"If I could have any truck..." Confessions Of A Chevy Guy

[RDrancher]

I'm really not brand loyal. I like anything old. Nowadays for work it's new Fords with Powerstrokes and older Chevys for the fun stuff. I would like to own a Ford truck or sedan/coupe with a flathead before I die.

I also like IH a lot. If I didn't already have too many projects I would have pulled the trigger on this one. You can almost hear it asking for a 12 valve Cummins transplant.

[special-K]

I like that. Always had a thing for the Travelalls. I didn't drive Internationals in the day, and was loyal to GM, due to parts availability. I'd hear of headaches getting parts when GM was so easy.

Is this the same one?

[Steeveedee]

If you've ever had to disassemble the fan shroud to put a water pump on a Cornbinder, you'll know enough to stay away from them. I can put a water pump on a Chevy or even a Ford in way less time.

[RDrancher]

Originally Posted by special-K

I like that. Always had a thing for the Travelalls. I didn't drive Internationals in the day, and was loyal to GM, due to parts availability. I'd hear of headaches getting parts when GM was so easy.

Is this the same one?

That's the one. It was for sale a year or so ago. It did have a little rust, but it was a solid rig for sure.

Back in the early 90's there was a movie industry/mountain bike parts manufacturer (that combo was pretty common at the time) with a custom built Travelall. It had a 454, Gear Vendors TH400 / 205 and Dana 60's front and rear. It was really plush inside and even had a cool full length roof rack and ladder for watching races. Wish I had photos of it now. I think it went overseas.

[special-K]

I remember seeing one on the beach in Cape Hatteras back in the '70s. It was all set up for surf fishing with cooler and rods mounted on front with winch, burlap curtains, rigged up with small cabinets, and long cargo rack up top. Of course it had big oversize wheels and tires, black steelies

[richards72chevy]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...99attachmentid Growing up in Oakdale California there was a yellow one that had the front end hammered down to the ground it was driven daily.That thing always stuck in my head.

[special-K]

It seems, at least in my world, the Effies were the first segment in classic custom trucks. I looked at and liked them, too. I built many an AMT '53 and Revell '56 model kit in a variety of styles. Great trucks

I'd take any truck from the 30-40s

[RDrancher]

Originally Posted by special-K

I'd take any truck from the 30-40s

I'll second that.

Here's another one that got away due to living the contractor's life. Lots of money, no time...Lots of time, no money. Man, the level of coolness it could have been.

[special-K]

Heck yeah. I won't let them take me through the pearly gates till I have my hot rod pickup

[68C15]

My list seems to be all about keeping people dry. These choices are in my preferred order
Late square body suburban
Mid 70's Wagoneer
Late 90's Land Cruiser

[special-K]

I do like those Wagoneers. As far as Toyota goes. I'd like to find a clean low miles '95 or so regular cab 4cyl/5spd pickup.

[RDrancher]

I could do with any one of these...

[special-K]

I always like the Falcon Rancheros. When I was a kid in the '60s I thought a souped up one of those (first style) was the coolest thing. I always preferred the small bodied cars and was not brand loyal till I lived and learned from experience. GM never made a compact version of the El Camino, either. In fact, GM had walked away from the El Camino during the years I like the Ranchero most. They were a great idea, too. America's first mini-truck before we started importing them. The compacts of the early-60s were America's answer to the economy car in response to increased interest in foreign cars.

[Boog]

My first truck was a '56 Ford. I had been out in Cali in the early 70s and saw a couple of effies cleaned up and with wheels and all and decided that's what I wanted to too. That is a one year only cab design with wrap around windshield and vertical A pillars. I still think it is one of the prettiest Ford truck designs ever. I modified that one a bunch, mechanically, and kept it 10 years. One day a Chevy truck caught my eye and I've had Chevys and GMCs ever since. If I could I'd have another '53 to 56 Ford too! There is a sweet red one in the last classic trucks mag.

[special-K]

My buddy Bill has a sweet '55 F100 he built in his garage. I was working up on his roof late winter/early spring when his buddy rolled up in his F100. I need to get a picture of Bill's when it's out.

[Grumpy old man]

I have it , To me there was never a better year than 1967 for Chevy . With the new body styles and number of models that are still in high demand today .The c-10 , Vette , Chevelle , Camaro , Nova , Impala . To me 1967 Chevy, Hands down

[special-K]

Yep it was a great year for Chevy and if you're into limiting yourself it's a great year to do it with. It was the beginning of some things and the end of others. '67 was always my cut off year, since '67. I was just 13 and I didn't like the changes that were mandated in '68. VWs changed, Vettes, Chevelles, and Novas, too. '67 brought in the Pepsi bottle body style with the Camaro and was the last year for shoebox sedans and coupes. The 66/67 Chevelles and Novas were a step ahead, but their own style between. The SSs were still a family car on steroids. The '68 style was designed around the muscle car.

Back to the topic of trucks, the 61-71 Dodge trucks are funky cool. Best thing about those for me is so few agree. I love the boxy funky square chunks of stamped steel. I just like trucks and these are trucks. They look like trucks, so only truck guys like them...if at all. Earlier in life I went all GM for a number of reasons, one being just to be solid and consistent. I liked the idea of a driveway with one brand. But now that all this stuff is old and we buy it to play with it as much as out of need, I'm more like screw it, like back before I drew all those lines that define. I've done been defined at this point . I'm a solid GM truck guy who is opened minded enough to appreciate 'em all... if they are old American Iron

[special-K]

...

[special-K]

Of course, I've always been big on the 4wds and big trucks, too

[special-K]

In the '60s Dodge built what GM didn't... crew cab long or short, one ton 4wd, SWB 3/4t 4wd, the old flat fender Power Wagon, and medium duty 4wds, all from the factory

[Boog]

Well Tim, beauty is in the eye of the wheel holder I guess. I’ve never seen a Dodge truck I wanted for me unless maybe the Little Red Express. They were alright.

[special-K]

Beauty? Who said anything about beauty?

[Boog]

I was referring to those Dodges Tim. Obviously you like them. Just don't do anything for me though. And my dad sold new Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouths for a lot of years too.

[RDrancher]

Older Dodge trucks have plenty of flair and they've grown on me over the years. I like their military rigs too.

[FRCvette]

40 Ford pickups have always been my favorite.