newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sweatmachine · 05-30-2008, 10:04 PM

Greetings from Austin, Texas! My name is Jeff, and I just got a 1978 "Heavy Half" Longbed w. 110,000 original miles. Here is its story:

My grandfather (RIP) bought this truck brand-new in 1978. It was the last vehicle he owned.

My grandfather (my mom's father) served in WW2 as a machinist's mate and later went on to own his own machine shop. He remained in the Navy reserves through the rest of his life, and (very long story very short) fell ill about the same time I was born. I remember him walking, but once I was about 5-6 years old he was bedridden. He died when I was 16 of complications from a concussion (fell from his wheelchair, very sad story).

Fast forward to present day. I just got home from a Memorial Day lake trip, freshly sunburned, and I get an email from my uncle (my mom's brother). He said he's taken care of my grandfather's truck since 1980 (when my grandfather was last able to drive), maintained it, etc, and just bought a new truck, and that he has no use for it anymore but would rather see it go to a family member than sell it. The truck is in perfect running condition, even the a/c works (and has been converted to modern coolant). It's a 350 V-8 w/ a new 4 barrel carb and a new cam.

I said I'm not in a position to buy a vehicle, but I'd love to have it for sentimental reasons, along with the fact that I'm about to remodel a house with my future-father-in-law (a house I plan to buy from him), so between the move and the remodel of the house, the truck would come in very handy. He said, "well, I was hoping you'd want it, and I'd like to get $1 for it."

Yes, one dollar!

Anyway, it ain't pretty, but it belonged to my grandfather, and I remember being a little kid looking at it thinking it was the coolest truck in the world. Talking with my uncle about the ol' truck brought back a flood of memories I hadn't revisited in many many years. Needless to say, today was better than Christmas morn' to me. I'm picking up the truck next weekend and I can't wait to restore it to its former glory. I'm very excited about having this old truck:

I have big plans for it. I've been wanting an old single cab long bed truck for a long time, and I can't wait to get my hands (and wrenches) on this one.

I plan on doing the bodywork and restoring the interior first, as it is mechanically sound right now. I also want to drop it 2-3", and then do some engine mods.

Nice forum y'all have here, I'm glad to be on it!

babyJay · 05-30-2008, 10:11 PM

Hey, Jeff, nice project you have there. Welcome, from central Indiana.

BACKYARD88 · 05-31-2008, 12:27 AM

from a fellow Texan!

bad_turbo · 05-31-2008, 01:21 AM

Awesome story! Welcome from Arizona!!

Cyclone44 · 05-31-2008, 04:07 AM

from Knoxville Tn....

jsbgump · 05-31-2008, 07:39 AM

Welcome to the board from a fellow Texan

dallas77 · 05-31-2008, 06:31 PM

from Ca.

DREAMS OF A 67 · 06-01-2008, 12:57 AM

Welcome from Knoxville TN!!!

dan42 · 06-01-2008, 07:15 AM

Cool! Looks like a good solid truck to start with. Welcome to the board and more pictures are always welcomed.

Don't forget to keep us posted on your progress!

GREASEMONKEY72 · 06-01-2008, 07:17 AM

nice story and good to hear youre gona keep the truck goin

welcome to the board

sweatmachine · 06-01-2008, 08:07 AM

I finally got the truck this afternoon. I couldn't stop grinning the whole 2 hours home! To my pleasant surprise the a/c blows nice and cold, the brakes grab HARD (like better than my '06 jetta!?!?) the power steering is nice and smooth, and the 350 puts out good power. I was expecting a really slow pig and it goes pretty well!

The interior is a lot better than I expected, but the body looks like hell. It really needs a lot of body work. At least, it needs a passenger side 1/4 panel, a new bed (or bed side, or serious massaging), and a lot of TLC.

I plan on working on the bodywork first, as everthing else is basically ok. It runs great!

Once I got home I took the ol' lady and the 6 year old for a ride around town. Sure was fun! Patsy Cline's version of "Crazy" came on the radio, it couldn't have been better!

I'm happy!

**Ron 586** · 06-01-2008, 01:07 PM

Welcome to the board from West Tennessee.

krue · 06-01-2008, 02:31 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

Old Chevy Mech · 06-02-2008, 11:20 AM

from CT! Its always nice to keep things close and in the family if possible. Sentimental value is priceless!

Frank

sweatmachine · 06-02-2008, 12:23 PM

I put the ol' truck to work yesterday. I cut down some trees and hauled them off.

new pics:

TruckinDaddy · 06-02-2008, 01:34 PM

Great back story on your truck. I have my grandpa's truck, also. And it looks like we both have our work cut out for us on these old rides.

By the way, welcome to the board from NWest Austin

sweatmachine · 06-02-2008, 02:23 PM

imagine that, 2 guys w/ their grandpa's old trucks in Austin. Howdy neighbor.

Sounds like a country song!

72BlckButy · 06-02-2008, 02:50 PM

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

You'll find this place to become your second home. There's tons of information, friends, parts, .... and so much more.

Just to wanted to bring this to your attention....

2008 Board Meet in Big Sandy, TN

GKsport67 · 06-02-2008, 04:42 PM

WELCOME from ATLANTA ,Ga

Jimbob91 · 06-02-2008, 09:24 PM

Welcome from West KY....

Great story, too...

shaneschevys · 06-03-2008, 01:14 AM

Welcome from FT Worth TX.

L0WRIDE · 06-07-2008, 05:05 AM

Welcome to the boards

PhilaTruck · 06-07-2008, 01:08 PM

Welcome to the board from Philadelphia. Thanks for sharing that great story. Good luck with both of your projects!

My 6 & 8 year old daughters love my truck, too. Eyes wide, big grins!

Your grandfather sounds like he was a good guy-

-Todd

86swb · 06-07-2008, 10:09 PM

Welcome from Western Kentucky.

'72 Chevy Suburban · 06-11-2008, 05:00 PM

Welcome from Lebanon, Ohio!

05-30-2008, 10:04 PM	#1
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Greetings from Austin, Texas! My name is Jeff, and I just got a 1978 "Heavy Half" Longbed w. 110,000 original miles. Here is its story: My grandfather (RIP) bought this truck brand-new in 1978. It was the last vehicle he owned. My grandfather (my mom's father) served in WW2 as a machinist's mate and later went on to own his own machine shop. He remained in the Navy reserves through the rest of his life, and (very long story very short) fell ill about the same time I was born. I remember him walking, but once I was about 5-6 years old he was bedridden. He died when I was 16 of complications from a concussion (fell from his wheelchair, very sad story). Fast forward to present day. I just got home from a Memorial Day lake trip, freshly sunburned, and I get an email from my uncle (my mom's brother). He said he's taken care of my grandfather's truck since 1980 (when my grandfather was last able to drive), maintained it, etc, and just bought a new truck, and that he has no use for it anymore but would rather see it go to a family member than sell it. The truck is in perfect running condition, even the a/c works (and has been converted to modern coolant). It's a 350 V-8 w/ a new 4 barrel carb and a new cam. I said I'm not in a position to buy a vehicle, but I'd love to have it for sentimental reasons, along with the fact that I'm about to remodel a house with my future-father-in-law (a house I plan to buy from him), so between the move and the remodel of the house, the truck would come in very handy. He said, "well, I was hoping you'd want it, and I'd like to get $1 for it." Yes, one dollar! Anyway, it ain't pretty, but it belonged to my grandfather, and I remember being a little kid looking at it thinking it was the coolest truck in the world. Talking with my uncle about the ol' truck brought back a flood of memories I hadn't revisited in many many years. Needless to say, today was better than Christmas morn' to me. I'm picking up the truck next weekend and I can't wait to restore it to its former glory. I'm very excited about having this old truck: I have big plans for it. I've been wanting an old single cab long bed truck for a long time, and I can't wait to get my hands (and wrenches) on this one. I plan on doing the bodywork and restoring the interior first, as it is mechanically sound right now. I also want to drop it 2-3", and then do some engine mods. Nice forum y'all have here, I'm glad to be on it!

05-30-2008, 10:11 PM	#2
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Hey, Jeff, nice project you have there. Welcome, from central Indiana. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

05-31-2008, 12:27 AM	#3
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! from a fellow Texan! __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting

05-31-2008, 01:21 AM	#4
bad_turbo turbo enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: carmichael, ca. Posts: 1,826	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Awesome story! Welcome from Arizona!! __________________ "But daddy, I didn't hit them all with a stick"...what my 6 year old tells me when I pick him up from school early for fighting "

05-31-2008, 04:07 AM	#5
Cyclone44 Step Brother Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: K-town Posts: 4,029	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! from Knoxville Tn....

05-31-2008, 07:39 AM	#6
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome to the board from a fellow Texan __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

05-31-2008, 06:31 PM	#7
dallas77 64' Chevy C10 Join Date: May 2008 Location: torrance CA Posts: 97	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! from Ca. __________________ 64' C10 350/350 LWB

06-01-2008, 12:57 AM	#8
DREAMS OF A 67 Step Brother Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: knoxville TN Posts: 1,950	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome from Knoxville TN!!!

06-01-2008, 07:15 AM	#9
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Cool! Looks like a good solid truck to start with. Welcome to the board and more pictures are always welcomed. Don't forget to keep us posted on your progress! __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

06-01-2008, 07:17 AM	#10
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! nice story and good to hear youre gona keep the truck goin welcome to the board __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

06-01-2008, 08:07 AM	#11
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! I finally got the truck this afternoon. I couldn't stop grinning the whole 2 hours home! To my pleasant surprise the a/c blows nice and cold, the brakes grab HARD (like better than my '06 jetta!?!?) the power steering is nice and smooth, and the 350 puts out good power. I was expecting a really slow pig and it goes pretty well! The interior is a lot better than I expected, but the body looks like hell. It really needs a lot of body work. At least, it needs a passenger side 1/4 panel, a new bed (or bed side, or serious massaging), and a lot of TLC. I plan on working on the bodywork first, as everthing else is basically ok. It runs great! Once I got home I took the ol' lady and the 6 year old for a ride around town. Sure was fun! Patsy Cline's version of "Crazy" came on the radio, it couldn't have been better! I'm happy!

06-01-2008, 01:07 PM	#12
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,150	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome to the board from West Tennessee. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

06-01-2008, 02:31 PM	#13
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

06-02-2008, 11:20 AM	#14
Old Chevy Mech Keepin it runnin! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Deep River, CT Posts: 1,036	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! from CT! Its always nice to keep things close and in the family if possible. Sentimental value is priceless! Frank __________________ 1970 K-5 4X4 Blazer 1970 K-20 4X4 Long Bed "Liberty Means Responsibility, that is why most men dread it"

06-02-2008, 12:23 PM	#15
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! I put the ol' truck to work yesterday. I cut down some trees and hauled them off. new pics:



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06-02-2008, 01:34 PM	#16
TruckinDaddy What's that funky smell? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 610	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Great back story on your truck. I have my grandpa's truck, also. And it looks like we both have our work cut out for us on these old rides. By the way, welcome to the board from NWest Austin __________________ Mike S 68 C10 Long Step (Pretending to be a Long Fleetside) Grandpa's Farm Truck 3 on the tree, 307, No power brakes or steering Factory Options - HD rear spring and Ammeter/Oil Gauges My truck blog My Car Domain page

06-02-2008, 02:23 PM	#17
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! imagine that, 2 guys w/ their grandpa's old trucks in Austin. Howdy neighbor. Sounds like a country song!

06-02-2008, 02:50 PM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! to the board from Mid-MO!!! You'll find this place to become your second home. There's tons of information, friends, parts, .... and so much more. Just to wanted to bring this to your attention.... 2008 Board Meet in Big Sandy, TN __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

06-02-2008, 04:42 PM	#19
GKsport67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Atlanta,Ga Posts: 660	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! WELCOME from ATLANTA ,Ga __________________ www.gkautospa.com Like A Rock! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=397153

06-02-2008, 09:24 PM	#20
Jimbob91 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Princeton, Ky Posts: 41	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome from West KY.... Great story, too... __________________ Matt 91 GMC K-5 Jimmy 350/700R4/241/10boltX2 W/4:56's/locked. 6inch Softride on 35's. Starting to show signs of trail life... 86 Chev K-10 Short 383/350/208/10&12bolt Gonna be the pretty truck...

06-03-2008, 01:14 AM	#21
shaneschevys Its always something! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FT Worth,TX Posts: 4,992	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome from FT Worth TX. __________________ 79 p10 stepvan 72 Short Fleetside 72 Suburban 67 GMC One Ton Flatbed 64 Short Fleetside 57 Chevy 2DR Hard Top 57 Chevy 2dr wagon 65 f* short fleet 63 C 60 Flatbed Member of the patina club**

06-07-2008, 05:05 AM	#22
L0WRIDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,166	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome to the boards __________________ 49 CHEVROLET 1/2 TON, 52 CHEVROLET SEDAN 62 HARDTOP NOVA 65 CHEVROLET BB LWB FLEETSIDE 90 CHEVROLET EXTRA CAB CHEVY ONLY - NZ Chapter http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=137984

06-07-2008, 01:08 PM	#23
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome to the board from Philadelphia. Thanks for sharing that great story. Good luck with both of your projects! My 6 & 8 year old daughters love my truck, too. Eyes wide, big grins! Your grandfather sounds like he was a good guy- -Todd __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!

06-07-2008, 10:09 PM	#24
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome from Western Kentucky. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

06-11-2008, 05:00 PM	#25
'72 Chevy Suburban Chevy's Rock! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lebanon, OH Posts: 448	Re: newbie intro, Austin TX, family heirloom truck! Welcome from Lebanon, Ohio! __________________ John '59 NAPCO Pickup '70 K10 Pickup 350 '72 C20 Suburban 350 (MIA) '57 Chieftain 455 '68 Firebird Convertible - 400 '68 Catalina Convertible - 400 '85 Vette

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