Dad's 1967 Chevrolet 3/4 ton truck Pics included

[Spille85]

Hi forum members,

I've posted a few threads here in the past, but I really didn't know the direction i wanted to go with my truck. Let me give you some background: ( I apologize if its really long)

I'm the second owner of this truck, the first being my late father who unfortunately passed away on February 8, 2005. I don't think I would be here on this forum if it wasn't for his love and devotion to mother and I. My mother was a single parent when she met my father in 1966. At the time she was working in the United States at the Mattel Toy Company and my father was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Shortly after meeting my father married my mother against the wishes of his family because my mother and I were Mexicans. This took some real courage because from that time forward it created a huge split between my father and his family. I never had the opportunity to really get to know his side of the family and they really didn't seem interested in getting to know my mother and I. A few years later my father adopted me and Naturalized me as a U.S. Citizen.

My father purchased this truck shortly after meeting my mother and I must say he loved this truck to death. I wasn't sure what the big deal was about this truck, but there was a certain bond my father had to it. I can remember going on camping trips in this truck hearing the sound of the carburetor opening up and the shifting of the gears. I learned how to drive a stick shift in this very same truck.

On February 8, 2005, at 7:11 am central time, I received the news that my father had passed of a heart attack at the age of 62. Receiving the tragic news made me feel like a part of me had died as well. I know he wasn't my real father, but growing up I always felt like he was my real father. The man who taught me to respect others and never ever give up.

At the funeral, the Priest had asked if anyone had anything they would like to say about my father and of course I proceeded to the front of the church. There I was standing in front of my fathers family on one side and my mothers family on the other. At the time I was 38 years old. and it was an odd feeling here I was speaking to my fathers family who seemed like strangers to me. It wasn't going to stop me from speaking about the love and respect I had for my father. I think I left an impression on my fathers family because since then they've have tried to come close to me, but its hard to accept them. Where were they when my father was alive?

A few days later, my mother called me into her bedroom and asked me if I wanted to have my fathers truck. I remember crying when I said yes and a week later I drove it from Los Angeles to Texas. I've since moved from Texas to Alexandria, Virginia where the truck sits in my driveway. Here are some pictures of the truck:

http://pbckt.com/s6.S73

I share this story with you because I would like to somehow return this truck to its glory days. Every time I drive this truck it attracts attention even in the condition its in. I have people coming up to me and asking if its for sale. There's not a dollar figure amount that can convince me to sell this truck. I will keep this as long as I live. Let me know what you guys think and thank you for taking the time to read my post.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I am sorry to hear about your father's untimely death and equaly sorry to hear that you couldn't get to know your dad's side of the family. Sometimes some of the dumbest reasons will keep family apart. If they are truly trying to be a part of your life, let them. Harboring a hard heart will only hurt you in the long run and even though you are angry now, you may find that they are good people. Remember they raised the man who tought you your values. The benifates of this will be far reaching. You will have the opertunity to get to know more about your dad, and I think that you will find some the very same values that you cherrish in the very people you are angry with. People make mistakes, but people can correct them also. So give them a chance. You won't regret it.
On a happier note about the truck... It looks like a very solid 67 Custom Camper!! A great one for you to restore and I hope that it remains with you like your memories for the rest of your life. WES

[72swb_327stroker_?]

That is a beautiful truck that you have, as a great memory from a good man. Long live the memory of your father, and the best of luck in your restoration.
I lost my father in the summer of 2005, it always hurts to lose a parent. It looks like you have an everlasting bond with your father in the form of a great truck! Congratulations!

Welcome to the board, we are here for you however we can help. Don't be shy to ask questions.... there are thousands of members here that would love to help out, and may have run into your exact situation with the truck and already have an answer.. when your stumped.

The truck looks great, what are your plans?

Cheers,
Eric

[Spille85]

Eric,

Thank you for your kind words and compliments. Ultimately, I would love to restore this truck. I guess the problem that I'm facing is when it gets restored I don't have a garage to put it in. I will be in Virginia for a couple of years and then hopefully i can move to a state I can afford a garage..lol. I would for the time being probably look at possibly upgrading the braking system, re-gearing to a more friendly gears, and replacing the front windshield to include the rubber and trim. Any suggestions?

[Spille85]

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

I am sorry to hear about your father's untimely death and equaly sorry to hear that you couldn't get to know your dad's side of the family. Sometimes some of the dumbest reasons will keep family apart. If they are truly trying to be a part of your life, let them. Harboring a hard heart will only hurt you in the long run and even though you are angry now, you may find that they are good people. Remember they raised the man who tought you your values. The benifates of this will be far reaching. You will have the opertunity to get to know more about your dad, and I think that you will find some the very same values that you cherrish in the very people you are angry with. People make mistakes, but people can correct them also. So give them a chance. You won't regret it.
On a happier note about the truck... It looks like a very solid 67 Custom Camper!! A great one for you to restore and I hope that it remains with you like your memories for the rest of your life. WES

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. I would have to agree with you. I'm trying at the moment, but its a slow process. I think over time I will get there.

[long67]

I am sorry for your loss.The family situation will work out as people heal and see the errors in there ways. I am glad to here you are keeping your fahers truck, I sold my fathers before he passed and have regreted it ever since. His was a 71 c10 mine is a 67 custom camper like yours Ihave had it 26 years..Good luck with the restoration as it looks to be in good shape now. Keep on truckin.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Spille85

Eric,

Thank you for your kind words and compliments. Ultimately, I would love to restore this truck. I guess the problem that I'm facing is when it gets restored I don't have a garage to put it in. I will be in Virginia for a couple of years and then hopefully i can move to a state I can afford a garage..lol. I would for the time being probably look at possibly upgrading the braking system, re-gearing to a more friendly gears, and replacing the front windshield to include the rubber and trim. Any suggestions?

I don't think I would worry so much about the garage. Lots of these trucks set out after they are rebuilt. As far as the brakes the later model disk brake, complete front cross members will bolt into your '67 (up to '87 I think) and the power brake boosters up to '72 will also bolt in. Changing the complete rear end is not a major job, you just have to make sure you get one that has the same spring type as yours.(rear coil or leaf springs)

Just take your time and do some reading on here. Use the Google search box at the top of the page for searches and click the circle in front of "67-72chevytrucks.com". There is also an FAQ forum that has a multitude of "How-To's" on it. Good luck with rebuilding the truck and the family...

LockDoc