Drug home an old friend this weekend - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DirtyLarry · 10-11-2010, 10:50 PM

My dad unexpectedly passed away due to a stroke this past August at the young age of 65. Since his passing I have been dusting off and playing with two old vehicles that I inherited. The first being a 1963 Corvair 95 van and the second being our old tow truck. I actually learned how to drive and basically learned how to twist wrenches on this exact truck as I grew up around the shop.

Dad bought it new back 1978. It ran AAA calls for a few decades before my dad retired in the late 90’s but not before he spun the cam bearings in the 427. It barely ran when he parked it, no oil pressure. It has been sitting for 13 years.

I don’t have any immediate major plans for it just yet, as I have a couple projects to wrap up a head of it but I do plan on installing the 454HO that came out my K10 so it will at least be mobile. It might get an 8.1L later down the road as well. Probably won’t do anything to the body for a few years. None the less, I am so glad to have this truck finally home but sucks I had to loose my dad to get it....He would never let it go as he always said he would fix it up some day.

My buddy's Ram Charger has onboard air and a winch, which came in handy for this retrieval.

30 minute drive later and it is at it's new home at my house.

Around 1978/1979. Yep, that is me and the shop dog.

Around 1980/1981

Around 1989, me being a punk kid playing with wrecked cars.

Me rescuing a Ford Econoline FedEx van in the mountains around 1995.

bigblock73 · 10-11-2010, 10:53 PM

Very cool photos and story behind them, thanks for sharing!

Sorry to hear about your father, may he rest in peace.

irishman999 · 10-11-2010, 10:57 PM

Awesome story behind the truck, Sorry to hear about your Father dude. That tow truck is really kick ass!

cayoterun · 10-11-2010, 11:04 PM

Sorry of the loss of your dad.
Glad you got the vehicles, tho. They are packed with memories for you that you'll think back on the rest of your life.
Enjoy them and the memories.
Thanks for posting. What a history.
Cayoterun

DBLSPRT68 · 10-11-2010, 11:05 PM

Cool truck. Sorry about the loss of your father. It's cool that you have these trucks to keep his spirit alive.

*nbpro* · 10-11-2010, 11:07 PM

great looking truck story to match and im sure your father has a big smile on his face

ratty 46 · 10-11-2010, 11:09 PM

Neat story .... kewl pix & if it helps any - your Pops is in a better place ... without pain. May he rest in peace.

Good luck with the project.

Ratty 46

Jonboy · 10-12-2010, 10:19 AM

Sorry to hear about your dad, Larry. I think this truck will turn out killer, too. Cool story.

Hulk Will Smash · 10-12-2010, 10:56 AM

My condolences about your dad. Great looking truck and great story to go with it. I have the '68 Camaro that my grandmother bought new, a year before she passed away in 1969. There's a special connection that's hard to explain...

The wrecker is great! And lets see a couple pics of the 'Vair Van!

*78 Chevyrado* · 10-12-2010, 11:12 AM

I love that truck! The height and tire size look Mean! its a beast, that's for sure! Condolences on the loss of your father, I know you'll keep his baby alive!

I really like that pic, looks like it could go anywhere and bring back anything!

Buick455 · 10-12-2010, 12:02 PM

NIce truck and story. I am sure it will be a great project.

DirtyLarry · 10-12-2010, 12:18 PM

Thanks for the kind words.

Here are a few of the dead 427 and the interior. The interior isn’t too bad considering it was a work truck and the fact it has been baking in the Colorado sun for 13 years while in storage.

Here is the little 1963 Corvair 95 van I have been playing with. Dad picked it up around 1983 or so. I got it running a few weeks ago then pulled the engine out to do a complete reseal as it leaks more oil than the BP Deepwater Horizon. These engines are much easier to work on by just pulling them out, which is only a 30 minute job. Found a family of rabbits living in side of it when I brought it in the shop to pull the engine out. They didn’t seemed to worried about me.

GmtGmt · 10-12-2010, 12:26 PM

are you going to rebuild the 427?

DirtyLarry · 10-12-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GmtGmt

are you going to rebuild the 427?

No, probably not. I’ll probably end up selling it as a builder engine. I have two L18 8.1L lying around and a 454HO so I’ll use one of them. The 454HO is ready to fly and can be dropped in quickly without needing to wire up a fuel pump, ECM, etc so that is the way I am going in the short term. Long term, it will eventually get an 8.1L, as I am not a big fan of carbureted engines. I am getting ready to start a NV4500 swap in my ’78 K10 then have the Corvair van engine to deal with before I get time/money to work on this truck. Probably will be next year sometime before anything happens to this truck.

This is the 454HO that I ran in my ’78 K10 for a few years before the 8.1L swap. It has been hanging on an engine stand for a couple years since the 8.1L took its place. It only has 4,000 miles on it so it will work well in the old wrecker until I splurge for the harness and stuff for the 8.1L.

Oilbrnr · 10-12-2010, 02:27 PM

What are the plans for the 95? Is it a PowerGlide? We had a ton of various 'Vairs when I grew up. My last one was a '65 Corsa Turbo. Never had one of the trucks, but I did get to drive a Rampside once. Interesting sensation when you sitting in front of the front suspension.

You better get that thing sealed up before winter so you will have nice fresh hot air for the heater. Oh, wait, that really never happens on a Corvair...

(actually the gas powered heaters in the 1960 that resided in the trunk worked really well)

Sorry to here about you Dad though. Lost mine at 66, which as you mentioned, is too young.

PS, that '78 needs a Sidewinder.

Slonaker · 10-12-2010, 02:56 PM

Sorry to hear about your dad, Larry. I lost mine at the age of 61. The '37 Chevy coupe he left me will be treasured the rest of my life. I'm sure your dad's vehicles will be as well.

BTW, he had a Corvair wagon when I was a kid...

Have you seen this guys Corvair van? Very cool.

http://www.notstockphotography.com/

Slonaker

SiCk_DiAbLo · 10-12-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

No, probably not. I’ll probably end up selling it as a builder engine. I have two L18 8.1L lying around and a 454HO so I’ll use one of them. The 454HO is ready to fly and can be dropped in quickly without needing to wire up a fuel pump, ECM, etc so that is the way I am going in the short term. Long term, it will eventually get an 8.1L, as I am not a big fan of carbureted engines. I am getting ready to start a NV4500 swap in my ’78 K10 then have the Corvair van engine to deal with before I get time/money to work on this truck. Probably will be next year sometime before anything happens to this truck.

This is the 454HO that I ran in my ’78 K10 for a few years before the 8.1L swap. It has been hanging on an engine stand for a couple years since the 8.1L took its place. It only has 4,000 miles on it so it will work well in the old wrecker until I splurge for the harness and stuff for the 8.1L.

Simply Beautiful!!!...

Hulk Will Smash · 10-12-2010, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the pictures of the van. Very cool and looks rock solid. I've been on a van kick lately. One of my buddies has a '68 GMC handi-van and I like it more every time I see it. The 'vairs are just that little extra step into weirdness that makes them that much cooler.

**Dieselwrencher** · 10-12-2010, 03:09 PM

Larry, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. May he rest in peace. Wow, that tow truck is in amazing shape for its age. Most of those tow trucks like that are beat to death! I wouldn't mess with the body for a while either. It will probably be nicer to remember some of the dents and scratches for a little while. Nice score on the Vair van. That is really clean too, and pretty rare that it is so solid.

Bishops Trucks · 10-12-2010, 03:13 PM

Sorry to hear about your father. Those are a couple nice projects he left you. That corvair van is cool. Thats a "Dare To Be Differant" kinda project.

gchemist · 10-12-2010, 07:32 PM

Great story. I hope the restoration brings back good memories of your dad.

str8axle55 · 10-12-2010, 07:52 PM

Sympathy on the loss of your dad. Both trucks look to be in really good shape. that Wrecker is killer looking. I`ve never seen a Corvair that solid.

mooseknuckles · 10-12-2010, 10:45 PM

sorry about your loss...thats is a cool truck! looks like its out of an old movie i once saw.

MTCK · 10-12-2010, 11:09 PM

Larry, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. That's too young - mine is 66 now and I can't imagine... I think it's awesome you'll be carying on his project - and always look forward to another fuel injected big block with a 4-speed in a 4x square body.

gloriavoxdei · 10-13-2010, 08:58 PM

Sorry to hear about your dad. The truck will be an awesome tribute to him. Maybe just fix the rust only and keep the dings and scratches. That old girl has an awesome history and story that should be preserved. The old man is smiling down on with those things, make him proud.

10-11-2010, 10:50 PM	#1
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Drug home an old friend this weekend My dad unexpectedly passed away due to a stroke this past August at the young age of 65. Since his passing I have been dusting off and playing with two old vehicles that I inherited. The first being a 1963 Corvair 95 van and the second being our old tow truck. I actually learned how to drive and basically learned how to twist wrenches on this exact truck as I grew up around the shop. Dad bought it new back 1978. It ran AAA calls for a few decades before my dad retired in the late 90’s but not before he spun the cam bearings in the 427. It barely ran when he parked it, no oil pressure. It has been sitting for 13 years. I don’t have any immediate major plans for it just yet, as I have a couple projects to wrap up a head of it but I do plan on installing the 454HO that came out my K10 so it will at least be mobile. It might get an 8.1L later down the road as well. Probably won’t do anything to the body for a few years. None the less, I am so glad to have this truck finally home but sucks I had to loose my dad to get it....He would never let it go as he always said he would fix it up some day. My buddy's Ram Charger has onboard air and a winch, which came in handy for this retrieval. 30 minute drive later and it is at it's new home at my house. Around 1978/1979. Yep, that is me and the shop dog. Around 1980/1981 Around 1989, me being a punk kid playing with wrecked cars. Me rescuing a Ford Econoline FedEx van in the mountains around 1995. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

10-11-2010, 10:53 PM	#2
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Very cool photos and story behind them, thanks for sharing! Sorry to hear about your father, may he rest in peace. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

10-11-2010, 10:57 PM	#3
irishman999 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reno Ne-VAH-da Posts: 594	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Awesome story behind the truck, Sorry to hear about your Father dude. That tow truck is really kick ass!

10-11-2010, 11:04 PM	#4
cayoterun Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Guymon, Oklahoma Posts: 2,040	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Sorry of the loss of your dad. Glad you got the vehicles, tho. They are packed with memories for you that you'll think back on the rest of your life. Enjoy them and the memories. Thanks for posting. What a history. Cayoterun __________________ Cayoterun Okla. Panhandle I think I'll do it myself and pay the extra $500.

10-11-2010, 11:05 PM	#5
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Cool truck. Sorry about the loss of your father. It's cool that you have these trucks to keep his spirit alive. __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

10-11-2010, 11:07 PM	#6
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend great looking truck story to match and im sure your father has a big smile on his face

10-11-2010, 11:09 PM	#7
ratty 46 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,104	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Neat story .... kewl pix & if it helps any - your Pops is in a better place ... without pain. May he rest in peace. Good luck with the project. Ratty 46

10-12-2010, 10:19 AM	#8
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Sorry to hear about your dad, Larry. I think this truck will turn out killer, too. Cool story. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

10-12-2010, 10:56 AM	#9
Hulk Will Smash Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 492	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend My condolences about your dad. Great looking truck and great story to go with it. I have the '68 Camaro that my grandmother bought new, a year before she passed away in 1969. There's a special connection that's hard to explain... The wrecker is great! And lets see a couple pics of the 'Vair Van! __________________ '87 R30 Crew Cab Dually It's 11 PM, do you know where your IAC pintle is?

10-12-2010, 11:12 AM	#10
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend I love that truck! The height and tire size look Mean! its a beast, that's for sure! Condolences on the loss of your father, I know you'll keep his baby alive! I really like that pic, looks like it could go anywhere and bring back anything! Last edited by 78 Chevyrado; 10-12-2010 at 11:13 AM.

10-12-2010, 12:02 PM	#11
Buick455 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Amherst VA Posts: 150	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend NIce truck and story. I am sure it will be a great project.

10-12-2010, 12:18 PM	#12
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Thanks for the kind words. Here are a few of the dead 427 and the interior. The interior isn’t too bad considering it was a work truck and the fact it has been baking in the Colorado sun for 13 years while in storage. Here is the little 1963 Corvair 95 van I have been playing with. Dad picked it up around 1983 or so. I got it running a few weeks ago then pulled the engine out to do a complete reseal as it leaks more oil than the BP Deepwater Horizon. These engines are much easier to work on by just pulling them out, which is only a 30 minute job. Found a family of rabbits living in side of it when I brought it in the shop to pull the engine out. They didn’t seemed to worried about me. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

10-12-2010, 02:27 PM	#15
Oilbrnr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 390	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend What are the plans for the 95? Is it a PowerGlide? We had a ton of various 'Vairs when I grew up. My last one was a '65 Corsa Turbo. Never had one of the trucks, but I did get to drive a Rampside once. Interesting sensation when you sitting in front of the front suspension. You better get that thing sealed up before winter so you will have nice fresh hot air for the heater. Oh, wait, that really never happens on a Corvair... (actually the gas powered heaters in the 1960 that resided in the trunk worked really well) Sorry to here about you Dad though. Lost mine at 66, which as you mentioned, is too young. PS, that '78 needs a Sidewinder. __________________ -Don- '66 C10 w/factory A/C '77 Cheyenne K5 350/465/205 '80 Custom Deluxe K20 350/465/205 '04 Denali XL '05 DMax CCLB 4x Have a Hickey Sidewinder Winch and need the owners/install manual? Send me a PM with your email address and I'll forward you a .pdf Last edited by Oilbrnr; 10-12-2010 at 07:51 PM.

10-12-2010, 02:56 PM	#16
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Sorry to hear about your dad, Larry. I lost mine at the age of 61. The '37 Chevy coupe he left me will be treasured the rest of my life. I'm sure your dad's vehicles will be as well. BTW, he had a Corvair wagon when I was a kid... Have you seen this guys Corvair van? Very cool. http://www.notstockphotography.com/ Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

10-12-2010, 02:58 PM	#18
Hulk Will Smash Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 492	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Thanks for the pictures of the van. Very cool and looks rock solid. I've been on a van kick lately. One of my buddies has a '68 GMC handi-van and I like it more every time I see it. The 'vairs are just that little extra step into weirdness that makes them that much cooler. __________________ '87 R30 Crew Cab Dually It's 11 PM, do you know where your IAC pintle is?



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10-12-2010, 03:09 PM	#19
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Larry, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. May he rest in peace. Wow, that tow truck is in amazing shape for its age. Most of those tow trucks like that are beat to death! I wouldn't mess with the body for a while either. It will probably be nicer to remember some of the dents and scratches for a little while. Nice score on the Vair van. That is really clean too, and pretty rare that it is so solid. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

10-12-2010, 03:13 PM	#20
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Sorry to hear about your father. Those are a couple nice projects he left you. That corvair van is cool. Thats a "Dare To Be Differant" kinda project. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

10-12-2010, 07:32 PM	#21
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Great story. I hope the restoration brings back good memories of your dad. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

10-12-2010, 07:52 PM	#22
str8axle55 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Weymouth Ma Posts: 489	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Sympathy on the loss of your dad. Both trucks look to be in really good shape. that Wrecker is killer looking. I`ve never seen a Corvair that solid. __________________ 03 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Quadrasteer, wife`s DD 84 Chevy K30 CC SRW 55 Chevy 210 2dr post

10-12-2010, 10:45 PM	#23
mooseknuckles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ottawa,canada Posts: 4,550	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend sorry about your loss...thats is a cool truck! looks like its out of an old movie i once saw.

10-12-2010, 11:09 PM	#24
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Larry, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. That's too young - mine is 66 now and I can't imagine... I think it's awesome you'll be carying on his project - and always look forward to another fuel injected big block with a 4-speed in a 4x square body. __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

10-13-2010, 08:58 PM	#25
gloriavoxdei Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florissant, CO Posts: 97	Re: Drug home an old friend this weekend Sorry to hear about your dad. The truck will be an awesome tribute to him. Maybe just fix the rust only and keep the dings and scratches. That old girl has an awesome history and story that should be preserved. The old man is smiling down on with those things, make him proud. __________________ 1978 GMC Jimmy, 400, th350, np203 with part time conversion, Fibrecraft popup camper, soon to get a 14 bolt/d44 swap 2001 Yukon XL2500, 6.0, 4L85E, 4x4, family truckster

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