looking back on the last 10 years on this board

[chevy72blu]

Hey folks!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 10 years since I first joined this board. It would have been more fitting to post this last month, but I figure its better late than never. During my time here I’ve seen plenty of members join, and sadly some pass on. I’ve shared laughs, learned a ton, and best of all met some really great people both online and in person. I couldn’t think of a better way to give back to this board that’s given me so much (well that and renewing my subscription).

Over the past 10 years I’ve owned two 67-72’s, but this one is special. My father purchased it in the mid 70’s and she served as his DD for nearly 15 years, towing and putting in work on job sites all over the country. It was retired to “hauling junk to the dump” duty and sat on the side of our house for much of my childhood. I fondly remember riding in it with my pop at 5 years old, even if I had to unload tree limbs at our destination. Sounded like a shotgun blast and it burned oil like a tire fire, but I was pretty sure dad’s truck would stomp anything on the road.

Eventually the tired SBC finally gave out and there it sat for several years. I remember talking with my father about how much I loved the truck, mentioning I wanted it to be my first car when I turned 16. We got to wrenching on it when I was 11 or so – spending countless hours taking things apart (and struggling to put them back together) just to figure out how cars work. Looking back, a lot of it was the first time for my dad – but he was a master mechanic in my eyes. Nearly every birthday and Christmas was made of parts or cash to get it back on the road. We put a 260hp crate 350 in it, went through the brakes, and fixed some electrical gremlins… I’ll never forget how excited I was the first time I heard it roar back to life.

Over the next few years we cut the frame down to a 5 lug shortbox and found a decent donor vehicle, had some body work and paint done, redid the interior, and made my deadline – driving it the first time on my learners permit just a few weeks before I turned 16. Words cannot describe how happy I was and while he’d never admit it, I remember pops getting a little choked up the first time I drove down the road on my own. I daily drove the truck all through high school and through a good chunk of college. Dabbled in bracket racing a bit and made a few decisions I regret, but I chalk it up to being young.


I’m 26 now, out of college, married to my high school sweetheart (way out of my league - it was the truck that got her), and wrenching on the truck in my own garage.

I decided she wanted to be a DD again, and started the process of an LS swap 2 years ago from the BBC I built while working at an engine shop in HS. Being short on time with work and other commitments, I found a local shop to take care of the hard parts for me. I cannot speak highly enough of Motech in Las Vegas for the help. There are still a few kinks to work out and plenty of nicks and dings, but it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

I wish I would have taken more pictures, but they probably tell the story better than I could.






First day back from the paint shop


Right after finishing the interior. Man I wish it was still that clean!










Anyone remember when neon lights were cool? Yeah.. me neither. One of the many mistakes. lol

And finally some recent pics

[djgebert]

Nice truck and great story. Hope you enjoy her for many more years to come!

[Ol Blue K20]

Awesome story...thanks for sharing it.

[In The Ten Ring]

I like neon lights.....

[trkfrk]

Nice truck👍 I love the LS swap. Nice to see another local on the board.

Tucker's is having their 3ed annual truck show this Saturday. Hope to see you there

[Daner]

Those neon lights remind me of when I shut the lights off in the shop and see the trouble light I left on under hood in the far corner.

[midniteblues]

nice story and a very nice truck.
one day you'll probally get a lil' choked up watchin it drive away with your kid behind the wheel.

[jlaird]

We can celebrate our 10 years together! Mine is this month. Maybe we should buy our trucks something. Haha.

Thanks for sharing your story.

[WIDESIDE72]

Nice truck and great story!

[Mr Chevorlet]

Very nice truck. Love the color.

[chevy72blu]

Thank you all for the kind words!

I didnt know about the tuckers meet. Its going to be a busy Saturday, but I'll try to make it by.

[steelhorse]

Nice truck and a great story. I am restoring my wife's grandpas truck that he bought new for her/me to drive. I love to hear about the ones that stay in the family.