[CVA59]

1Low4x4......... I have been monitoring this post of yours and i am still hoping you will find it. I DO understand totally how you feel. I felt the exact same way you do when i came to the conclusion that my Grandad's 61 had been crushed. However, I wouldn't be too hasty in calling this Deputy a liar just yet. There is a chance that he could be telling you the truth even with the coincidences. There are many variables that you have to factor in when trying to locate old vehicles. Sometimes they are sold as scrap, given away, get told by some people that THOUGHT this guy or that guy owned but can't remember. It is very hard to go by what people say sometimes because like most of us we forget things. When i was searching for my Grandad's 61 i was told 3-4 different stories by 3-4 different people and they were all similiar in nature. However, when i finally found the correct person, he clarified all those misleading stories and confirmed to me the fate of Grandad's 61.

Here is what i would do as some others in here have said, you REALLY need to find the original VIN number and or license plate number. Go down to the Harris County Courthouse (DMV) and ask them to run the info you have thru their system. If that proves no results, then ask to look thru their archives and track it back that way. Having been a Deputy Sheriff myself, i have found several vehicles by this tried and true method and i know for a fact that it will work if you can get the right clerk at your Courthouse who is willing to go that extra step to help you. Explain your story in brief to the clerk first and then hopefully that will help encourage him/her to work with you.

This is an EXTREME longshot. Do you know the orginal GM dealer where the truck was bought new? If they are still in business you MIGHT be able to check their archives and locate a VIN number. Here in the town i live in we still have the original GM dealer that has been here since the early 60's and is still going strong. Keep in mind that this would probably be a slim to none chance but it would only cost you some time to stop by and talk to them about it.

The next thing i would do (and have done) is start riding the county roads in the last known area of the truck. If you see a house or garage with some old junk cars around it, stop and talk to the people, leave them your name and info. Start combing every junk yard, scrap yard and recycling facility you can find. Check with anyone in your area who restores old cars, see if they may have any info on it.

One other option is take that photo you posted here, make some real nice (catchy colors) wanted flyers. Put them inside every auto parts store in your area. Anyone who messes with these old trucks will stop in to their local parts store at some point to get something for it. Post them there, resturants, Lowes, Home Depot and anywhere else you can think of. Sooner or later someone will recognize it if is still in the area.

I would also stop by the Harris County Appraisal office. Give them the address of that house the Deputy lives in. Have them get you the names of every person who lived there. Follow up on the names and see what that unfolds.

Remember this above and beyond everything, you have to have PERSISTANCE!!! Don't give up based on what one guys says, especially if it doesn't sound right to you. Keep digging, the truck is probably still around and more than likely sitting in someone's backyard or barn. I restore antique gas pumps on the side. Sometimes i will spend a whole day just tracking down some old pumps that someone said someone has, he says he sold them to the guy down the road and so on and so on and so on. If you REALLY want to find this truck stay persistant and keep looking. Even if you never find it at least you will know you did all you could do.

BTW......If you will remember, Forrest Gump came out a millionaire, LOL.



Good Luck!!!