Im back in business!!!!

[M1A1TankerTom]

Alright, I just signed a lease on a house that has a garage!!!!! So that means I can resume work on my project 62 short fleet side! As you can tell I am a litle exited.

Some background info. I got the 62 when I was 16 and it was far from nice. I tore it down, sand blasted and painted the frame, put a new front end with disc brakes on it, moved the gas tank under the bed, and began working on the body. When I turned 18 I joined the Army and didnt see the truck for about 5 years. Then I got sent to my home town to be an Army recruiter, so I got a house with a garage and began working on the truck. BUT, then due to inevitable circumstances I got a divorce and I was forced to move to an apartment and the truck has been sitting at my brothers outside for the last year.

But now that my 6.5 year army career just came to an end and im now 25 years old ( I have owned the truck around 9 years now and I have never drove the damn thing ) I am moving into a house the beginning of August with a two car garage that is all mine and the truck will be my top priority. Lucky for me over the last year I have been slowly gathering parts for the truck that include a 396 big block (dynoed at 580 hp) and a race ready TH400 tranny! I CANT WAIT!!!!!

Sorry my post was so long, but I had to share the news with somebody...and I figured you guys were the only ones bitten by the same bug and would understand.

[joe231]

cool man!!!
now post some pics
oh and...thanks for your service
cheers

[kdrodworks316]

Congrats TankerTom. Good luck with you house and your rig.

[salazar44]

[M1A1TankerTom]

I will throw some pics up as soon as I get the truck to my place.

[blackedoutharley]

A "man cave" is a must at any residence; not having one is all the more reason why I hated living in apartments when I was younger.

What part of Calif did you end up in?

[Rogue 64]

Originally Posted by M1A1TankerTom

...and I figured you guys were the only ones bitten by the same bug and would understand.

I have been working (Ha) on mine for 15 years.
My grandfather bought it new, so we have had it for 44 years.

I will be on the road for year 45!

[SIR]

...congrat's on your new start...keep a watch on craig's list,for toos and shop stuff,there's always some poor guy who has to part with his tools,and you might be in the right place at the right time and get a good deal on "stuff" enjoy your new start ...

[steverino66]

I second the thanks for your service.
It's great to see more young guys working on old iron.
Keep us posted.

[1974k5blazer]

wow! that sounds familiar, got a 63 shortfleet when i was 15, tinkered around with it, sanded the frame painted it blue, then joined the Marine corps, here i am 9 years later and its still sitting in the back of my yard motorless!

[1974k5blazer]

[M1A1TankerTom]

I am located in the North bay area (the wine country).

Thanks for all the support guys, I will be damn happy to tear into her again. Plus it gives me an excuse to drink more beer!

Like I said earlier, once I ger her in the garage I will post some pics and maybe start a build thread as I plan to keep the work steadily flowing this time around.

[blackedoutharley]

I feel your pain... I absolutely hated the 4 years I lived in Santa Rosa and after some encounters with the Napa PD during the yearly cruise on S. Jefferson as a teenager I vowed never to live there.... My ex-wife still sucks oxygen so I doubt I will ever live in Solano County again either LOL.

Thank god for further northern california.... LOL

Glad you got the man cave though...

[GreyDX]

Originally Posted by M1A1TankerTom

I am located in the North bay area (the wine country).

Thanks for all the support guys, I will be damn happy to tear into her again. Plus it gives me an excuse to drink more beer!

More beer of course. And you're going to need a big stereo too.
Can't skimp on this stuff.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by M1A1TankerTom

I am located in the North bay area (the wine country).

Hey man, congrats! I grew up in Sonoma and bought my 61 when I was 16. I didn't see it for 4 year while I was in the Airforce. Then I got a place with a garage and started working on it again. Then ...yep, same as you; divorce and I had to put it in storage for a couple years. I know how it feels to finally get some wrenchin space again. Enjoy the garage/shop!

[ChiefRocka]

First of, thanks also for the service to our country...to everyone above who has.

Can't wait to see pics of yor truck progress......Gonna be sick with that drivetrain.

Now, whats all this talk about divorse...is that what these trucks cause ??