Shift Knob

This is the shift knob that I have on the truck. It is a clear acrylic knob with the Virgin of Guadalupe. The rose and green branches are carved out of the rear so they are 3D inside the knob. I think it is beautiful. And, celebrating the mother of Jesus is always a good idea.

Waiting (again).

Well friends I sent back two of the patch panels. They just weren't right. Here's the specific area Im talking about. The pieces I got from LMC Truck only went from floor up to the first horizontal line. AND the cost $40/ side. I returned them because the rust goes higher. Chevyduty had the full panel for $30. So I expect to be cutting and welding Monday.

Meantime I have begun work on the frame. I decide that since the frame is in great shape without any rust, I will just clean it up and paint it without sandblasting. The rationale is 1) It lasted for 57 years without epoxy. 2)If I get another 57 years out of a simple industrial strength enamel, Ill be dead anyway 3) If I dont get going on this soon and stop overanalyzing, Ill be dead anyway.

Stray Pickup

Stray Pickup. Oil on canvas, 48" x 48".

Thought I'd post this painting of mine from a few years back. Its for sale!

Thank You Taiwan

I received these new patch panels yesterday...included in the shipment were the right floor pans as well. Don't get me wrong, they look great and I look forward to replacing the rusted out areas you see below. But I'm not sure what Wally will have to say about these new Taiwanese steel panels. Socs guardian angel may take issue with their point of origin.
Wally, if you're out there, remember they wil be covered up by floor mats!












This is the cancer encrusted driver's side floor pan. You can see the floor support brace just above the master cylinder and the floor straight through! Seeing this area exposed explains the slight tilt that Socs had. The passenger side is in the same sad shape. If I can get another 50 years out of the new pans, we'll be ok!













This is the left cab corner. Advanced Design trucks are notorious for rusting in these areas.

A Voice from the Ether

I just received this mysterious email.

Hello- I am the angel that sits high atop the general Motors Headquarters in Detroit Michigan. ( Not the new one on the river silly) the old one on the Boulevard. My name is Wally. I used to work in the plant that made Socs . I highly approve of your efforts. I will be taking care to watch out for your Knuckles. If I am distracted and you do scrape one, I'll make it up to you with better gas milage on the long cruises.

-Wally-Section 10 Chassie line, senior welder.

Whats Your Favorite Color, Baby?

Here is a picture of a Mariner blue Chevy and my firewall.

This is a color chart from an original Chevrolet sales brochure from early 1950s. You'll see the Mariner Blue, which was Soc's original color. I'm still undecided on the color to repaint. I definitely will keep an original color. First, I think they are simply great colors; fads in colors dont last, they come and go (imagine its 1987 and I upholster the seat with acid wash denim material). And an original color will retain its value.

If you're interested in other old Chevy truck ephemera, you'll enjoy this black and white filmstrip. "Advance Design for '49" It takes a while to download and uses Quicktime. Be patient.