Last year a friend of 45 years tells me he's thinking of selling his '32 Ford pickup. He's starting to suffer from dementia. His wife was sitting in on the conversation and she was backing him up. They were both looking at me like , "you're our guy". This conversation went on until Thanksgiving. Them my friend was having regrets. And I told his wife not to worry. His friendship meant more to me than a car deal. He bought the truck when he was 18 , he's 75 now. Anyway, at the end of March the deal happened! Pictures to follow.
The truck was bought in San Diego by a local guy when he got out of the Navy. That was 1956. He drove the truck up to Washington in January 1957! It's been here since then. I'm the fourth owner in Washington. Running gear is all first generation Corvette. The truck was put away in 1992. So, the 283 needs attention, along with everything else! The only change I'm making is the seat, so I can fit a little better!! More pictures soon.
Friendship means more than a car deal---you said it all. Hell of a lot of cars are built, but one true friend is truly one of a kind--irreplaceable. Great for you both.
He's been a great guy to me and my family. A disabled Vietnam vet too. He and I had a lot of fun at the Portland swap meet for years. Besides all of the trading we did over the years.
These pictures were given to me by my wife's cousin. She dated my friend for a time around 1980 ( ish). These were taken at Woodburn dragstrip, Oldies but Goodies, again 1980 (ish)
Awesome the deal worked out! Especially being friends before and after the sale! Neat Truck! Congratulations!
Th Ank you everybody for all the great replies! I had to tend to some family stuff. I'll get it out of the trailer in a couple hours for a few detail pictures
The color picture was taken in the late '70's. The black and white picture is when the truck was bought in San Diego 1956. It was yellow, already chopped and that nerf bar on the front is still there!
Outstanding story and history. Friends are irreplaceable and in your photo in post #9 the Red T belonged to a Vancouver Slo Pok also a good friend of mine. Thanks for bringing back that memory. That Kelso/Longview aria has a lot of good Iron tucked away in it. In December I bought a 40 Ford Coupe almost the same Red as your truck out of that neighborhood.
Mark Brizlawn recognized that guy too! I sent him a copy of that picture and he passed it onto that guy's daughter! Small world!
Neat truck and story to go along with it. Get it running and take your friend out to lunch. Spend some time before his dementia becomes more debilitating.
Marks a great friend as well. I'm beginning to wonder if there's anybody at all that doesn't know him.
That’s very cool and getting it from your friend is even better. Congrats and I look forward to you getting it going.
Mark and his wife are the nicest people! I warned him I'd be full of questions when I got this truck home. The next chapter for this little truck is about to begin!
Awesome truck and story about friendships. You're clearly the best choice for caretaker! The truck looks like it rolled right out of a vintage R&C or 1001 Custom and Rod ideas magazine. So glad to hear you're not making changes to it! Agree on the suggestions about taking him for a spin every once in awhile.