Pondering about a '55

[Akimbo Rangers]

So we finished rebuilding a car dolly tonight and i got to thinking about the 1955 GMC stepside that has been in a buddies barn for the last 9 years, and how easily i could transport it now.

Ive tried more times than i can remember to get my dad to either...A-sell me the truck. B-give me the truck. or C-at least work on it.

The keys are in it so i was thinking about going and pretty much stealing it... putting a new engine in it.. and then tell my dad. My parents live 45 minutes away so he woluldnt....i dont think.

Somehow, way back in to day, my dad scattered the little 283 that was in it and i cant stand to see the thing just sit and collect dust. every one of my girlfriends and friends that have seen it have all written something in the dust. lol.

It has alot of childhood memories and im not real sure what to do.

 

[Quartermile]

 

[adsm08]

do it.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

do it. at least get it running

 

[Tony Raine]

does your dad own the truck?

if so, plan ahead, and sit down with him.

explain your intentions. show him that you know what you are doing. your dad would probably rather have his rig sitting in a barn and collecting dust, than in someones back yard hacked to hell.

look at it from his eyes. he sees it as it looked in the past. the closer your vision is to his, the better the chance you have.

any local car shows annually? set a date a few years down the road, and tell him you want him and the truck there.

get him involved in the process. cater to his strengths. is he a good at body work, welding, interior, wiring, etc...? ask for his help.


go into this with common sense and compassion. thats how i got my Bronco II when i was 12 years old. you think you have memories attached to it? try to imagine the ones your dad has.

 

[Akimbo Rangers]

The truck is in my dads name but he lives 45 minutes away from it..

But i saw him today at my grandparents house and talked to him about it. as soon as i told him i finished the car dolly he was like "so you can tow my truck to your shop now...right?"

i told him" yeah, ill probably pick the truck up this week".

looking for a pre 1970 running 350 for now. later when my ranger is done ill start restoring it. its in good shape, not very much rust at all.

And there is now way in hell any kinda of hackjob is coming out of my shop. thats why my ranger has taken me so far a year to prep and box the frame. blast and repaint every component that is getting reused and find all the best shit.. build total so far is already around $3500 and i barely have a roller yet.

i dont have any pics of the truck off hand. i tried to post one of the same bodystyle from photobucket, but alas i am noob at forums and somehow messed it up.

if you want to see a pic of one just google 1955 gmc series II

and if anyone could explain how to post pics. shoot me a p.m.

 

[Tony Raine]

pm sent

sounds like you are off to a great start. what i posted earlier was more of a generic way of dealing with older people that are attached to an old rig in a barn/field (i know i'll be that kind of old man some day). no offense was meant at all

 

[Akimbo Rangers]

None taken. Sometimes people think just because im young that means im a hack. Im ASE cert in collision repair and refinishing. along with many years of wrenching under my belt. I hate when people are like "Oh, so all you do is oil changes at your shop?" but quite the contrary. weve got more projects going at one time its hard to work on them all. '86 fiero GT w/ 3800 series 2 engine, resto on a 93 camaro, my '90 ranger, and now the '55. and we have a pretty loyal customer base that keeps us busy too.... and i work another full time job.

i really need someone to invent a 36 hour day,, lol

 

[Akimbo Rangers]

Heres a pic of the same body style. mine is black with pinstriped flames on it.

Ill take some pics when i pick up the truck.


Thanks Tony

 

[B&G_Automotive]

i told him" yeah, ill probably pick the truck up this week".

Must have been a heavy emphasis on probably as I just looked around our shop and see no 55