx2.jpg

Remember the Strawberry Depression Glass?

Well, here is a much much rarer variation.

Green.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pss0f111v8.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswb39kkxr.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7scsqbbp.jpg

Studebaker truck, clearly 100% working truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyplw0jd0.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbrjiffij.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgaroklw9.jpg

Back,to tourist stuff.

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http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psa7tgskgs.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psk70tu3cj.jpg


We carried on
Poking at shops, cars, architecture, all the usual,stuff, then walked down a side street toward the railway lines.

Another antique shop mall where loads of sellers have stalls.

Outside on a bench was seated the counter girl, having a cigarette, chatting to a guy.
So we asked if the shop was open, yes it was, just finishing my cigarette, where are you from?
Many conversations had started thus.
So we started to,chat to her and Male companion who was just passing by, but knew her.
Next thing he disappears into the carpark over the street and comes back from a new Camaro (I think it was) with two Indianapolis Speedway stickers, one each for Craig and me.
Of course you accept, carry on chatting, show photos of our cars, trucks etc, and he shows his stuff, looks like his l60 years had been spent on the NASCAR roadshow, knows a lot of people, built some cars etc.
“How Long you still going to be here?” He asked next, so we said no more than an hour.
OK he says, it takes me 20 minutes to get home and back in that there car, I have something to give you both.
We tried to protest, but it is also rude to do that.
So we agreed to come back before heading out.

Came back later and he was there with the bag of goodies for us, that Craig was carrying below, from Allen Vince.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscjfooifc.jpg

Random Acts of Kindness.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyscntyji.jpg


Unpacked the bag, only when we got back at Dennis’ place.

This is crazy, we all give gifts, but some of the stuff in the bag is limited edition, collectors grade stuff.

From a complete stranger, who likes cars and the same stuff we like.

LIFE IS GOOD.


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Really random, this show was an artists shop, and had awesome stuff.

Mermaid anyone?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswk1tjyh3.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8c1u8vai.jpg

Geo-Caching is big across the USA as well.

Seen on our way back to the truck.

The reference is to the local Hannibal Tourist board.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrv0du8hm.jpg

Once we started to get out of town, we passed this guy, he also had been in town and was now bombing along the motorway.

Perfect.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfxxecimu.jpg

Advertising is big.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psanp5yn8i.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqmqbog4k.jpg

The rest of the trip back to Dennis and Debbie’s place was uneventful.

We had lunch on the run, sodas from the cooler box and a party sized pack of Cheetos.

Perfect.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfzicx9dv.jpg

When we got home, the dogs and Debbie’s mum were all equally pleased to see us.

The unpacking done, Craig in typically organised style pulled the Challenger out, that he still needed to take for a drive, so as to tick that rather awesome box.

In its place though, inside the garage.....

The party pooper that he is, he laid out all our purchases from the last two weeks, that till now we had just tossed on an ever growing pile in the garage.
Thank you for that mate.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmuodnutc.jpg

This created a feeling of dread, mixed with panic as I realised we were both potentially in trouble

More later.

Time for a walk.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Been putting company work off all weekend.

Online training etc with deadline tonight.


Once we unloaded the steel furniture. We set up the glider and rocker plus shell backed chairs on the deck for Dennis to come home to.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7vsojnhu.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnvhhbk3x.jpg

Also took my cleaned up, hole filled mail box back to the woods behind the main shop, this is the second year I have left it behind, along with two pairs of shoes, good trainers and garden trainers.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0nkcvqjr.jpg

At last Craig managed to drive the Challenger too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9g97vzft.jpg

I also found some replacement stickers inside the race shop for Prozac as a few have died the last two years.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psht1sqjeg.jpg

When Dennis came in, he had brought me another plate for my collection.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvho2l3jp.jpg

We showed him the prezzie sand he seemed to like them, a lot.

So we sat down and drank beer and had a long evening discussing the world and our road trip.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Yates from Oskaloosa......

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Question asked elsewhere.

America is a big country.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiuc4xoeh.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So was the hand held Coke Bottle a cigarette lighter ?

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Correct.




Thursday after brekkie from Debbie, and checking what else we needed,we headed back to O’Fallon to see Dennis’ mum n dad.

As we missed them over the weekend and Craig needed to see their collection of nice stuff.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswijb2pgh.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr3ogfjuh.jpg

Halloween is big here.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psskomv7zs.jpg

As are the Catterpilars

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8pshulzr.jpg

This is a real man cave, the garage.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr4sifcez.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdqf5vt2u.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssvct0gxj.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2jjprecm.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf91acdfp.jpg

Great use for an old cast off painters ladder in the lounge.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp3rc5dz1.jpg

More in a bit.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshv0oyi8w.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3x4q7doe.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshvsswvos.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszaijhcht.jpg

Thermostats.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psm9sac9az.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbzuz1dfz.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1xw6hlos.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4bbcisnu.jpg

On the way home we stopped at another antique shop, but bought nothing.

Found this guy on the GMC though.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb3adllu2.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuwo2yld1.jpg

Then eventually home.

Craig seemed to really bond with the little GMC Caballero

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Back home as Dennis was doing a BBQ and the kids and grandkids etc were all joining.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyx9yl5uy.jpg

https://youtu.be/ttj9UwPF9IQ

Best hugs in the world for me.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuhkjck57.jpg

Dennis and Cinch.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psitwghgrl.jpg

Dinner was great, as was the company.

Later Craig, Dennis and I went to sit on the gas station deck again, talking late into the night about the trip and all we had got up to.

Life certainly is good.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

1979 Chevy Blazer.

Rough as a Badgers Butt.

But would you?

V8 Auto

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psie0jw1lv.jpg


Comments, opinions and suggestions welcome.

Talk to me.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Its a 2wd so sure, I would start with a good Ajax scrub with a green scotch brite pad and some elbow grease to see what lurks under all that mess...

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Here you go guys

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssc7redmj.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Good call.


Been done already.

I took that photo in June 2016 while helping Nicola look for a suitable house to buy.

Loved it then, when I went back a year later, it was gone.


Then Martin contacted me two days ago and screwed up my life by telling me about it, and for sale.




So, if I were to buy this car.....

It’s name has already been given by DarrenH on here.

Tippex.


Guess why?


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psk7vuajqq.jpg


Quick video around it.

CLICK LINK.

https://youtu.be/sLldCzEizgo

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psagcejrqq.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5mlyvnjs.jpg

Yup, it is a big thing.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psybsnk4ha.jpg

Driving force.

And yes, aircon has been removed. No concern to me.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdftnfxkf.jpg

So now you have a better idea of what I am looking at.

Love the electric rear glass, operated from dash or with key in tailgate.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

We, well at least I, call it idiot liquid. I need the spray can size :D. Does look like a decent Blazer. How is it underneath all surface? Poor ole Prozac, I guess gets kicked to the curb if this comes home.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Morning Bill.


Mickey next door has wanted Prozac since I bought it.

I have already agreed to sell it to him for the same cash as I paid for it if I do, and if his wife lets him.



I have been looking at another vehicle to replace Prozac.......

Absolutely no reason to escalate my private motoring costs at all but the itch is always there.

Now we know that I have the 1966 C10 Chevy truck in “kit form” in my garage, and it is patient and I will get to it, in my own time.

Yes, really.

When I am ready.


Mate Martin gave me a heads up on a 1979 Chevy K5 Blazer in 2wd form last week (Thanks Mate #sarcastic mode) which I then went to see on the way home Friday night and again for more than two hours on Saturday afternoon. I have no interest in 4x4 cars at all.

Turns out that I saw this car in June 2016 and still have a photo I took at the time as I really liked it then.
But of course life, death and taxes plus a divorce got in the way.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psie0jw1lv.jpg

I also started a question thread here: which has generated a lot of comments and opinions, all valid of course and much appreciated as I am the KING OF DITHERERS when it comes to this sort of thing.

Below a quote from Disasterbus with my responses to his points.

[quote author="@disasterbus" source="/post/2450544/thread" timestamp="1538210550"]Personally I don't need it, it's too wide for my drive so I've nowhere to park it, I already have too many cars, I don't have the cash to spare, I don't have the skills to weld it up, I can't afford to run it, it doesn't have 4 seats and it simply isn't practical.

So, following that rational review my decision would be.......

Hell yeah, get it bought, get it home and worry about everything else later!!
[/quote]


It will fit my drive, just.

I have loads of space to park it.

I am selling Prozac, so need a car.

I have cash to spare, banks are not making it worth my while.

I have a new welder.

I can’t afford to run it, or maybe I can.......

It has four seats, technically you can fit 5 people.

The rear converts to flatbed truck, tailgate drops, rear roof comes off.


Where do I deliver it???



And no, it still was not enough motivation to get me to just randomly hand over cash. Even a half an hour on the phone to @kevfromwales had me thinking it’s a great idea. Yet I woke this morning wondering if this little Berlingo that has been running and performing faultlessly for 19 months as an adjunct to my company car Ford Focus for when dirty jobs needed doing, really needed to be replaced with a Big, Dirty, Nasty Fossil Fuel Guzzling Monster that would be costing me pretty much 10 times as much to run and own than the Berlingo.

Not the car in question, though it is American too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjmdgluba.jpg


Prozac stood in the background, truly Kicked to the Curb, looking on as I fawned over the bid smelly beast for hours.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbloz7wcm.jpg

Tailgate too drops, turning it into a cavernous skip on wheels.

Love the electric rear glass, operated from dash or with key in tailgate

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc4klh6b4.jpg

Inside the rear bench can fold forward or be unbolted too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl1rpn5yt.jpg

Folded forward access via front passenger seat.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psszjyzpg6.jpg

I spent about 30 minutes under it, and the only rust was this hole in the corner by the drivers footwell.

The rest of the underside is shockingly rustfree.

Fenders and hood, conversely are rough, rotten but absolutely functional.

This does not scare me. Couple of hours cutting, welding, undersealing and job done.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psorwj0mgz.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psybsnk4ha.jpg

Where your wallet goes to get raped.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdftnfxkf.jpg

I am sure Prozac will find a new home easily enough and the cash from him will make the purchase of “TIPPEX” as the monster has been named by DarrenH even easier.

So what to do?

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Friday morning Dennis went to work early to get things going and came back at 10.00 to collect us with our baggage.

Before we left it was last photo opportunity

Debbie who as usual had mothered us both and gone out of her way to make us comfortable

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6czgcshd.jpg

And with Dennis. Photobombing by Mollie.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psh6snlo8o.jpg

Unfortunately the flights in both directions had been greatly altered, so no chance to go have lunch with Kelly again at Ethyls.

Once we said our goodbyes to Dennis it was weigh in and rearrange our significantly overweight baggage. I had 8 pounds and Craig 7 pounds to redistribute to our hand baggage before getting our boarding passes.

17kg of metal and license plates.

I was so thankful to hand that over rather than carrying it about in Philadelphia on our 4 hr lay over.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psj7wnshhk.jpg

Ultimately we ended up putting our hand baggage that was inspected by TSA into the hold when we went on board. Pickup was Heathrow

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmafaojz8.jpg

One hour Free wifi for watching an advertisement repeated again and again.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseszpoubo.jpg

Love this.

In event of your wife kicking off..... shelter here.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc4ftgsxb.jpg

St Louis boarded.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psk5zyuslf.jpg

And an awesome lunch in Philadelphia

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psygbcwsia.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxdfrphgr.jpg

What a great idea.

Rest area for pets.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf1khdgfc.jpg

After taking off for England we settled down fast, skipped dinner and chatted with the staff who again were lovely.


Not much sleep but eventually we touched down in London.

Passport control etc......

Then out.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Why not keep Prozac and buy the truck too?
Just because you can only drive one car/truck at a time has nothing to do with how many cars/trucks you own.

The price of gas is a big deal as well as taxes, tags and insurance but you know you want it and you can justify anything because you are a man. Apply your man logic and all will be well. Go for it, it needs a good home and only can provide the kind of care it deserves.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Amen.

I like the way you think Preacher.

Saturday morning we landed.

Passport control

Baggage claim

Bus......... to the carpark took a while to get there as we must have just missed one.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi15epocl.jpg

Craig delivered back home and items swapped out between our bags.

Then headed home down the M25 where traffic was atrocious

Eventually got home.

Unpacked, laundry, greeted Caleb the cat sitter and both cats.

As known by now Dukey was not well but he and Harley happy to see me.

What people waited for.

Treasures.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjxj1maoj.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps57cio5ym.jpg

[IMG]http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/bicycles/297D057F-A388-4B59-9B58-499BA0CCB577_zp****zogtp.jpg[/IMG]

Remember tbe KEMP 3 license plate Dennis brought home?

This was traded for the ND Durban plate that came from friend Michael in South Africa.

Now got a place of honour in St Louis.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psify3kuu7.jpg

Typically a photo from Adam, Hanna and Tyler taken in the shop to remind us what we had lect behind.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxnblhqy7.jpg

And one of Andy’s hammers on disply between doing jobs.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxyo4xy8g.jpg

Back home after Dukey was put to sleep Harley has been like a little Klingon

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslvnq7tf3.jpg

This concluded the 2018 Humdinger of a trip.

Thank you to every person who touched our lives, year after year. Meetong up with is, inviting us into your lives.

And of course all the forum members for joining and encouraging us along the way.

I am privileged and blessed

Hopefully Craig will be along to add a few more opinions and observations.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Now back to truck stuff! :D

I know I am a pain. :lol:

Thanks for the trip log Rian and Craig. Enjoyed it immensely.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Great trip , thanks for taking us along .

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

To echo the comments above, great trip Rian and thanks for taking us along:metal:

Regarding the blazer, I had a ‘78 many years ago ( well GMC high Sierra ) it was actually very reasonable on gas would do low 20’s. Also for me other big ticks in the plus column; it will qualify for classic insurance so mega cheap and also FREE road tax next year.

Other options for improved mpg would be an lpg kit or even better swap the motor for an oil burner. A mate put a diesel motor and auto box out of a bmw 5 series in his C10 truck, with it being a I6 and 2 wheel drive in dropped in no hassle and was like 40 mpg and still went well. He also sold his 350/TH350 combo for more than the diesel motor cost him ::metal:

Go on you know it makes sense :lol:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

For sure.

Even a different flavour??


My pleasure John

Thank you as always for posting replies and observations on here too.

Hi Ian

I thonk that free tax only comes in 2020

Its first registration was 31 December 1979


I would not be looking at LPG, engine conversions etc at all.

Some cheap cosmetics and front end lift on intact parts and rear drop by two or three inches.

It has to be CHEAP V8 Fun only.




Test driving the Blazer truck at 12.30 Saturday after Berlingo had its yearly MOT test.

If its as good on the motorway as it was in residential area then its going home with me.

Berlingo will stay as its pretty much costing me nowt to run except tax and insurance which are paid up till February

Fingers crossed and wallet opened

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Can't wait to here the outcome of this ongoing saga. Hope you enjoy it more than you expect.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I seem to be unable to see the pictures you posted!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Its PhotoPhuckitt time again.

I see its gone tits up on the loading pics too.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

And in other news.

Prozac has a new fresh MOT for the next year.

Tester again commented that for a sub 89k mile car, it was exceptionally clean.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaji1k2zd.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Nice!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Thanks Bill.


In the interest of keeping. The information loop closed, and connecting all the dots.

Here is a copy and paste



Well, it’s raining outside.

The Blazer has been bought and brought home, a name to be decided when it’s made me smile more.

Did a 10 mile motorway drive this afternoon. It is very comfy cruising at 70mph indicated with more oooommmfff left to do overtaking in the fast lane.

Thank you all for the input, motivation, goading and sensible logic arguments put forward the last 12 days that saw me inside and under it three times trying to make up my dithering mind.

Prozac passed its MOT today as well, so a good day in all, albeit with an empty wallet to show for it all.


So..........

How does it feel?

This thing is at least 4 inches wider than the C10, which I used to reverse down the side of the house in one uninterrupted, if tight run.
This thing I had to readjust four times to get down past the house.

It is huge. Believe me.

I went down to the garage 20 minutes ago, just to go look at it again, and to start it up, and to sit in it, looking around, feeling it.

Then I burst out laughing at myself.

After which I proceeded to climb into the rear, going between the front seats, like a kid would..... yes, it’s that big.

Then I sat in the rear fold down bench seat that is actually a three seater, with seat belts, and again started to chuckle.

I saw where the rain comes in between the body and the fibre glass rear canopy, this is a known flaw, even from the factory 40 years ago..... so I may address it some time.


I did realise there are a few little things that can, but do not have to be done to and for this truck to make it nicer. But nothing has to be done, except for driving it and enjoying it. That’s the plan, honestly.


HAPPY ???

ME ??

HELL YEAHHH !!!


After buying it and doing the paperwork, Lee the owner agreed to drive it over home for me, and have his dad pick him up, his dad lives 4 miles from me. He has some spare wheels, seats etc for it.

But no Towbar, he removed and tossed it recently, so I need to find one........


First gas stop and certainly will not be the last time.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7ywkje40.jpg

I drove ahead and then pulled over and stopped at a roundabout as I wanted to get a nice in motion photo of the Blazer passing by.

Not perfect, but you get the idea.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgjpryq4a.jpg

QUICK VIDEO OF THE ARRIVAL

Thanks Lee.

CLICK LINK.

https://youtu.be/cuhMP80xs8Q


After he went, I then took the truck and reversed it down the tight drive alongside the house.

Parked up awaiting attention.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psv5jxttlm.jpg


Thread to be started some time for those interested in following this one.

Later guys

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Way to go on your new truck. Glad to hear you're happy with it. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy!!!!!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Well done that man !!.:metal::metal:

You won't regret it ..........and if you really hate it I might be persuaded to give you a bit of profit on it :lol::lol:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Looking forward to another thread full of Grizz antics!!!!!!

Congrats again Rian. Very nice and I love white!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Silly grins are a good sign Vince.

Thank you.

I hope not Ian.

Started on a small job this afternoon at 3pm and there is some to come.

Thank you Bill.

This thing is all about fun.

It needs attention like everything in this arena.

I think I am going to continue adding the progress on this thread.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

REGARDING THE NEW TO ME BLAZER.

A Few things......

Yesterday, Lee and his dad John came around by 12.00 to drop off the wheels and extra seats (originals) for the Blazer and also a dash mat, though the dash on this truck is unmarked and not cracked.

They were down at the garage for a while and we chatted cars.

John, who owned the Blazer and recommissioned it, told me about all the other stuff he had done to it over time, and reckons he could have as much as 200 hours into it. He certainly replaced quite a lot of stuff, that one does not always think of when recommissioning a car. And I am glad it’s all done already.

Just add fuel and drive.

Sounds a lot of time invested, but then you will see in a bit, what I got done over 4 hours late afternoon once I eventually made it to the garage for real, in fact I was busy for a minimum of 3 hours and have a bit of sheet metal to show for it.

A set of four alloys, which will be for sale, immediately as I like the steels on the truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxfzmguad.jpg

Rear bench seat.......

Excellent condition. Getting stored for now.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9i5yvz0r.jpg

Front seats, actually are the same height and in good, if grubby condition.

Weirdly, I still prefer the colour of the ones fitted to the truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslpe6o5jp.jpg


Part of my time wasting in the morning was ironing 17 work shirts, doing laundry, cleaning house etc, a mans work is never done.

Then I pulled the Blazer forward from the garage and turned Prozac around and drove it head first into the property, I always reverse stuff down the side of the house.

And then a few pics, the left side of Prozac is lined up with the right side of the truck, just to show how much wider it is.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfac6jhaq.jpg

Yes, that is really how wide, though a bit of an optical illusion I guess.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgrocelja.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8ddr7cbu.jpg

By 2.00 pm Caleb who had looked after the cats came back from his two weeks in Europe, to collect his stuff as he had found a temporary job in London and a place near work to stay.

Once he had packed up and we had a coffee and catch up I took him to Rochester station in Prozac, for a guy claiming to live a gypsum life, he has a pot of stuff to carry. Van worked perfectly, again.

After dropping him off, Ireversed Prozac back and saw this in the mirror, made me smile.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pso0gnwvlj.jpg

By now it was 2.45 and I had a quick coffee and sandwich, then headed out to the garage to start looking at the “bit of rust” that I had seen and been shown when buying the Blazer.

I am under no illusions and was expecting more rust, randomly.

So there will be no surprises, rather pleasant discoveries of good sheet metal to work with and attach patches to.

Harley was looking on and I left the house.

Did she know something I did not??


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjlei4tyk.jpg

More later on the closer inspection and smiles.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So on to the rust I knew would need to be addressed, not for MOT reasons, but rather for waterproofing and because I knew it was there.

So I undid the sill plate and removed that and folded the 40year old carpet and underfelt etc out the way after removing the door seal and rubbers.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswihbrllw.jpg

Closer inspection showed that despite my expectations, it is another as bad as expected.

Clearly not a desert or new car.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskuqlmq2a.jpg

Felt my butt being nudged and it was security cat wanting to inspect, Harley, she has always loved a new car and has to check them out.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscftnbhys.jpg

Found some good fresh steel plate in the C10 cab, then washed the floor, scrapped and poked and actually hammered the rust before drawing music lines out where I felt the new metal needed to be let in.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfzwdyq63.jpg

Cut and measured the first replacement section.
Offered up.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6l65inxl.jpg

Further cutting and shaping to get the angles and fill right.
Only good metal to good metal.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psndvhwsn6.jpg

Edges on both sides of the patch panel cleaned up, ensures a much better went.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psljfbfnu3.jpg

Then grind back the paint and rust on the floor in preparation for transferring the patch panel pattern.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psy2qfpt63.jpg

Also some Vactan planned for the pock marked shallow damage.

Some welding and some rust converter planned here, worked well on the C10

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp8glp2j2.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psagqaq4xh.jpg

Next up will be transfer of the pattern to the floor before cutting the rot out, followed by welding and primer.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Moving quick! Looking forward to the medical procedure pics.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Thanks Bill

Sharpie in hand, time to trace the patch panel out.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszhdzs87h.jpg

While all this was going on, Security cat had decided to get comfy, on the job.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseyineu6a.jpg

First welding job was to do then30mm upright for the side kick panel, they rust out in the bottom corner and you need to replace that steel too.

Easier to weld in some metal, than another fold, if your steel is not that wide.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psugget9tx.jpg

Technically the outside, and awaiting weld through primer before it all gets welded in.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstqnxfpsa.jpg

Inside

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb1ycsgqf.jpg

And in place.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmk6i3tno.jpg

I will probably only cut the floor and weld this in by next weekend.

Unless I get time, which is unlikely as it’s another week from a dark place.

Later.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

That patch will work a treat, nice job. I agree with Bill things are moving quickly, it’s great to see and I’m looking forward to more updates..... you’ll need to start another thread at this rate :lol::lol: