Drove the old girl to work today...

[VA72C10]

This brings up the reason I'm seriously considering daily driving one of our trucks as soon as I can afford to buy one nearly done. The joy of driving is something you don't experience with new vehicles.

Plus, the original math completely left off the gas for the modern vehicle...some of the fancier rigs don't get any better mileage than our trucks do so fuel costs are a moot point. 500/month car payment x12months = 6000 per year to save or use to restore the truck. In 5 years you'd have 30k for that dream truck instead of a 5yr old tundra with almost 100,000 miles on it maybe worth 10k.
30-50 less a month in insurance (at least) x12 = 360-600 extra/yr (1,800-3k in 5yrs) for another toy for the truck.

Add in the fact that I'm planning to use either a 350 with a 700r4 and 342 gears or a LS takeout engine/tranny and my fuel economy could be as good as any modern truck. Add in A/C, sound/heat insulation in the cab, new weatherstrip, and updated suspension and the truck can be almost as comfy as a new one.

And of course, as mentioned, the older trucks will appreciate vs newer vehicles. I only buy used vehicles for that reason. Our family van (loaded honda odyssey touring) cost 49k new...we paid 10k and I expect to keep it for at least three to four years....putting 30-40k miles per year on it. Our last van cost 35k new and we paid 6k used and had it for 5 years, put $200 into repairs (a/c clutch so I replaced the compressor--not counting oil changes/one set of tires since all vehicles need those) Sold it for 1300 when it had a major engine issue. 4900 investment/63 months = $78/month for a $35,000 vehicle.

[westbrookw]

I gave up on calculating how many miles to the gallon. I have people tell me all the time how many miles to the gallon they get with their hybrid or what not and ask what I get. I always tell them I get more smiles to gallon than they will ever get. Ride on brotha. Enjoy that freedom of no payment.....except for gas.

[PAWS 72]

Thanks. I was wondering where it was purchased but I can tell it's been on there for a while. I had one on all my 3/4 ton fords when I was running campers all the time. I still have my last one put up.

It wont fit my 71.

[1972_Buford]

I didnt do any mathematical equations but i still say it is cool to drive these old trucks around with the windows down. Also, i park where ever i want and most people dont park next to me. I can also put full sheets of ply wood flat in the bed of the truck unlike some of dem der fancy suvs with plastic interior ( i know because i scratched my wifes kia sorento interior up before)
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[camrycurt]

Well, you guys inspired me...the weather was beautiful this morning, the sun was just coming up, so here she is nice and proud in the Park-n-Ride lot.

I go straight from work this evening to my son's baseball game so I get to roll into the ballfield in style. There are few things better than a Chevy truck and Little League baseball on a beautiful spring evening!

[JamieGallien]

Originally Posted by camrycurt

Well, you guys inspired me...the weather was beautiful this morning, the sun was just coming up, so here she is nice and proud in the Park-n-Ride lot.

I go straight from work this evening to my son's baseball game so I get to roll into the ballfield in style. There are few things better than a Chevy truck and Little League baseball on a beautiful spring evening!

Now THAT's what I'm talkin 'bout!!

[Moline_Puller]

That's awesome! Little League, Chevy...get an Apple pie on the way there, and you're set!

Great looking truck...you should take any excuse to driver her!



Chris

[MidLifer]

Haven't had a chance to _drive_ my truck to work this week yet, but I _put_ it to work last night. Dragging the old boat back to the marina. Not the best quality picture and the boat kind of hogs the frame, but you get the idea...

I think I'll just keep the boat permanently attached, it makes the leaf-spring rear ride so much nicer!

[JamieGallien]

I'm liking this thread...keep posting pics of those old truck being used like they were meant to be used!

[abebummy26]

Originally Posted by JamieGallien

Here you go...

That is from my home town about 35 minutes from here.

[sterk44]

Camrycurt - love your truck!

Drive mine to work every day... Here it is next to a much better looking one in our parking lot at work. I've yet to find out who the owner is.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by camrycurt

Well, you guys inspired me...the weather was beautiful this morning, the sun was just coming up, so here she is nice and proud in the Park-n-Ride lot.

I go straight from work this evening to my son's baseball game so I get to roll into the ballfield in style. There are few things better than a Chevy truck and Little League baseball on a beautiful spring evening!

Truck looks great! I've been so busy and not on the forum as often so I didn't see you had painted it. What a transformation!

[72 Super]

I drive my 72 4wd to work, not everyday. I am rather lucky, I only have a 16 mile round trip to work and back.

[camrycurt]

Originally Posted by sterk44

Drive mine to work every day... Here it is next to a much better looking one in our parking lot at work. I've yet to find out who the owner is.

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Truck looks great! I've been so busy and not on the forum as often so I didn't see you had painted it. What a transformation!

Sterk44, awesome truck! Thanks for the compliment.

VA72C10, Thanks Jonathan! Yeah, I got it painted a couple of months after the meet last year and am real happy with it. It's just the el-cheapo Maaco special but they did a real nice job. It's still a 10 foot truck but that's 100x better than what it was!