I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**70cst** · 04-22-2021, 10:29 AM

It's interesting as I look back on my life ... when I graduated from school in 1970 I wanted an SS396 Chevelle or SS396 Nova but ... I couldn't afford insurance back then. Now 50 years later I can afford the insurance on a 396 SS but I still can't afford to buy a SS396. So as a consolation prize in 2001 I bought a 1970cst with a 402BB. So as it goes in life ... I have a 1970 Chevy that I didn't even consider in 1970. Its funny how these things work out.

**MusicMan70** · 04-22-2021, 10:44 AM

Great Photo's, Great Truck and ..HAH!

Even the windows on the building match, how did you swing that?

**Steeveedee** · 04-22-2021, 02:00 PM

That's one nice looking truck! I'm not sure that I'd want to spend the money to get the truck that I do have, though it is perfect for what we need. Inherited, the best price.

**Already Gone** · 04-22-2021, 02:00 PM

You also did a bang-up job on the resto on your truck.

**1971Stepside** · 04-22-2021, 04:21 PM

I was having a discussion yesterday with my 15 year old step son about what he wants to drive at 16. Of course he wants a Mustang...smh

I told him when I was 16 I wanted a Camaro or Chevelle. I found a few in my price range but my Dad would not let me have one because he was afraid the BBC cars were too much for me and I would get hurt. At 17 I finally ended up with a 71 C10. It wasn't what I wanted but by 17 I was ready to just have my own wheels.

I still have the truck and I am glad I do. I would still like to have the Camaro or Chevelle though...

**special-K** · 04-22-2021, 05:17 PM

I'm a truck guy. I drive trucks because those are what I love. Trucks are my first choice. I'll take a truck over a car any day. I bought a nearly new '72 SWB Highlander with a 402 in '73 off the local Chevy dealer's OK Used Car lot when I was 18. I couldn't come anywhere near affording that same truck today, and wouldn't pay the money even if I could

67C10Step · 04-22-2021, 06:23 PM

So funny guys. When I was shopping for my first set of wheels at 16 my dad drug me all over looking at stuff he thought I'd like. 1971 Mach 1 Mustang - nope, ugly and too big. 1969 Dodge Charger - nope, ugly and too big (wish I had this one now).

Car I wanted? Guy had a 1969 AMC AMX with the go package for sale. Posi, four speed, 390, four barrel car. My dad drove it and told me I couldn't buy it. Too much car for me.

A couple weeks later I got my 1970 stepside and drove it for the next seven years. Wish I would have kept it.

**georgieb51** · 05-06-2021, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67C10Step

So funny guys. When I was shopping for my first set of wheels at 16 my dad drug me all over looking at stuff he thought I'd like. 1971 Mach 1 Mustang - nope, ugly and too big. 1969 Dodge Charger - nope, ugly and too big (wish I had this one now).

Car I wanted? Guy had a 1969 AMC AMX with the go package for sale. Posi, four speed, 390, four barrel car. My dad drove it and told me I couldn't buy it. Too much car for me.

A couple weeks later I got my 1970 stepside and drove it for the next seven years. Wish I would have kept it.

I love that story!

**70cst** · 05-06-2021, 11:04 AM

Luv the stories...

Accelo · 04-22-2021, 07:22 PM

I purchased a 1957 Corvette when I was 21, in 197o's.
Still have it. Had a blast in it when I was young.
It went well in the sand with 10.5" of rear tire on it. LOL
You can still drive on the beach in certain areas around here.
Road hard and put away wet but I never wrecked it.
Rick

Greasey Harley · 04-22-2021, 07:29 PM

Car? Truck?
My first ride was an El Camino.

The front is like a car
The back is like a truck
The front is where you drive
The back is where you ....um, haul stuff

1970 CST · 04-22-2021, 07:44 PM

Great looking truck. When I was 17 back in the 70's I couldn't afford anything. One of my first cars was a 1968 Chevy wagon that I paid $300 for. I was a mechanic at that time so it was cheap and easy for me to fix.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 04-22-2021, 07:57 PM

I was 17 when the new '67 pickups came out. Couldn't afford one then. By the time I was 23, I arranged credit on a '68 C/10 Stepside for $1200. Took me 2 years to pay off. But I still have that truck and it's my daily driver.

tutone · 04-22-2021, 08:32 PM

I get it. In 1977 when I turned 16, I wanted a Camaro. Dad said no way, so i bought a 69 el camino. I hated it, and I still am not a fan. Then I settled on an SS396 Chevelle. Way too rich for my blood, so I did the next best thing, I made one out of several wrecks. Turned out just fine and 45 years later, Im still making something from nothing. Your truck looks perfect, glad it worked out. PS, I sold the Chevelle to help build our 1st house.

**chevmn** · 04-22-2021, 10:08 PM

My first vehicle was a 67 CST pickup. I actually wanted a truck, and this one sat for a while at a small dealership locally where I grew up, and I really did not give it much notice at first. I had no idea it was originally a 327/TH400 and was loaded with options, but the original 327 was gone, and in its place a 327 out of Corvette, but tired. The first time I saw it on the road the dealership owners son was driving it, and I knew I had to have it. I surprised many with that truck, including a 383 Roadrunner. A few years later I ended up trading that truck for a big block SS Chevelle, but wish I had that red CST pickup again, although I ended up replacing the engine two times while I owned it, and the last was a low compression 350. I am now restoring a 72 Cheyenne with big block, but I could not help making the engine bay look much like the muscle cars of the day complete with headers, and factory style chrome air cleaner and valve covers on the 402. I would still like to have a big block chevelle (prefer 70 like most), but I doubt I will ever have an original, but the thought has crossed my mind to build my own SS 454 clone, and it would have to be red with cowl induction and the black stripes. We'll see how it goes, I plan to retire in a year or so and will have a lot more time on my hands. You only live once, and life is short. Those of you who grew up during the 60s and 70s know what I am talking about...... arguably the automotive era peaked in or around 1970, and it's been a downhill slide since in many ways.

best view · 04-23-2021, 08:15 AM

I bought my 69 chevelle ss in 1978 and still have it paid 3275.00 Daytona yellow with white interior

**70cst** · 04-23-2021, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tutone

I get it. In 1977 when I turned 16, I wanted a Camaro. Dad said no way, so i bought a 69 el camino. I hated it, and I still am not a fan. Then I settled on an SS396 Chevelle. Way too rich for my blood, so I did the next best thing, I made one out of several wrecks. Turned out just fine and 45 years later, Im still making something from nothing. Your truck looks perfect, glad it worked out. PS, I sold the Chevelle to help build our 1st house.

Understand the selling part

sick472 · 04-23-2021, 02:34 PM

My story is a bit backwards compared to yours, CST. My first car was a 67 Pontiac (in '84). Dad told me at 13, if I got a job and saved my money he would match my savings for a car. At 15-1/2 years old we started looking at cars. Dad was not a car-guy and all I wanted was something with wheels. Long story short, a 67 GTO went up for sale about a mile away and we bought it for $4200.oo. I actually did not save up quite half of it, but "the kid" in Dad came out and he floated me the extra $200. I figured it was to help with tires as he burned them off pretty good during the test drive. lol

If it was not for Dad pushing for the purchase of that old muscle car, I would not have gotten hooked on the classics and would not have my 72 C10 today. I always feel a bit sorry for a kid who gets the old family car for there first car as they may not get to spend there life spending all their money on rusted steel and hard to find parts.

Your truck is beautiful! AND, you will like getting in and out of that much better than getting in an out of a old car.

jimijam00 · 04-23-2021, 04:59 PM

Everyone should own a big block Chevelle.

**Steeveedee** · 04-23-2021, 05:51 PM

I do regret selling the '66 LeMans that had a RA III 400 transplanted into it. That's in the same ballpark.

72c20customcamper · 04-23-2021, 06:50 PM

I could not afford to buy my SS today . In 1984 I got mine fo $ 374 . Basically a mechanics lean towed car in with a broken axle week later no kid . Went to his house he couldn’t pay and signed the registration over.

k29349 · 04-24-2021, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Everyone should own a big block Chevelle.

I agree!

mi396ss · 04-28-2021, 09:00 AM

This post caught my eye and I figured I would tell my story. When I was growing up a guy down the road from me had a 1972 Nova SS that he would drive by with all the time. I loved that car so when I was old enough I found a 1969 SS 396 and bought it in 1996 for $1,000. I totally restored the car over about an 8 year period and still have it today. I also always wanted a 1969-1972 K10 when I was younger. In 2005 I bought one and over the last 16 years have restored it and I'm almost done with it now. I've tried to hunt down all OEM sheet metal for both projects and was able to do so except for the quarters on the Nova. Both of these projects have been a lot of fun and the way that I did them over a longer period of time kept them affordable to do. You just need a place to work on them and a lot of patience.

**70cst** · 04-28-2021, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mi396ss

This post caught my eye and I figured I would tell my story. When I was growing up a guy down the road from me had a 1972 Nova SS that he would drive by with all the time. I loved that car so when I was old enough I found a 1969 SS 396 and bought it in 1996 for $1,000. I totally restored the car over about an 8 year period and still have it today. I also always wanted a 1969-1972 K10 when I was younger. In 2005 I bought one and over the last 16 years have restored it and I'm almost done with it now. I've tried to hunt down all OEM sheet metal for both projects and was able to do so except for the quarters on the Nova. Both of these projects have been a lot of fun and the way that I did them over a longer period of time kept them affordable to do. You just need a place to work on them and a lot of patience.

Luv the Nova ... I came really close to purchasing a 70 Nova SS back in 70.

geezer#99 · 04-28-2021, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Everyone should own a big block Chevelle.

Only one!
Had two!
First a 70 LS6 m22 4.10 gear in red with black stripes. Traded a 74 short step plus a grand for it. Back in ‘79.
Second in ‘81 was an L34 m21 3.31 gear red with white stripes. Paid 6 grand for it.
You might be surprised which was faster!
A quiet stretch of empty highway.
The new owner of the LS6 and me in the L34.
Wind it up and drop the hammer!
I pulled two lengths on him and held it there for a thousand feet until he went by like I was standing still!
Good times!

04-22-2021, 10:29 AM	#1
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. It's interesting as I look back on my life ... when I graduated from school in 1970 I wanted an SS396 Chevelle or SS396 Nova but ... I couldn't afford insurance back then. Now 50 years later I can afford the insurance on a 396 SS but I still can't afford to buy a SS396. So as a consolation prize in 2001 I bought a 1970cst with a 402BB. So as it goes in life ... I have a 1970 Chevy that I didn't even consider in 1970. Its funny how these things work out. Attached Images __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-22-2021, 10:44 AM	#2
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,820	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. Great Photo's, Great Truck and ..HAH! Even the windows on the building match, how did you swing that? __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

04-22-2021, 02:00 PM	#3
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,088	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. That's one nice looking truck! I'm not sure that I'd want to spend the money to get the truck that I do have, though it is perfect for what we need. Inherited, the best price. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

04-22-2021, 02:00 PM	#4
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,073	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. You also did a bang-up job on the resto on your truck. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

04-22-2021, 04:21 PM	#5
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,928	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I was having a discussion yesterday with my 15 year old step son about what he wants to drive at 16. Of course he wants a Mustang...smh I told him when I was 16 I wanted a Camaro or Chevelle. I found a few in my price range but my Dad would not let me have one because he was afraid the BBC cars were too much for me and I would get hurt. At 17 I finally ended up with a 71 C10. It wasn't what I wanted but by 17 I was ready to just have my own wheels. I still have the truck and I am glad I do. I would still like to have the Camaro or Chevelle though... __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

04-22-2021, 05:17 PM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I'm a truck guy. I drive trucks because those are what I love. Trucks are my first choice. I'll take a truck over a car any day. I bought a nearly new '72 SWB Highlander with a 402 in '73 off the local Chevy dealer's OK Used Car lot when I was 18. I couldn't come anywhere near affording that same truck today, and wouldn't pay the money even if I could __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-22-2021, 06:23 PM	#7
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,406	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. So funny guys. When I was shopping for my first set of wheels at 16 my dad drug me all over looking at stuff he thought I'd like. 1971 Mach 1 Mustang - nope, ugly and too big. 1969 Dodge Charger - nope, ugly and too big (wish I had this one now). Car I wanted? Guy had a 1969 AMC AMX with the go package for sale. Posi, four speed, 390, four barrel car. My dad drove it and told me I couldn't buy it. Too much car for me. A couple weeks later I got my 1970 stepside and drove it for the next seven years. Wish I would have kept it. __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Toyota CH-R 2020 Acura MDX

05-06-2021, 11:04 AM	#9
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. Luv the stories... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-22-2021, 07:22 PM	#10
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,161	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I purchased a 1957 Corvette when I was 21, in 197o's. Still have it. Had a blast in it when I was young. It went well in the sand with 10.5" of rear tire on it. LOL You can still drive on the beach in certain areas around here. Road hard and put away wet but I never wrecked it. Rick

04-22-2021, 07:29 PM	#11
Greasey Harley Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Post Falls, ID Posts: 884	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. Car? Truck? My first ride was an El Camino. The front is like a car The back is like a truck The front is where you drive The back is where you ....um, haul stuff __________________ Insert clever text here:

04-22-2021, 07:44 PM	#12
1970 CST Registered User Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: New Paltz NY Posts: 58	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. Great looking truck. When I was 17 back in the 70's I couldn't afford anything. One of my first cars was a 1968 Chevy wagon that I paid $300 for. I was a mechanic at that time so it was cheap and easy for me to fix.

04-22-2021, 07:57 PM	#13
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,047	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I was 17 when the new '67 pickups came out. Couldn't afford one then. By the time I was 23, I arranged credit on a '68 C/10 Stepside for $1200. Took me 2 years to pay off. But I still have that truck and it's my daily driver. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

04-22-2021, 08:32 PM	#14
tutone Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: hickory, ky Posts: 1,250	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I get it. In 1977 when I turned 16, I wanted a Camaro. Dad said no way, so i bought a 69 el camino. I hated it, and I still am not a fan. Then I settled on an SS396 Chevelle. Way too rich for my blood, so I did the next best thing, I made one out of several wrecks. Turned out just fine and 45 years later, Im still making something from nothing. Your truck looks perfect, glad it worked out. PS, I sold the Chevelle to help build our 1st house. Attached Images __________________ :My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=807535 1971 c10 swb/1972 K10 swb/1968 Camaro 350/4spd 1955 210 2 dr sedan/1998 RCSB Z71

04-22-2021, 10:08 PM	#15
chevmn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Central MO Posts: 864	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. My first vehicle was a 67 CST pickup. I actually wanted a truck, and this one sat for a while at a small dealership locally where I grew up, and I really did not give it much notice at first. I had no idea it was originally a 327/TH400 and was loaded with options, but the original 327 was gone, and in its place a 327 out of Corvette, but tired. The first time I saw it on the road the dealership owners son was driving it, and I knew I had to have it. I surprised many with that truck, including a 383 Roadrunner. A few years later I ended up trading that truck for a big block SS Chevelle, but wish I had that red CST pickup again, although I ended up replacing the engine two times while I owned it, and the last was a low compression 350. I am now restoring a 72 Cheyenne with big block, but I could not help making the engine bay look much like the muscle cars of the day complete with headers, and factory style chrome air cleaner and valve covers on the 402. I would still like to have a big block chevelle (prefer 70 like most), but I doubt I will ever have an original, but the thought has crossed my mind to build my own SS 454 clone, and it would have to be red with cowl induction and the black stripes. We'll see how it goes, I plan to retire in a year or so and will have a lot more time on my hands. You only live once, and life is short. Those of you who grew up during the 60s and 70s know what I am talking about...... arguably the automotive era peaked in or around 1970, and it's been a downhill slide since in many ways.

04-23-2021, 08:15 AM	#16
best view Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: newbury new hampsire Posts: 1,986	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I bought my 69 chevelle ss in 1978 and still have it paid 3275.00 Daytona yellow with white interior



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04-23-2021, 02:34 PM	#18
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,130	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. My story is a bit backwards compared to yours, CST. My first car was a 67 Pontiac (in '84). Dad told me at 13, if I got a job and saved my money he would match my savings for a car. At 15-1/2 years old we started looking at cars. Dad was not a car-guy and all I wanted was something with wheels. Long story short, a 67 GTO went up for sale about a mile away and we bought it for $4200.oo. I actually did not save up quite half of it, but "the kid" in Dad came out and he floated me the extra $200. I figured it was to help with tires as he burned them off pretty good during the test drive. lol If it was not for Dad pushing for the purchase of that old muscle car, I would not have gotten hooked on the classics and would not have my 72 C10 today. I always feel a bit sorry for a kid who gets the old family car for there first car as they may not get to spend there life spending all their money on rusted steel and hard to find parts. Your truck is beautiful! AND, you will like getting in and out of that much better than getting in an out of a old car. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

04-23-2021, 04:59 PM	#19
jimijam00 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: PNW Posts: 553	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. Everyone should own a big block Chevelle.

04-23-2021, 05:51 PM	#20
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,088	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I do regret selling the '66 LeMans that had a RA III 400 transplanted into it. That's in the same ballpark. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

04-23-2021, 06:50 PM	#21
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,142	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. I could not afford to buy my SS today . In 1984 I got mine fo $ 374 . Basically a mechanics lean towed car in with a broken axle week later no kid . Went to his house he couldn’t pay and signed the registration over. __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

04-28-2021, 09:00 AM	#23
mi396ss Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: U.P., Michigan Posts: 66	Re: I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant. This post caught my eye and I figured I would tell my story. When I was growing up a guy down the road from me had a 1972 Nova SS that he would drive by with all the time. I loved that car so when I was old enough I found a 1969 SS 396 and bought it in 1996 for $1,000. I totally restored the car over about an 8 year period and still have it today. I also always wanted a 1969-1972 K10 when I was younger. In 2005 I bought one and over the last 16 years have restored it and I'm almost done with it now. I've tried to hunt down all OEM sheet metal for both projects and was able to do so except for the quarters on the Nova. Both of these projects have been a lot of fun and the way that I did them over a longer period of time kept them affordable to do. You just need a place to work on them and a lot of patience. Attached Images Last edited by mi396ss; 04-28-2021 at 09:08 AM.

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