The old 65 Longstepper.

[shp4man]

I'm a Ford dealer mechanic. (The "F" word, LOL) I've had this old truck for about 9 years. It was kind of a gift from a previous employer- a Ford dealer believe or not. It was the vehicle for the maintenance crew for years.



It was sitting on the back lot, not running, dead battery, door windows under the seat, really trashed out. I had previously inquired about selling it from the General Manager, his exact words were "What the hell do you want that for?. We can't get parts for it anymore!".
I offered him a grand...no deal.
Then, about 6 months later, the shop foreman asked me if I still wanted to buy the "Old Blue Truck"? I said sure, how much?
$500, he said. Needless to say, I immediately jumped on that deal!.
I got it running (not well) and drove it home, about 20 miles. It overheated, but made it.
Turns out, unbeknownst to me, they had at one point replaced the wasted original 230 engine in previous years with a Jasper reman 250.
Anyways, I sunk another $5K into the old truck (brakes, interior, windows, upholstery, other crap) and now, it's a running, actually reliable, starts every time vehicle. It would easily make it across the country. At about 13 miles to the gallon, but still.
It will very likely be my last vintage ride, I'm 71years old, but still still working at a Ford dealer.
I drive the the old truck on the weekends, and almost every time, someone remarks about how cool it is, or their Grandpa or Dad had one.
It's very original. One pot brakes, 37 amp alternator, SM420 transmission, Points and condenser distro, OEM wiring harness, Rochester one barrel...no electronics at all.
Love it. Brings back memories.