My story on how I got involved in these trucks

[jumpsoffrock]

A sad day for Sammy, but he lives on in your trucks, all the bolts turned and rides taken. Good times.
Dashman, I hope I make as far as they did.

[Getter-Done]

So sorry for your loss.

I lost my Daddy 19 years ago.
He served in the Air Force as did my Momma's Father. (My Grandpa).

They both helped me with my Truck passion.

Again, My Deepest Condolences for your loss.

[MikeB]

That's a nice story, but a tough loss. My son who is several states away had my 69 for a few years. He drove it mostly on weekends to Home Depot or the recycle center, with his kids along for the ride smiling all the way! He spent lots of money at his friend's shop on paint, body, and trim, then later sent it back to me to fix some mechanical and electrical issues. Of course I've added things it didn't really need, like headers! When I leave this earth, he'll get the truck back, and I doubt he'll ever sell it.

[jerry moss]

sorry for your loss, i'm going to be going through the same thing sooner than later, my dad is a month away from 93 and his health is declining quickly. I lost my mom shortly after i graduated high school in 1976- she was only 41-from cancer. please accept my condolences.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by firedog

I am typing this due to the one that got me going with the trucks has suffered a stroke and has lost all movement on his left side. A healthy 60 year old man enjoying his retirement from the military on his measly military pension.

I didnt get a lot of time with my father growing up. He was a career Army Helicopter mechanic. The one summer we attempted to spend together was inturrepted by training for Desert Storm. Thru all these times there was the one constant a Blue and White 1969 Chevy Long Bed. That truck seen many miles between Fort Campbell Kentucky and Missouri and then later between Fort Hood Texas and Missouri. Fort Hood Texas almost ended the life of that old truck when it was broadsided in an intersection. Pushing the bed side in and pushing the rear end almost to where the tire was rubbing the frame. At the same time that this occured my father was retiring from the Army and headed to Korea to work a civilian job. Prior to him leaving the truck was fixed up and fresh paint put on it. The truck set in the garage for 10 years after that.

I graduated high school, entered the real world of work, kids, divorce, and all those adult things you do. But all our conversations always evolved around his truck or the truck that I had bought.
Attachment 1368527
Attachment 1368526

When my father decided to return to the states he purchased a small lot and built a big garage. The next year i started the process of tearing down my truck for my first attempt at a restore and my dad purchased a 71 gmc and 2 pickup truck loads of parts. So that fall and winter we built not 1 truck but we built 2 trucks in the same garage at the same time. Picking thru the stache of parts. Both trucks were completed along with my grandfather building a 1970 4x4 out of our left overs as well during the same time period.
Attachment 1368529

We have had many trips to meet many people on the board, we were at the National Board Meet in Norwood, MO when my engine blew, we went to Kirksville, MO to a midwest meet when I lost my tranny, we have taken 2 trips to the Midwest All Truck Nationals in Kansas City, and the awesome trip to Paris TN for another National Board Meet where it rained most of the way. We have met great people along the way at swap meets and just thru the board. Which led to the most recent project a 1967 Chevy Short bed we bought from Tycoon4u. This truck is awaiting the engine install and a tranny along with interior.
Attachment 1368528
So this is my story of how I got involved into these trucks. Everyone, remember the moments you spend with your loved ones, even if you are on your back laying in a puddle of tranny fluid. You never know when you might have that oppurtunity taken away from you.

You're a lucky guy.

[firedog]

I haven't started back on the trucks yet but I have cleaned up the garage quite a bit and plan on moving into his old house. Hopefully the 67 and his old 69 will be back. On the road soon

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by firedog

I haven't started back on the trucks yet but I have cleaned up the garage quite a bit and plan on moving into his old house. Hopefully the 67 and his old 69 will be back. On the road soon

Glad to hear that Mike. It would be good to see them back on the road....
.

[custom10nut]

Originally Posted by firedog

I am typing this due to the one that got me going with the trucks has suffered a stroke and has lost all movement on his left side. A healthy 60 year old man enjoying his retirement from the military on his measly military pension.

I didnt get a lot of time with my father growing up. He was a career Army Helicopter mechanic. The one summer we attempted to spend together was inturrepted by training for Desert Storm. Thru all these times there was the one constant a Blue and White 1969 Chevy Long Bed. That truck seen many miles between Fort Campbell Kentucky and Missouri and then later between Fort Hood Texas and Missouri. Fort Hood Texas almost ended the life of that old truck when it was broadsided in an intersection. Pushing the bed side in and pushing the rear end almost to where the tire was rubbing the frame. At the same time that this occured my father was retiring from the Army and headed to Korea to work a civilian job. Prior to him leaving the truck was fixed up and fresh paint put on it. The truck set in the garage for 10 years after that.

I graduated high school, entered the real world of work, kids, divorce, and all those adult things you do. But all our conversations always evolved around his truck or the truck that I had bought.
Attachment 1368527
Attachment 1368526

When my father decided to return to the states he purchased a small lot and built a big garage. The next year i started the process of tearing down my truck for my first attempt at a restore and my dad purchased a 71 gmc and 2 pickup truck loads of parts. So that fall and winter we built not 1 truck but we built 2 trucks in the same garage at the same time. Picking thru the stache of parts. Both trucks were completed along with my grandfather building a 1970 4x4 out of our left overs as well during the same time period.
Attachment 1368529

We have had many trips to meet many people on the board, we were at the National Board Meet in Norwood, MO when my engine blew, we went to Kirksville, MO to a midwest meet when I lost my tranny, we have taken 2 trips to the Midwest All Truck Nationals in Kansas City, and the awesome trip to Paris TN for another National Board Meet where it rained most of the way. We have met great people along the way at swap meets and just thru the board. Which led to the most recent project a 1967 Chevy Short bed we bought from Tycoon4u. This truck is awaiting the engine install and a tranny along with interior.
Attachment 1368528
So this is my story of how I got involved into these trucks. Everyone, remember the moments you spend with your loved ones, even if you are on your back laying in a puddle of tranny fluid. You never know when you might have that oppurtunity taken away from you.

Wow! Your thread brought tears to my eyes.
I pray that your Pops makes a full recovery. (I too, hit the big 60 earlier two months ago).
I too spent a little time in boots, to the toon of 30 years in the Airborne Infantry. He and I probably shared the same mud and dust along the way.
My son followed in my footsteps, and has been a Mechanic in the Army going on seven years now. You and my son could swap stories for hours.
I grew up helping my dad and Grandpa work on their vehicles to include all the tractors and other farm equipment.
My son was 6 weeks old (my daughter was 3) when I bought my truck, so he has never known anything different than me driving and working on it, all his life.
As a child, he would take time out from playing with his friends to help me under the hood, or on our backs underneath. He could explain to his friends what we were doing while we tuned the carb, or set the points.
All through his life he learned the art of searching for parts at the “Junk Yard”,
And rebuilding carburetors, distributors, any time I was home. No matter where he is in the World, out phone conversations go from hm asking about guidance to become a more effective NCO, to “watcha be doing on the truck?”
Now, whenever he’s home, we spend our time in the shop under the hood of one of our vehicles.
I don’t know if my truck will ever be completely finished (I have ALL the parts need to complete it in three truck boxes), but if we do get it done, I already got my eyes on a few others that we’re going to build for him.
Again, My prayers to your dad, and if it could ever happen, I’d love to meet y’all.
Drop me a line if you’re ever in the Pigeon Forge (Tn) one of the shows.
Getz, I could go on and on, but I won’t