[hjl]

Thanks for all the kind words. I've been reading this forum for the last month or so, and I'm happy to finally be participating. I am blown away by some of the build threads. I have never worked on cars, but I'm hoping that is going to change with this truck. In my dreams I find a mechanic that helps me with small jobs on the car, teaching me the right way to do things. Not sure if that exists in the real world. If you guys know anyone in WNY that fits the bill, let me know. I would be more than happy to pay the going rate.

I really appreciate the help with the VIN information. It looks like everything under the hood is original, so I'm guessing it is the 250. It has a three speed on the column, and I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't owned a manual transmission in 18 years, so learning to shift has been a bit challenging.

The truck is a little rough around the edges and could definitely use some work, but I think it is fundamentally solid. Kind of like my marriage right now. I'd like to say that my wife will eventually get over it, but the woman remembers EVERYTHING wrong I've ever done, even stuff from before we were dating.

More pics -- of the truck, not my wife -- to follow.