[Daubs]

My Dad had a 1970 3/4 ton two wheel drive with 4spd and the "400" big block (that's what he called it). He loved the truck and had custom pin-striping done. It was a real looker and Dad said it was very, VERY fast! In 76 he ordered a K-20 from the factory. It had everything, 350 v8, dual tanks, 4 speed manual (Dad never liked autos), cruise, AC, PS, PB, no power windows, but it was completely bad ass in my mind (remember, I was 9 ys old at the time).

My uncle purchased a 1976 2 wheel drive at same time. Dad and Uncle did a little non scientific research...uncle "ziebarted" his truck, Dad did not. In the end, both were rust buckets, Dad's truck was just rusty first. And boy, did that truck love gas. It got a whopping 6 MPG...that was uphill, downhill, wind at back, wind in face, full-moon, new moon...SIX. MILES. PER. GALLON.

He drove that truck for eleven years...then purchased a new 1987 GMC K-20HD off the lot. I actually purchased the 87 from him years later. Really liked that truck, but with kids, it was time to upgrade to a 1999 Silverado. LOVED that truck. The current ride, 2004 2500HD 4x4 Crew, was ordered from the factory brand new. It's a great ride. Dad thought i was crazy odering the 8.1 Big Block 496. He thought i would get 5 MPG. But with tires and a little chip work, I'm getting 10.5 around town and consistent 12.5 highway.

I'm getting ready to buy a welder and start in on the 72 K-20 build. Looking forward to it!