Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

First of all I have to say what a great site this is, I just found it today and have been spending hours looking through the photo archives seeing if I can find my dad's truck...no luck yet. My Dad sold his truck to a friend and I'm hoping that maybe he's on this site or someone may know the where abouts of the truck.

I know this is a long shot but I figured I'd try on this site since it seems filled with enthusiasts

8 years ago around this time my Dad sold his truck before he entered the hospital and sadly my father passed away in the hospital. My dad invested a lot of health and money into the truck and I'd like to track it down to hold onto a peice of our past together.

I helped my dad rebuild the truck (including scratching the freshly painted passenger side door while installing new mirrors)

Details about the truck.
1978 Chevrolet C/K Pickup 1500 Pickup Truck (Pretty sure this was the model)
rebuilt 454
air bag suspension
edelbrock intake
custom headers made
Hunter green - pinstripe down the side
raised up on mud style tires
dual gas tanks
Truck was sold in King City/Aurora, Ontario

The only picture I have of the truck is with my dad and uncle and it doesn't really show the truck well but you can see the mirrors, the camper wasn't on the truck when he sold it. I've attached another picture for reference.

I realize this is a long shot without the VIN but any info is much appreciated.

I've had some people respond telling me that I could look up an old insurance slip...unfortunately I don't have any of this info. After my dad passed my step mom (against my wishes) gave away, sold or tossed everything so I didn't have a chance to get anything.

If you have any info please email me at shugalou@hotmail.com


Thanks for looking

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Do not see much there. Welcome to the board. Good luck finding your dad's truck.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Thanks for the welcome, it appears to be a very friendly board.

Yeah I wish I had more pictures of the truck, my dad had all of the pictures and reciepts of the build I didn't get a chance to get any of it...he sold it without talking to me about it - he knew he wasn't coming out of the hospital.

I'm hoping maybe someone recognizes the story of the truck and knows my old man this appears to be the resource for these old beauties.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Welcome to the board. A 454 in 78 would more like be found in a heavy duty truck. The camp size would be way too heavy for a 1/2 ton. It's probably a 3/4 ton truck.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

That's great info chemist thanks. Glad that camper in the image helped.

Small story about the camper my old man got it for free off a friend because it had rolled over and had sewage all over inside it. My dad cleaned it and fixed right back to new condition and used it as a spare room in the summer.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Good Luck on finding the Truck and Welcome to the Board ...

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

There are things we can do that will help you narrow down slightly what the truck was...

When you were working on it, do you remember how many lug nuts were on each wheel?

Anything else you can think of, some may be even more helpful if he owned it since new or almost new... such as did the plastic trim inside have woodgrain on it or was it silver or was it black... you know, around the gauges and in the dash over the glovebox, on the door panels...

If we know what the options and the appearance were we might help narrow down a model better for you.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

best of luck on finding it, sure would be awesome to have something like that:)

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Do you know the VIN?

If you do go to the MTO and get a sellers package for the truck it will show where it was registered at. Just tell them you are looking at buying a truck and what to make sure there is no lean on it.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Did you check with motor registration? If you knew your father's driving licence number, it might tell you previous vehicles. I know in ontario you keep your plates (well sell the plates with the vehicle here), but there might be a vin connected to the plates. Check an old insurance paper for a vin. Just a thought.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Really hope you have luck finding it. My dad had an 87 that he sold a while back. Wish I could find that truck as well. I'd REALLY love to find his original 73 that he wrecked in a front end collision and sold off to some guy as a parts truck. It was from my great-cousin's (I believe) chevy dealership so it had a "Ritchie Chevrolet" emblem on it (that's my last name). I'd love to find that truck as well. Good luck!

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

maybe talk to his old insurance company. they may still have records to get a VIN. best of luck, buddy.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Post on Cragslist!! It's free!! If it's in town, someone has probably seen it.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Hi and welcome
if it was registered in the last 15 years
stayed in Ont
$20. and the vin # ,and a trip to MTO, get a used package

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Guys thanks for all the comments.

Unfortunately I don't have any paperwork on the vehicle - no insurance slips no drivers liscense numbers or anything. I may see if my mom has anything but they have been divorced for 30 years so it's unlikely.

As for working on the truck...I can't remember the number of bolts on the wheels...only that they were big mud tires.

The trim was silver - pretty sure. He had a nice new emblem on the tow hitch that somehow got a spot were the paint was chipped off (I remember him being pissed when I pointed it out)

He didn't own it since new that's for sure. He bought it maybe 11-12 years back and I want to say it was originally from california.

He did a really good job wiring it up under the hood...I remember he was proud to tell me the reaction of his friend that he sold it to when asked who did the wiring.

The interior plastic peices were blue and he painted them black but the paint started to peel off.

If I can remeber anything else I'll post it.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

I agree. I would go to the insurance agent and explain the situation. See what info you can get. (Take the picture with you.) Then Wether that works or not stop in to the motor vehicles and try your luck there. Maybe (witha bit of sympathy) you can make some progress. Keep us posted!! Craigslist is a gooidea too.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Ok a bit of an update I spoke with my mom about finding the truck and she remembered a good friend of his name and says she thinks he sold it to him

I checked the name and location via a reverse lookup then google mapped it and saw this photo which is a very strong possibility. Same colour and size seems comparable based on the trucks beside it

I am going to the location now before I call

Best thing is its only 20 minutes away

Ill keep you guys posted
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Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Let's hope he still has it, I think due to privacy laws, google pictures have to be a year or 2 old. Hopefully that's the one!!! Good luck man.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Interesting. Good luck.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Bonus!

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

the Google picture of my house is about a year old.

Shualou, good luck find'n it. it will be cool if you get it back.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Ok got back from my drive and no luck
I was peaking into shop windows with my flashlight waiting for someone to come out of no where questioning me.

I did see a truck inside the shop but it wasn't my dads

Ill try the number tomorrow and see what I can find

I did get a feeling of being really close so well see
We're it leads

The search continues
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Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Welcome and I hope you find the truck. I wouldn't stop looking if my fathers and mine project was gone. Nice lead with the friend. i was a going to suggest finding the friend he sold it to then if his friend doesnt have it find who he sold it to or an idea and so forth... long shots i know. If you find the truck be sure to bring it back on the forums with you!

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Do you have any friends in law enforcement? Not sure how it works in Canada but it would take me about 5 minutes to track down the last owner in the states.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

I wish I had friends in law but no such luck, that would be a nice fast track.

I have a friend in insurance but they are limited to only their clients and after searching the db my dad wasn't insured with them.

Yes once I find the truck I will bring it to the forum for sure...I have completed my project 81 900f so I'm itching to have another project and after seeing what you guys do with your trucks there will be no shortage of ideas.

Thanks for all the encouragement guys.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Good luck on your search. Hope this turns out into one of those great stories where you do actually find it and are able to have it back.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Great story - I can't wait to see a happy outcome. Now you have piqued my interest!

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

I went for the same hunt and ultimately, found my old truck! :metal:

I knew it was in the Seattle area but never could find it.....but I did have my VIN. I asked a fellow friend (state patrol) if he could look it up. Within a few minutes, I had a name and number. I called him up and he said it was just sold last month to a guy who chopped it all up. :eek:

I signed it off.

Months later, while scanning craigslist, I found it! Called the guy up and bought it sight unseen! Flew to Seattle and drove it back (250k on truck).

Keep looking, it could be a marathon!!

Here's my story:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188419

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Wow great story Jeff! That gives me hope...I'm having difficulties accessing your link though - would love to read it.

Another small update...I called the number which I visited - I wanted to see if I could find it before I spoke to the possible owner incase of a song and dance but unfortunately it wasn't who I was hoping it was.

So now I have about 300 calls to make to see if I can find this person.

I'll keep you guys posted and thanks for all the comments.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

don`t give up just keep rollin!!

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Must have called 75 people on the list so far
It's amazing how many people don't have answering machines
Those that do the majority uses the automated default message with no info about who lives there
And those that have a personalized treating rarely states who lives there also.
I have found one person that has been deceased but he never had a truck
The search continues
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Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

A long shot, but why not explain your situation to your local elected provincial representative and see if he can help you with the motor vehicle department search.

If you know the approximate month/year it was sold, then I would think there is way to cross reference/search your father's name on the title - which would give you the VIN. Once you have the VIN, the current owner could be found. I would obtain a copy of your father's death certificate, and your own birth certificate, which would show your legitimate relationship to him and validate your reason for the search.

Not to be a wet blanket, but depending on when the vehicle was sold, the environment in your area (i.e. salt = rust), the chances of finding that truck in good condition or even repairable condition are slim, IMHO.

I have noticed several forum members rebuilding their dad's old truck as part tribute and part sentimental value - which is a worthy pursuit. Most people would not understand this, but it is money and time spent as well as any other diversion.

If you strike out, I would suggest getting a rust free body and building it to the exact picture you have of that truck in your mind. There are still a lot of rust free 78 bodies here in the sunbelt, and transportation to your area is probably around $800. Importing it to Canada is not very difficult on an old vehicle (from what I read on the net), and probably worth the effort.

Good luck.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Tuscon,

Thank for the ideas. I do like the idea of contacting someone in politics to see if they can help out and I agree to be taken seriously a Death certificate would be required along with my birth certificate.

I know it's a long shot on finding it and even longer to find it in decent condition but if the new owner appreciates his toys and the deal he got on my old mans truck I hope he did his best to preserve it...if not it might cost some extra money but honestly I'm not in a rush...I just want to locate it and take it from there.

Bringing up a truck from the south would be nice and is an option but I know how much of a money pit it can be and it would be tuff to justify if it's not my old mans truck.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

I have a money pit, but mostly because I did not build it up from scratch. If you start with a good frame and sheet metal, then engine, trans, drive train are easy to bring up to driveable quality. What costs the money is all of the other stuff - electrical, interior, trim, A/C rebuild, paint,etc. However, there are a lot of vendors with good or better than OEM quality parts for projects (i.e. Vintage electronic A/C.)

Even if you found your dad's truck, if the frame and sheet metal are completely rusted through, then I don't think you really have much left to start with. Many posters here have done frame and total sheet metal replacements, but do you really have your dad's old truck then? Just sayin'.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

And if the political angle does not work, try the local news media. Local TV stations here like those "human interest" stories and can likely intercede with the local officials to add credence to your case. It makes the elected officials look good in the press - and what politician does not like to get his mug in front of the cameras whenever possible;).

Another secondary option would be the automotive press in CA.

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Great ideas Tuscon! I have a few things I'm trying out first but if they don't pan out those are great angles for sure.

To take on a full project right now isn't really in the cards...I don't have the time, space or resources to take on a ground up resto but that is something I would like to do in the future

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

any updates on info?

Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Ok not too much of an update but progress is being made

My mom is digging through her boxes looking for his drivers liscense number and death certificate, once I have these I will be reaching out to the mto. I have been given a contact name that might be able to help me within the office (well see how it pans out) if that fails ill try some of the other options you guys have suggested

I won't be getting the paperwork for another week so there most likely won't be much action until I get it

Thanks again guys for the comments, ideas and support!
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Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Got the paperwork todAy and license number so ill be heading to the mto soon
Ill keep you guys posted
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Re: Looking for my Dad's truck My dads 1978 Chevrolet Pickup Ontario
 

Good Luck on finding the truck! Do not give up! It may take a long time but you will track it down!