Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario

[Ric83]

Good luck on your search. Hope this turns out into one of those great stories where you do actually find it and are able to have it back.

[1Cobra427]

Great story - I can't wait to see a happy outcome. Now you have piqued my interest!

[Ski-me]

Originally Posted by Bloodhound

Do you have any friends in law enforcement? Not sure how it works in Canada but it would take me about 5 minutes to track down the last owner in the states.

I went for the same hunt and ultimately, found my old truck!

I knew it was in the Seattle area but never could find it.....but I did have my VIN. I asked a fellow friend (state patrol) if he could look it up. Within a few minutes, I had a name and number. I called him up and he said it was just sold last month to a guy who chopped it all up.

I signed it off.

Months later, while scanning craigslist, I found it! Called the guy up and bought it sight unseen! Flew to Seattle and drove it back (250k on truck).

Keep looking, it could be a marathon!!

Here's my story:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188419

[Shugalou]

Wow great story Jeff! That gives me hope...I'm having difficulties accessing your link though - would love to read it.

Another small update...I called the number which I visited - I wanted to see if I could find it before I spoke to the possible owner incase of a song and dance but unfortunately it wasn't who I was hoping it was.

So now I have about 300 calls to make to see if I can find this person.

I'll keep you guys posted and thanks for all the comments.

[rollin thunder]

don`t give up just keep rollin!!

[Shugalou]

Must have called 75 people on the list so far
It's amazing how many people don't have answering machines
Those that do the majority uses the automated default message with no info about who lives there
And those that have a personalized treating rarely states who lives there also.
I have found one person that has been deceased but he never had a truck
The search continues
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[tucsonjwt]

A long shot, but why not explain your situation to your local elected provincial representative and see if he can help you with the motor vehicle department search.

If you know the approximate month/year it was sold, then I would think there is way to cross reference/search your father's name on the title - which would give you the VIN. Once you have the VIN, the current owner could be found. I would obtain a copy of your father's death certificate, and your own birth certificate, which would show your legitimate relationship to him and validate your reason for the search.

Not to be a wet blanket, but depending on when the vehicle was sold, the environment in your area (i.e. salt = rust), the chances of finding that truck in good condition or even repairable condition are slim, IMHO.

I have noticed several forum members rebuilding their dad's old truck as part tribute and part sentimental value - which is a worthy pursuit. Most people would not understand this, but it is money and time spent as well as any other diversion.

If you strike out, I would suggest getting a rust free body and building it to the exact picture you have of that truck in your mind. There are still a lot of rust free 78 bodies here in the sunbelt, and transportation to your area is probably around $800. Importing it to Canada is not very difficult on an old vehicle (from what I read on the net), and probably worth the effort.

Good luck.

[Shugalou]

Tuscon,

Thank for the ideas. I do like the idea of contacting someone in politics to see if they can help out and I agree to be taken seriously a Death certificate would be required along with my birth certificate.

I know it's a long shot on finding it and even longer to find it in decent condition but if the new owner appreciates his toys and the deal he got on my old mans truck I hope he did his best to preserve it...if not it might cost some extra money but honestly I'm not in a rush...I just want to locate it and take it from there.

Bringing up a truck from the south would be nice and is an option but I know how much of a money pit it can be and it would be tuff to justify if it's not my old mans truck.

[tucsonjwt]

I have a money pit, but mostly because I did not build it up from scratch. If you start with a good frame and sheet metal, then engine, trans, drive train are easy to bring up to driveable quality. What costs the money is all of the other stuff - electrical, interior, trim, A/C rebuild, paint,etc. However, there are a lot of vendors with good or better than OEM quality parts for projects (i.e. Vintage electronic A/C.)

Even if you found your dad's truck, if the frame and sheet metal are completely rusted through, then I don't think you really have much left to start with. Many posters here have done frame and total sheet metal replacements, but do you really have your dad's old truck then? Just sayin'.

[tucsonjwt]

And if the political angle does not work, try the local news media. Local TV stations here like those "human interest" stories and can likely intercede with the local officials to add credence to your case. It makes the elected officials look good in the press - and what politician does not like to get his mug in front of the cameras whenever possible.

Another secondary option would be the automotive press in CA.

[Shugalou]

Great ideas Tuscon! I have a few things I'm trying out first but if they don't pan out those are great angles for sure.

To take on a full project right now isn't really in the cards...I don't have the time, space or resources to take on a ground up resto but that is something I would like to do in the future

[Brad18xx]

any updates on info?

[Shugalou]

Ok not too much of an update but progress is being made

My mom is digging through her boxes looking for his drivers liscense number and death certificate, once I have these I will be reaching out to the mto. I have been given a contact name that might be able to help me within the office (well see how it pans out) if that fails ill try some of the other options you guys have suggested

I won't be getting the paperwork for another week so there most likely won't be much action until I get it

Thanks again guys for the comments, ideas and support!
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[Shugalou]

Got the paperwork todAy and license number so ill be heading to the mto soon
Ill keep you guys posted
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[Hankster]

Good Luck on finding the truck! Do not give up! It may take a long time but you will track it down!

[79 blue monster]

awsome story, dont give up!!
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[motornut]

thats good news

[Shugalou]

Ok guys a have made excellent
Progress!!!

8 years ago today my dad passed away and I felt that today something was going to happen.

I went to a lesser busy mto (I tried last week and the line would have taken at least a hour) I go into the mto and there are only 5 people in line! Things are starting out good.

I ask the lady if she can help me even though I don't have the vin. She told me no problem we can do that, so she runs it and I find the vin then get the uvip to find out who owns it.

It turns out my dads friend still owns it. So I head out to the address about 50 minutes away. His wife answers the door and after I explain my mission she is very welcoming and invites me in to sit down while she digs up some pictures of the truck.

She tells me that her son repainted it and did some motor work as they now use it strictly for tractor pulls!!! My heart dropped when I heard that but I was optomistic to think it would be in pristine condition.

I left my contact info to talk to my dad friends more in detail about the truck but not sure if they are willing to part with it.

Here is a picture of a picture she gave me
Ill keep you guys posted
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[Wrecked1982]

thats pretty cool after, if you buy it back, its gonna be a lonnnnng way to be as when your dad owned it lol

[motornut]

Originally Posted by Shugalou

Ok guys a have made excellent
Progress!!!

8 years ago today my dad passed away and I felt that today something was going to happen.

I went to a lesser busy mto (I tried last week and the line would have taken at least a hour) I go into the mto and there are only 5 people in line! Things are starting out good.

I ask the lady if she can help me even though I don't have the vin. She told me no problem we can do that, so she runs it and I find the vin then get the uvip to find out who owns it.

It turns out my dads friend still owns it. So I head out to the address about 50 minutes away. His wife answers the door and after I explain my mission she is very welcoming and invites me in to sit down while she digs up some pictures of the truck.

She tells me that her son repainted it and did some motor work as they now use it strictly for tractor pulls!!! My heart dropped when I heard that but I was optomistic to think it would be in pristine condition.

I left my contact info to talk to my dad friends more in detail about the truck but not sure if they are willing to part with it.

Here is a picture of a picture she gave me
Ill keep you guys posted
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Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

thats cool,could you find one to replace it?

[Shugalou]

Not sure about finding one to replace it...It really isn't the same but I'm not ruling anything out yet, I still have to talk to the owner.

[Jonboy]

Yes and no. If you could talk them into selling the cab and title, you would technically have your dad's truck. locating a clean replacement frame and such shouldn't be too big of a deal. It might not be ideal, but it would be the same truck.

[Shugalou]

Jonboy - yes, that may be an option...which may cost a few bucks and a decent amount of time. I'm keeping an open mind until I speak to the owner.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by Shugalou

Not sure about finding one to replace it...It really isn't the same but I'm not ruling anything out yet, I still have to talk to the owner.

I was thinking to replace theirs , so you get yours
ask if they want a fresher "canvas"? different type
but it sure still looks impressive
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[SSC's76]

Good Luck I hope they let it come back home! I still drive my truck which was my dads this April will be 11 years since he has been gone. My brothers got his other truck 86 GMC and his 56 buick special. There actually selling them makes me sad but in a way I hope they go to a good home rather then rusting in thier driveways.