Score Of A Lifetime! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stllookn · 06-27-2005, 12:35 AM

As some of you may know, I am working on my 1968 50th Anniversary Longhorn. I looked up the name on the Proteco Plate and located the original owner. I called him and after a long discussion about the truck I asked him if knew what happened to the tailgate. He said he had it in his garage along with alot of other stuff..."I never throw anything away" he said! Gotta love those guys. He pulled the gate after about three days along with the swaybar, some leaf springs. He also pulled the steering wheel after a bit and repaced it. He also had the original hubcaps and some NOS trim. After months of waiting and his recovery from an operation, I got the parts today. They were much better than expected! Pics of Leo and my Dad and some of the parts. They are so nice I almost hate to put them on the truck...LOL! I will just wait until the new paint is on there!

I have looked for 3 years for a "3-day" tailgate at garage sales but who would have ever thought that I would find the original gate from my truck in this condition?

classicchev · 06-27-2005, 12:41 AM

Got to love those old guys, never throw anything away. How long ago did he sell the truck? Great score!

junkyardjohn · 06-27-2005, 12:42 AM

WOW!! TOO COOL!!

JOHN

Alexis · 06-27-2005, 12:44 AM

I say you drop that tail gate on the wall and find another one for the truck. Awesome score! But i think what so cool about this is the way you got it.

stllookn · 06-27-2005, 12:57 AM

classicchev, He traded the truck to some folks that were doing some landscaping for him about 3 yrs. ago. They tried to hot rod the truck and pulled all the trim and bondoed the holes. They did not do much damage otherwise...it still had all the original paperwork, documents and hardware except the missing tailgate, hubcaps etc. The original owner is going to give me pictures of the truck when it was new!

Alexis, I wanted to do a 100 pt. restoration but am thinking I would like to "over restore" it now. That would mean better paint than original. In that case I will hang it on the wall and finish another gate for the truck...SICK! What amazed me was the steering wheel...it looks like glass. I wish my digital camera was better! The wheel is just incredible!

thecatseye66 · 06-27-2005, 12:44 AM

Congrats on the super big score Mike!
You LUCKY dog!!!
I love the hubcaps, for sure the better CAUSE THEY CAME ON YOUR OWN TRUCK!!

That's a Kharma thing, fella--Chevy God's giving you gifts...

Chris

*screamin_c102* · 06-27-2005, 12:59 AM

Man, it doesn't get any better than that.

Castiron9 · 06-27-2005, 01:11 AM

Great score...........Mike.................That gate should hang on your living room wall......

Original hubcaps,does'nt get any better.............Lucky Dog..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

stllookn · 06-27-2005, 01:19 AM

Rene, Thanks, but on close inspection these caps are daily drivers...I am still looking for some "show" hubcaps...do you know where I can get some????

Leo only lives about 2 miles from my parents so I told him when the truck is done I will drive to Portland and take him for a ride in it! That will be fun!

Deuce · 06-27-2005, 01:06 AM

Thats AWSOME!!! The old guy must be proud someone like you has the truck now??

barn9 · 06-27-2005, 01:22 AM

Great score and cool story to go with it! Did he say why he took those parts off in the first place? Especially the sway bar.

barn9 · 06-27-2005, 01:27 AM

Oh, and by the way, in that pic your Dad and Leo almost look like they could be brothers. No offense meant, that was just the thought that entered my mind when I first looked at that pic.

stllookn · 06-27-2005, 01:47 AM

barn9, He pulled the sway bar and springs since the ride was too harsh! He pulled the tailgate to put on a canopy w/door (topper for you East Coasters). He never loaded the truck and the box was covered so it is pretty nice. They do look alike, don't they...LOL! My Dad is 80 and Leo is 78!

*dtlilly* · 06-27-2005, 03:28 AM

That has to be the best truck story I ever heard. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy either!

Longhorn Man · 06-27-2005, 05:12 AM

dude, it was awsome whan you told me about it, and even more awsome seeing the pics!
What do you want for one of the hub caps? (since you want better ones) If you won't hang the stuff up on the wall...I will!

krue · 06-27-2005, 06:16 AM

That's just bada$$!

**BOSS** · 06-27-2005, 06:36 AM

Awesome story and a great find Congrats!!!!

Joe67 · 06-27-2005, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stllookn

As some of you may know, I am working on my 1968 50th Anniversary Longhorn. I looked up the name on the Proteco Plate and located the original owner. ...

Great story - incredible find

knsmodels · 06-27-2005, 08:41 AM

I just love the stories that are attached to some projects.....Awesome score...sounds like you picked up a new friend in the deal....Paul

**tnblazerk5** · 06-27-2005, 09:16 AM

man talk about lucky !! you truely are !! and i wouldnt use the stuff on my truck if they were mine the would go on the wall for art

Hunter · 06-27-2005, 09:23 AM

Man, that is AMAZING! Congrats! H.

stllookn · 06-27-2005, 10:41 AM

Thanks for all of the words of encouragement guys.

I looked for a 50th Anniversary Longhorn for 3 years but was still on the fence when I found this one. Thanks to elkhunter (Mark) for rescuing the Longhorn from his neighbor (who acquired it from Leo) and trading it to me for my '68 GMC short fleetside. This restoration, back to stock, is really turning into an adventure, especially searching for all the stock parts to put back on the truck. I intend to keep everyone posted on the progress.

Thanks to Andy (Longhorn Man) for his encouragement as well on this project. It is going to take quite a bit of time to get this one done but it will be an enjoyable journey...LOL!

**68350** · 06-27-2005, 10:46 AM

WOW! That's awesome. Not too many of those finds anymore. Congrats on the parts and hope you have fun restoring that rare pickup

**PICKMUP** · 06-27-2005, 11:30 AM

Those parts are so nice, I actually thought it was an "honor" to see them in person yesterday. Great pieces and a great story. Love them Longhorns.

als70chevy4x4 · 06-27-2005, 11:37 AM

Dude that is an excellent story.When I bought my truck 8 years ago the guy had tons of parts left over(he said he bought 8 trucks to take parts off,1 he got just 4 the door panels!)Anyways after buying it and him seeing me around town looking after it we just kept in touch and became good friends.He then gave me a ton of spare parts.These trucks have a way of helping making and meeting new friends.

06-27-2005, 12:35 AM	#1
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Score Of A Lifetime! As some of you may know, I am working on my 1968 50th Anniversary Longhorn. I looked up the name on the Proteco Plate and located the original owner. I called him and after a long discussion about the truck I asked him if knew what happened to the tailgate. He said he had it in his garage along with alot of other stuff..."I never throw anything away" he said! Gotta love those guys. He pulled the gate after about three days along with the swaybar, some leaf springs. He also pulled the steering wheel after a bit and repaced it. He also had the original hubcaps and some NOS trim. After months of waiting and his recovery from an operation, I got the parts today. They were much better than expected! Pics of Leo and my Dad and some of the parts. They are so nice I almost hate to put them on the truck...LOL! I will just wait until the new paint is on there! I have looked for 3 years for a "3-day" tailgate at garage sales but who would have ever thought that I would find the original gate from my truck in this condition? Attached Images __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 06-27-2005 at 12:38 AM.

06-27-2005, 12:41 AM	#2
classicchev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,936	Got to love those old guys, never throw anything away. How long ago did he sell the truck? Great score! __________________ 67- 72 Parts collecter

06-27-2005, 12:42 AM	#3
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	WOW!! TOO COOL!! JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

06-27-2005, 12:57 AM	#5
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	classicchev, He traded the truck to some folks that were doing some landscaping for him about 3 yrs. ago. They tried to hot rod the truck and pulled all the trim and bondoed the holes. They did not do much damage otherwise...it still had all the original paperwork, documents and hardware except the missing tailgate, hubcaps etc. The original owner is going to give me pictures of the truck when it was new! Alexis, I wanted to do a 100 pt. restoration but am thinking I would like to "over restore" it now. That would mean better paint than original. In that case I will hang it on the wall and finish another gate for the truck...SICK! What amazed me was the steering wheel...it looks like glass. I wish my digital camera was better! The wheel is just incredible! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

06-27-2005, 12:44 AM	#6
thecatseye66 '68 C-20 396 CST CC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 454	Congrats on the super big score Mike! You LUCKY dog!!! I love the hubcaps, for sure the better CAUSE THEY CAME ON YOUR OWN TRUCK!! That's a Kharma thing, fella--Chevy God's giving you gifts... Chris __________________ 68 C-20 396/TH400 CST Custom Camper NOW W/DISC BRAKES 01 Jetta Turbo Daily Driver 84 Yamaha Virago 700 - Alaska to Florida Via Maine & Mexico

06-27-2005, 12:44 AM	#4
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,874	I say you drop that tail gate on the wall and find another one for the truck. Awesome score! But i think what so cool about this is the way you got it.

06-27-2005, 12:59 AM	#7
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Man, it doesn't get any better than that.

06-27-2005, 01:11 AM	#8
Castiron9 72 LONGHORN OWNER Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Wash. Posts: 963	Great score...........Mike.................That gate should hang on your living room wall...... Original hubcaps,does'nt get any better.............Lucky Dog..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ 72-SUPER CHEYENNE/20 LONGHORN 70-C/30 DUALLY

06-27-2005, 01:19 AM	#9
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Rene, Thanks, but on close inspection these caps are daily drivers...I am still looking for some "show" hubcaps...do you know where I can get some???? Leo only lives about 2 miles from my parents so I told him when the truck is done I will drive to Portland and take him for a ride in it! That will be fun! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

06-27-2005, 01:06 AM	#10
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	Thats AWSOME!!! The old guy must be proud someone like you has the truck now?? __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

06-27-2005, 01:22 AM	#11
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Great score and cool story to go with it! Did he say why he took those parts off in the first place? Especially the sway bar. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

06-27-2005, 01:27 AM	#12
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Oh, and by the way, in that pic your Dad and Leo almost look like they could be brothers. No offense meant, that was just the thought that entered my mind when I first looked at that pic. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

06-27-2005, 01:47 AM	#13
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	barn9, He pulled the sway bar and springs since the ride was too harsh! He pulled the tailgate to put on a canopy w/door (topper for you East Coasters). He never loaded the truck and the box was covered so it is pretty nice. They do look alike, don't they...LOL! My Dad is 80 and Leo is 78! Attached Images __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

06-27-2005, 03:28 AM	#14
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	That has to be the best truck story I ever heard. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy either!

06-27-2005, 05:12 AM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	dude, it was awsome whan you told me about it, and even more awsome seeing the pics! What do you want for one of the hub caps? (since you want better ones) If you won't hang the stuff up on the wall...I will!



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06-27-2005, 06:16 AM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	That's just bada$$! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

06-27-2005, 06:36 AM	#17
BOSS Just here to help Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Norwood,Mo Posts: 3,890	Awesome story and a great find Congrats!!!! __________________ Support our site Norwood Survivor

06-27-2005, 08:41 AM	#19
knsmodels I make Models Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bucks, PA Posts: 626	I just love the stories that are attached to some projects.....Awesome score...sounds like you picked up a new friend in the deal....Paul __________________ Click to see what I do 1972 LWB K10 350/4 sp 1968 SS Chevelle 396/tremac5spd

06-27-2005, 09:16 AM	#20
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	man talk about lucky !! you truely are !! and i wouldnt use the stuff on my truck if they were mine the would go on the wall for art

06-27-2005, 09:23 AM	#21
Hunter Lovin' Arizona Since 1961 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Camp Verde, Arizona Posts: 173	Man, that is AMAZING! Congrats! H. __________________ "Religion is like a toothbrush: Everybody should have one, but I don't want yours" - Will Rogers

06-27-2005, 10:41 AM	#22
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Thanks for all of the words of encouragement guys. I looked for a 50th Anniversary Longhorn for 3 years but was still on the fence when I found this one. Thanks to elkhunter (Mark) for rescuing the Longhorn from his neighbor (who acquired it from Leo) and trading it to me for my '68 GMC short fleetside. This restoration, back to stock, is really turning into an adventure, especially searching for all the stock parts to put back on the truck. I intend to keep everyone posted on the progress. Thanks to Andy (Longhorn Man) for his encouragement as well on this project. It is going to take quite a bit of time to get this one done but it will be an enjoyable journey...LOL! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

06-27-2005, 10:46 AM	#23
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	WOW! That's awesome. Not too many of those finds anymore. Congrats on the parts and hope you have fun restoring that rare pickup __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

06-27-2005, 11:30 AM	#24
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,158	Those parts are so nice, I actually thought it was an "honor" to see them in person yesterday. Great pieces and a great story. Love them Longhorns. __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

06-27-2005, 11:37 AM	#25
als70chevy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Port Alberni British Columbia Posts: 249	Dude that is an excellent story.When I bought my truck 8 years ago the guy had tons of parts left over(he said he bought 8 trucks to take parts off,1 he got just 4 the door panels!)Anyways after buying it and him seeing me around town looking after it we just kept in touch and became good friends.He then gave me a ton of spare parts.These trucks have a way of helping making and meeting new friends.

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