Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Critter · 02-09-2008, 01:50 PM

I did something today that I am pretty proud of, here’s a little story for everyone. In 1971 when my father returned home from the Army, he had a brand new 71 El Camino waiting on him at my grandparents house. Dad had been sending money home and told my Grandpa exactly what he wanted. Grandpa ordered it, picked it up, and had it sitting in the front yard when Dad’s plane landed. Anyway, it was the first new vehicle my dad had ever bought and he loved that car (truck???). He started dating my mom while he owned it and they went on every date in it. Somewhere around getting married, he sold the Elky and has been driving a bare bones Chevy work truck ever since. (Unfortunately, his friend that bought it ran through a church and totaled it after losing control from a stoplight burn out.) Jump forward a few years. He taught me how to work on cars and when I was around 15 he helped me buy my first 68 Chevy SWB stepside. I did a lot of work on it with his physical and financial help. Later on he put me through college and all that good stuff. He never outright “gave” vehicles to me, but through me working for him and birthday presents and what not, I always seemed to have pretty nice toys. If nothing else he was always open to loaning me money for whatever I decided I needed that day of the week.

Over the last few years since I have been on my own I have been thinking about how I would like to give a little back. He is always talking about wanting another old car or truck to play around with beings as he is trying to retire (he’s self employed and as a lot of you know its hard to retire from that). He also mentions about once a month that he wishes he had another El Camino but never gets around to finding one.

Well, my Dads 59th birthday is Feb 24th and I thought I would get him a little surprise. He is a workaholic that never takes time for himself so I figured I would force him to.

Fellow board member Jtrux has a friend who had a 69 El Camino sitting in a garage that was for sale. I talked to him a little and turns out it was his father-in-law’s who had passed away a few years ago. The father-in-law had owned the car since 69 and it spent much of its life in a garage. It was driven into the garage and turned off when the man passed away and has basically been in there since the mid 90’s. I looked it over a couple times, and the current owner and me came to an agreement on price. Which brings us up to today. Me, Jtrux, and the current owner go over to excavate the old Elky from its dusty tomb. The car has a 300hp 350, 4 barrel carb, TH350 trans, and A/C. From what I found this is the highest horsepower small block offered in a 69 Elky. The big block SS was the only higher option. Actually, this is more HP than my fathers 71 350 had! Other than a few bondo spots and a bad paint job (the older gentleman tapped a few parking lot poles in his later years) it seams to be in pretty good shape. 144,000 original miles, no rust that I can find, complete interior, and virtually untouched under the hood (it does have an HEI conversion which I was happy to find). At any rate, I hope to do the basics over the next few weeks…clean the fuel tank/lines, sparkplugs/cap/rotor, fuel and air filters, oil change, etc. Basically I want to clean it up and get it where it can be driven around the block and surprise my Dad for his Birthday. We can do the rest of the work over time. Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to share. By the way, if anyone has any additional info on this year model feel free to chime in.

Critter · 02-09-2008, 01:53 PM

Some more pics...

jrdv · 02-09-2008, 02:00 PM

That looks nice--a little spit and polish and it will clean up great. It is good that you are doing this for someone special in your life. Life is too short not to make the most of it!!!

john

powerbench · 02-09-2008, 02:12 PM

what a nice thing to do...I'am sure your pop's will love it...

Longhorn Man · 02-09-2008, 01:57 PM

rep points and lotsa respect for you man... that's an AWESOME thing you just did there for the 'ole man.
Maybe you should park it in the front yard for him while he is at work, and be waiting for him to get home?

bowtieboy93 · 02-09-2008, 01:59 PM

very nice thing to do for your father after all hes done

good luck on his birthday!

hope he loves it!

cflvulcan · 02-09-2008, 02:06 PM

thats pretty much the same relationship i have with my dad. thats awesome with what you did. me and my dad restored his 74 z28(he bought brand new) a while ago and never finished it. so someday when the funds get better for me i wanna finish it for him. but thats a great present, i hope your dad has many more great memories with his el camino...

corn · 02-09-2008, 02:18 PM

Very cool story & Im sure thats gonna mean an aweful lot to your dad! Good job!

dan42 · 02-09-2008, 02:30 PM

Pretty cool, guy. If my son ever did that for me, I would flip...

Bishops Trucks · 02-09-2008, 02:37 PM

Thats a great gesture you are doing for your Dad. He will love his new toy.

CG · 02-09-2008, 02:46 PM

Im emailing this thread to my two sons =)

corn · 02-09-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Im emailing this thread to my two sons =)

Angelse68cal · 02-09-2008, 03:39 PM

I have to give you props. In the midst of things I think sometimes us men tend to Forget about what helped us get to where we are in Life. I mean I don't know what I would do with out my DAD even thou he is grumpy and grouchy at times. LOL . Its just a Blessing to Both of us that they are still here to enjoy the time we have left with them..

Longhorn Man · 02-09-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Im emailing this thread to my two sons =)

Great idea!

**fine69** · 02-09-2008, 04:15 PM

DUDE, you rock.

RicksTrucks · 02-09-2008, 04:47 PM

That is great what you are doing. Too many kids today forget where they came from and who all helped them get where they are today.

I am kinda of doing the reverse. I have a couple short stepsides that I am holding for my two grandsons. As they get older (currently 8 and 6), they will help me restore them. Hopefully once I am gone, they will remember our times together.

That is one of the reasons I got into this hobby, to have something to do together with my two sons.

Super-Dave · 02-09-2008, 06:01 PM

Nice Elky, I have always wanted to do one of those to. The truck im doing was my old mans work truck. It was owned by the city, they bought him a new one and parked it out back for years then sold it on Auction. I got it for $300. I show him pics as I go along, and cant wait to get it done and drive it by his house.

Gray Ghost · 02-09-2008, 08:38 PM

Very cool! I have always been an Elky fan, especially the earlier years. Your dad will be very surprised I would imagine. I'll bet his reaction will be priceless.

**hilljob26** · 02-09-2008, 08:39 PM

Thats Pretty Much What I Am Trying To Do Now,i Have Been Trying To Get Rid Of Big Orange To Buy My Dad A Newer Truck To Drive,as He Has Always Had A Pos As I Was Growing Up.its Kinda Odd,because When My Grandpa Died Back In April,we Put My Truck Up For A Raffle To Pay For The Funeral,as He Didnt Have Life Insurance,and A Fella By The Name Of Marcus Echart Won It,came Down From Colorado,drove The Truck Around With Me For A Day And When He Got Ready To Leave,he Threw Me Back The Keys And Said To Keep The Truck,he Knew How Much It Meant To Me.i Was Truly Honored.but Since Then,it Has Done Nothing But Sit Here,i Dont Drive It Cause It Costs Too Much In Gas,so I Figured I Would Sell It To Buy My Dad A 96-2000 Chevy Z71,but I Guess Its Just Not Something People Want,oh Well,i Guess I Will Find Another Way

mikeys junk · 02-09-2008, 08:42 PM

Bravo Bravo Bravo Bravo Bravo Bravo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**STP67-72** · 02-09-2008, 09:48 PM

Great story
What goes around comes around!!!!!!

tcb-1 · 02-09-2008, 09:48 PM

much respect for you my friend. please keep up up-to-date on your progress and especially the pics of your dad when he receives it!

72BlckButy · 02-09-2008, 10:22 PM

be sure to have a camera handy and maybe a new pair of pants for him as well.

jkaylor68gmc · 02-09-2008, 10:33 PM

awesome! Mad respect for ya!

greasy68 · 02-09-2008, 10:52 PM

That is awesome. I wish I could do something like that for my dad but he already has a fllet of cherries. I guess it will have to be another tie for his birthday and just some good bonding time under the hood of one of his or mine. It is worth more than money to him.

02-09-2008, 01:50 PM	#1
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? I did something today that I am pretty proud of, here’s a little story for everyone. In 1971 when my father returned home from the Army, he had a brand new 71 El Camino waiting on him at my grandparents house. Dad had been sending money home and told my Grandpa exactly what he wanted. Grandpa ordered it, picked it up, and had it sitting in the front yard when Dad’s plane landed. Anyway, it was the first new vehicle my dad had ever bought and he loved that car (truck???). He started dating my mom while he owned it and they went on every date in it. Somewhere around getting married, he sold the Elky and has been driving a bare bones Chevy work truck ever since. (Unfortunately, his friend that bought it ran through a church and totaled it after losing control from a stoplight burn out.) Jump forward a few years. He taught me how to work on cars and when I was around 15 he helped me buy my first 68 Chevy SWB stepside. I did a lot of work on it with his physical and financial help. Later on he put me through college and all that good stuff. He never outright “gave” vehicles to me, but through me working for him and birthday presents and what not, I always seemed to have pretty nice toys. If nothing else he was always open to loaning me money for whatever I decided I needed that day of the week. Over the last few years since I have been on my own I have been thinking about how I would like to give a little back. He is always talking about wanting another old car or truck to play around with beings as he is trying to retire (he’s self employed and as a lot of you know its hard to retire from that). He also mentions about once a month that he wishes he had another El Camino but never gets around to finding one. Well, my Dads 59th birthday is Feb 24th and I thought I would get him a little surprise. He is a workaholic that never takes time for himself so I figured I would force him to. Fellow board member Jtrux has a friend who had a 69 El Camino sitting in a garage that was for sale. I talked to him a little and turns out it was his father-in-law’s who had passed away a few years ago. The father-in-law had owned the car since 69 and it spent much of its life in a garage. It was driven into the garage and turned off when the man passed away and has basically been in there since the mid 90’s. I looked it over a couple times, and the current owner and me came to an agreement on price. Which brings us up to today. Me, Jtrux, and the current owner go over to excavate the old Elky from its dusty tomb. The car has a 300hp 350, 4 barrel carb, TH350 trans, and A/C. From what I found this is the highest horsepower small block offered in a 69 Elky. The big block SS was the only higher option. Actually, this is more HP than my fathers 71 350 had! Other than a few bondo spots and a bad paint job (the older gentleman tapped a few parking lot poles in his later years) it seams to be in pretty good shape. 144,000 original miles, no rust that I can find, complete interior, and virtually untouched under the hood (it does have an HEI conversion which I was happy to find). At any rate, I hope to do the basics over the next few weeks…clean the fuel tank/lines, sparkplugs/cap/rotor, fuel and air filters, oil change, etc. Basically I want to clean it up and get it where it can be driven around the block and surprise my Dad for his Birthday. We can do the rest of the work over time. Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to share. By the way, if anyone has any additional info on this year model feel free to chime in. Attached Images __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 02-25-2008 at 07:53 AM.

02-09-2008, 01:53 PM	#2
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Some more pics... Attached Images __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

02-09-2008, 02:00 PM	#3
jrdv Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: new mexico Posts: 948	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? That looks nice--a little spit and polish and it will clean up great. It is good that you are doing this for someone special in your life. Life is too short not to make the most of it!!! john __________________ 1972 3/4T 4x4 Chevrolet (383) 1971 c-10 SWB (400 sb) 1972 4x4 Blazer 1969 SWB 4x4 GMC Projects: 1972 stepside 4x4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280132 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285952 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553672 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522704

02-09-2008, 02:12 PM	#4
powerbench Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Surrey B.C Posts: 432	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? what a nice thing to do...I'am sure your pop's will love it...

02-09-2008, 01:57 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? rep points and lotsa respect for you man... that's an AWESOME thing you just did there for the 'ole man. Maybe you should park it in the front yard for him while he is at work, and be waiting for him to get home?

02-09-2008, 01:59 PM	#6
bowtieboy93 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: (Cloverdale) Surrey BC Canada Posts: 1,566	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? very nice thing to do for your father after all hes done good luck on his birthday! hope he loves it! __________________ Travis travis_moffatt@hotmail.com 1969 Chevrolet C-10 LWB, 350c.i., TH350, In Pieces. 1991 GMC Sonoma, IROCS s10 grill 1963 Ford Galaxie 351/C4

02-09-2008, 02:06 PM	#7
cflvulcan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Utica, NY Posts: 315	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? thats pretty much the same relationship i have with my dad. thats awesome with what you did. me and my dad restored his 74 z28(he bought brand new) a while ago and never finished it. so someday when the funds get better for me i wanna finish it for him. but thats a great present, i hope your dad has many more great memories with his el camino...

02-09-2008, 02:18 PM	#8
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Very cool story & Im sure thats gonna mean an aweful lot to your dad! Good job!

02-09-2008, 02:30 PM	#9
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Pretty cool, guy. If my son ever did that for me, I would flip... __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

02-09-2008, 02:37 PM	#10
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Thats a great gesture you are doing for your Dad. He will love his new toy. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

02-09-2008, 02:46 PM	#11
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,036	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Im emailing this thread to my two sons =)

02-09-2008, 03:39 PM	#13
Angelse68cal Cochino_Racing_909 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: California Posts: 280	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? I have to give you props. In the midst of things I think sometimes us men tend to Forget about what helped us get to where we are in Life. I mean I don't know what I would do with out my DAD even thou he is grumpy and grouchy at times. LOL . Its just a Blessing to Both of us that they are still here to enjoy the time we have left with them..

02-09-2008, 04:15 PM	#15
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? DUDE, you rock. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

02-09-2008, 04:47 PM	#16
RicksTrucks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Claremore, OK 74017 Posts: 2,639	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? That is great what you are doing. Too many kids today forget where they came from and who all helped them get where they are today. I am kinda of doing the reverse. I have a couple short stepsides that I am holding for my two grandsons. As they get older (currently 8 and 6), they will help me restore them. Hopefully once I am gone, they will remember our times together. That is one of the reasons I got into this hobby, to have something to do together with my two sons. __________________ 68 Short Stepside C-10 69 SWB C-10 70 Flatbed C-20 70 LWB C-20 BB402 70 LWB C-10 CST 70 LWB C-10 CST 71 Short Stepside Cheyenne C-10 72 LWB C-10 72 Blazer 4x4 4spd 95 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

02-09-2008, 06:01 PM	#17
Super-Dave Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lompoc, Ca Posts: 128	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Nice Elky, I have always wanted to do one of those to. The truck im doing was my old mans work truck. It was owned by the city, they bought him a new one and parked it out back for years then sold it on Auction. I got it for $300. I show him pics as I go along, and cant wait to get it done and drive it by his house.



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02-09-2008, 08:38 PM	#18
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Very cool! I have always been an Elky fan, especially the earlier years. Your dad will be very surprised I would imagine. I'll bet his reaction will be priceless. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

02-09-2008, 08:39 PM	#19
hilljob26 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gypsum Kansas 67448 Posts: 1,681	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Thats Pretty Much What I Am Trying To Do Now,i Have Been Trying To Get Rid Of Big Orange To Buy My Dad A Newer Truck To Drive,as He Has Always Had A Pos As I Was Growing Up.its Kinda Odd,because When My Grandpa Died Back In April,we Put My Truck Up For A Raffle To Pay For The Funeral,as He Didnt Have Life Insurance,and A Fella By The Name Of Marcus Echart Won It,came Down From Colorado,drove The Truck Around With Me For A Day And When He Got Ready To Leave,he Threw Me Back The Keys And Said To Keep The Truck,he Knew How Much It Meant To Me.i Was Truly Honored.but Since Then,it Has Done Nothing But Sit Here,i Dont Drive It Cause It Costs Too Much In Gas,so I Figured I Would Sell It To Buy My Dad A 96-2000 Chevy Z71,but I Guess Its Just Not Something People Want,oh Well,i Guess I Will Find Another Way __________________ 21 2500hd duramax 58 apache HILLJOB GRAPHIX--for all your graphic needs My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=542497 LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=377348 4l60 to an NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...43#post3697343

02-09-2008, 08:42 PM	#20
mikeys junk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 36	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Bravo Bravo Bravo Bravo Bravo Bravo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02-09-2008, 09:48 PM	#21
STP67-72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PORT NECHES, TEXAS / USA Posts: 1,668	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? Great story What goes around comes around!!!!!! __________________ 55 Chevy original swb (big back window) 61 Chevy bubble top (427-5 speed) 67 Chevy stepside (Krusty) 68 Chevy swb fleet (Lola) 68 Chevy swb fleet 71 Chevy swb fleet ( future PB project) 97 crew cab power stroke 07 SS Trail blazer

02-09-2008, 09:48 PM	#22
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? much respect for you my friend. please keep up up-to-date on your progress and especially the pics of your dad when he receives it! __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

02-09-2008, 10:22 PM	#23
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? be sure to have a camera handy and maybe a new pair of pants for him as well. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

02-09-2008, 10:33 PM	#24
jkaylor68gmc Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: TN Posts: 2,448	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? awesome! Mad respect for ya! __________________ 1947 International KB-1 1957 Chevy Bel-Air riding low 1962 swb fleetside 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 7-inch lift on 35 Daily driver 2016 Chevy Tahoe Better halves ride

02-09-2008, 10:52 PM	#25
greasy68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: austin texas Posts: 202	Re: Well technically its a 69 Chevy truck...right? That is awesome. I wish I could do something like that for my dad but he already has a fllet of cherries. I guess it will have to be another tie for his birthday and just some good bonding time under the hood of one of his or mine. It is worth more than money to him. __________________ Mike 68 C10 LWB midnight blue metallic 307ci, 700R4, HEI front discs, leaf spring rear tilt steering wheel, stock ride height, rally wheels, 2007 Dodge Charger(Hemi)

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