Chevy Redux

I am moving this post up for my new friends at Santa Fe Clay…and for my “old” friend Nathan Carris Carnes who is showing his work in July at Red Star Studios.

I attained my love of old vehicles from my father. The first car I “drove” was by sitting on the lap of my dad and steering while he braked and accelerated his ’49 Willys Jeep. It was similar to this one but green.

Following are my father’s vehicles, ones I drove while growing up. In chronological order, of course.

The best way to learn about clutches and gears.

A great wagon for the drive-in movie!

Dad’s was red. Most fun with doors off! He kept the top on, though.

Not exactly a “cool” car in high school but it had a huge engine. Man, could it go!

My “auto ed” began early in my years and started with “Come hold the light for me.” Soon I had been taught enough for “Hand me the wrench. No, the crescent!” As I grew older, I learned quite a bit about vehicles. I actually remember the time my dad showed me where the zerts (sp?) were on my first car…

My ’69 Mustang was similar to this but had a white vinyl top. 302 3-speed. I actually installed a water pump on it once and only had four bolts left over! I kept it for 13 years.

Any time I have ever been out with my father, he always pointed out the older or in some way special automobiles. What he loved most were the pick-up trucks. He always wanted a pick-up but he never had one. I don’t know why because he always had fine enough cars…Jeeps, a ’72 Ford LTD, and later, Lincoln Continentals. His last truck was a GMC Jimmy, close…but not a pick-up. He actually seemed to “pine” for an old pick-up and I wish I had asked him why he didn’t ever own one. Of course, every time I see an old pick-up, I think of my father.

For the last couple of years, I have been preparing to replace my Ford Escort. I was going to buy a friend’s ’05 Civic…not a car I particularly wanted but would admittedly be a good choice. His plans changed recently so within the last two weeks I became comfortable with keeping the Escort. It’s a great car actually. Simple. I have to roll up my own window, I lock the doors without one of those clicker things that I don’t even know the name of, I push a clutch and shift the gears. Ten years ago, I actually had to order this car because dealers don’t tend to order “simple” cars for the lot. “Simple”, remember this word…it is important to the following story…

So here I am, prepared for something but not looking! This, friends is when magic happens…

… last Saturday night, I was working in my studio, my friend, Bowie, walked in and said, “Did you see the truck outside?” You know me well enough now to know that I hopped up and stepped out. When I saw… I think my heart actually went pitty pat! Because there, right there…was parked a…

Thanks to “auto ed” (Dad), I guessed it was a ’65. Make a comment by clicking “Leave a Response” to join the “Name the Truck” contest. Winner gets a ride! (it’s a girl, by the way)

As I walked closer, I wondered if… and glanced to check…”Yes, there is a sign stuck up in the windshield!”. It was for sale. I thought about it all night and woke up thinking about it the next morning. On Sunday, I was describing the truck to my friend Brock. I said, “Maybe I could get it and keep it for a year or two just for fun.” He looked up dreamily and said, “That, would be a great year.” That’s when I knew that the truck would be mine.

The next day the owner, Scott, brought the truck back over to Red Star. He and his wife, Angela, had driven it here on Saturday night to eat dinner at Lill’s. I told him I wanted to take it down on the boulevard for my buddy, Ryan, to check out. Ryan lives across the street from me and knows all about old vehicles. When I asked, “May I drive?”, Scott hesitated…”Do you know how to…” I interrupted with “Oh, yeah.” Still hesitant, Scott said, “Most people don’t know how to drive an old…” “Oh, I’m good…trust me.” He was so sweet, not wanting to offend me but not quite willing to hand over the keys. Third time convinced and I hopped in behind the wheel. Ryan and his buddies, Chad and Zeke gave it a good going over and gave me the “thumbs up”. Next thing I knew…I had a truck.

1965 Chevrolet C10, high torque 230 six cylinder, three on the tree, long bed.

lonnnnnnnnngggg! bed

This is the front!

This is the rear!

A great thing about the truck is that the plate goes well with the color!

My neighbor, “north” Mark (I have a “south Mark, too) just made the first entry into the name the truck contest. It was an “off the front porch” entry. You may enter at the beginning of this post or through facebook.

A great thing about my truck is that it matches my glaze!

I have been accused of wearing socks to match my truck. But the color of my truck is much prettier. It is the color of…

September sky!

This is the bed! I stood on the bumper and wasn’t tall enough to get it all in!

Have you noticed my over use of exclamation marks!?

This is the interior!

I think this is the ash tray!

This is the glove box! The seat belts are in there but soon they will be in their proper place. On the left is a journal where I will keep the maintenance record. Also, passengers may write in observations we make while “on the road”!

I swear I am not dressing to match my truck! Really.

So, as you can see, there are many great things about my truck. But remember how this post began? I want to share with you the best thing about my truck…

In 1965, a farmer in Arkansas bought this truck from a dealer in Huntsville. The dealer’s name is stamped on the back bumper. I didn’t notice this until after I bought the truck.

Hold on to your hat, Daddy-O…this “ride’s” for you.

William ( Bill ) Earl Haddock. 1924-2008.

Enter the “Name the Truck” Contest! You can’t win if you don’t play!

Check back for truck stories and pictures… coming soon, “Girls in My Truck”.
www.taradawley.com

SHE HAS A NAME!

Thank all of you for your entries! They were all great suggestions. I especially enjoyed reading the reasons for your choices. A lot of nostalgia came my way. I have the best friends ever!
And the winner is…
the entry from…

MY BROTHER!!!
Wait, wait! Before you scream “Foul Play!”… before you accuse us of a nepotistical romp…
Well, it is true that brother Randy had inside information… but even with that, I’m sure that when you know the name you will totally agree!! Remember how the story of the truck started out? With my father, right? Well, my brother remembered that my dad called my mom…

SUSIE Q !

and Susie Q it is!

Virginia Sue Stockdale and William Earl Haddock
Married on New Year’s Day, 1951
Resting in Peace Together

www.taradawley.com