Many Miles of Smiles I just realized that I have had the good fortune to be the steward of this wonderful vehicle for 20 years. I thought about this 20year thing back in the winter, but that was too soon so I let it rest until now. Purchased in May 20 years ago, this pickup truck has been the source of much joy over the many miles its traveled and places we've been in it. While a few changes were made along the way to improve its roadworthiness (3.54 rear axle makes it much more highway friendly) and a few minor cosmetic changes, for the most part, its pretty much the same as the day it rolled off the truck on a rainy May evening in 2005. First is a photo taken at my daughter and son in Law’s wedding. Sorry, it’s a picture of a picture not very clear. I was able to teach Andy (son in law) how to drive the truck so that they could go from the church to the reception in it. What you can't really see is the Black on white brush painted "Just Married" sign facing reward which led to many horns and waves along the way. This is a picture taken Sunday 5/18 as I returned home from visiting the swap meet sponsored by the Others Club in Marlborough Ct. This is a photo of one of the few misadventures I experienced with the truck. When I converted over to the 3.54 banjo, I had some work done on the driveshaft and about 8 years later, the weld performed by the driveshaft shop failed causing me to have it towed home. Another mishap was when I inflicted a broken paw on Fordo as I got up quick from underneath the front of the truck and hit it with my head. Thankfully, the cast seems to be holding, and I am thinking due to his advanced years, it will take a lot longer to heal. Yes, Mrs. Avater knitted Fordo's sweater. Here's a picture taken at the Fitchburg meet a few years ago with my navigator, Mrs. Avater awaiting my return. It's also kind of a selfie. Finally, a bit of a tail shot showing off its "new shoes": Enough for now and thank you for reading this. I realize many of you have much longer stories to tell. My simple wish: May you all enjoy a long tenure with your favorite activities.
Love it!!! I'm kind of fond of '35s... When I was in college, (1972) I heard that a friend had quit driving his '35 Ford Pickup because the frame rusted and it broke in half. Gave him $100 for it, found a free '36 frame and moved everything over to the new frame...took about a month and a half...drove it all through college. Even did an Ink-wash painting of it for a college art class...including a self portrait.
HRJ, I’m laughing about your ‘35 because I bought a project in 1972 that was a ‘35 Sheetmetal thrown on a ‘36 chassis. After many years in storage and sitting in various states of assembly, I hope to complete it someday. As it stands now, progress very slow. FWIW, despite the similarities, ‘35 a better looking year than ‘36 in my way of thinking. Alchemy, your 20 year mark will come soon! It amazes me how fast time passes by and before you know it, it’s next week already!
I have to agree, the '36 grilles are 2-1/4 inches deeper than ''35s and that makes the grilles stick out too far forward by comparison. An interesting side note though...I found with a considerable amount of cutting and trimming, '36 grilles make '39 Ford pickups look a LOT better. ("Spotty" the cat on the roof approved).
Great story and pics! I've had a '40 Plymouth longer, but it's been on the back burner for most of it and never run, so you got me there!
Congratulations on the worthy length of ownership. Given the potentially more limited driving season, may I ask what constitutes "many miles" in that part of the world ? I've had my PB Roadster on the road for almost 35 over years and managed to rack up about 100K miles, but my "driving season" around here is usually 12 months.
LOL. Actually it's even LONGER. Don't have any "rear view" pics, but my ponytail is visible in this pic...still a hippy hot rodder 55+ years later. 1970. Sorry @AVater...feels like I'm hijacking your thread
Love the look of that truck! Have to say the 38 &39s had nice front fender lines, but who designed that barrel nose grill. Yours much nicer! Kudos on your ‘36 as well as the hair! Thank you! A good year for me is 1500 miles. Between this and my coupe I can hit 2500 but figure 1000 each satisfies me. EVERYONE: thank you for your kind words! As long as I can spend more time in it than under it, I figure I’m ahead! Actually that truck has one nice running 8BA engine. We have been all over in it.
Robert, Thank you! Unfortunately, that weekend Mrs and I weren’t feeling that great and stayed close to home. Missed visiting with you there. We did make it to Rhinebeck and saw a few HAMBers but missed you. Someday……
The Jalopy Journal
