Got me a new toy.....

Post date: Sep 02, 2008 2:35:47 AM

I traded a laptop computer (last time I traded a laptop, I got a Mercedes!) for this truck. It is a 1966 Chevy C10 (1/2 ton) truck with an inline six cylinder motor that is 250 cubic inches. For point of comparison, my big GMC dually pickup that I keep around for when I need a HUGE load moved (like a dozer, or a backhoe) is a 1 ton, with a 454 cubic inch v-8 (and an insatiable thirst). I should do much better with this old truck - easy to work on, and pretty cool lines. My grandfather had one that was similar, I think it was a '64 - with a three speed shifter on the column. I remember I borrowed it once to go pick up a tiny honda car - and I corraled some locals and we just lifted it into the back! I just like the look of it, and this one already has big fat tires on it. I've work to do on it, of course, but I envision it in bright obnoxious yellow, with red flames on the nose, out in front of my daughter's sorority house on Dad's Weekend next year, attracting ALL the local frat boys and absolutely mortifying my child. Of COURSE I needed another truck.... the dually is currently broken (as well as thirsty) and the Jeep hasn't been worked on yet at all. This one I drove home (although the carb has junk in it and it runs rougher than I like). With a 4 speed manual transmission, the first gear is a super granny. I read that the first gear on this model is the lowest commercially available, making the transmissions prized for off road trucks - in the description I got from the guy I traded with "in first gear it will climb anything - it will climb a TREE in first!".You can see a smushed front to the center of the hood.... like an elvis sneer but symetrical. You can't see it, but there is another hood in the back of the truck. The tires are 60's in the front, and 50's in the back. Fat fat fat. Seems a little silly to have fat drag race styled tires with just a 6 cylinder motor, but I won't say "no" to traction. There is probably 200 miles on the tires, they still have the little nubblies on them. Just in time - my champ has about given up (transmission woes) so I'll get rid of that car, and I will have Rowan's Saturn to drive until at least Christmas - this truck will be my "backup" rig.