S100 Trip Home; First Truck (Got the Fever)
I told you about finding and purchasing my first truck just before Christmas. It just gets better and better.
My brother and I left IN to go to NY to get my truck the day after Christmas. The weather (big concern) was great all the way. Just encountered some moderate rain and light snow. One day out, and two days back. I thought my credit card was going to have a melt down on the way back. Three tanks of gas on the way out and SEVEN tanks on the way back! Couldn’t believe how many people talked to us about it in the gas stations or the number of people on the interstate who pulled along side for a good look, before speeding up to pass us.
We had a great time. Dick, the previous owner, was a great guy, and all went pretty smooth. Had one little mishap, as the passenger side running board caught the trailer fender as we were loading and broke it loose and ran it into the rear fender. Won’t be too hard to fix. Not like I wasn’t going to do some work anyway.
Stopped in Pittsburg area on the way back to meet Harry51 and say thanks. Harry is the guy who told me about the truck, then spent 20 minutes convincing me I had to find the money (it was considerably over my budget) to get this truck. I am so thankful to Harry for being so persuasive! The truck is an awesome survivor.
I thought I would be able to do a little payback with Harry51 by buying him dinner, but once again, he outgave me. He fixed me up with a few parts and goodies I needed, then pointed out that my truck has several uncommon options and features on it. I already was so pleased with the truck I couldn’t believe it could get any better, but Harry51 made me even more pleased with it, and it gets better.
We got home and unloaded it, and my brother and I immediately fired it up and took it down the road for the first drive! WOW! It fires up in a second or two, it runs great, drives great with no shimmy or wander, and stops good. Couldn’t ask for more. I’ve had a lot of vehicles in my youth, from the 55-57 Chevys, SS Chevelles, Corvette, etcetera, but I don’t think any of them have made me this happy.
Also found out the last known whereabouts of the 56 S100 my Dad had when he died in 1970, and that my brothers and I drove. It ended up in a salvage yard in the late 70′s. I know it’s a long shot, but we are going to go looking for it. If we find it, we will work together to restore it.
I’ve also noticed a curious phenomenon developing. Though 56 S100s are my favorites, I’ve been lusting after more and more IHCs of all vintages over the last few days. I think I’m developing a fever. The only thing keeping it from becoming a full blown addiction, is lack of money and a wife. As soon as I get some time to figure out the process, I’ll post some pictures in the Members Gallery
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I understand what you mean. Have wife also, and a few more IH trucks than she cares for. She’s not upset with the idea of 7 trucks, but wants me to focus more than 3 styles of IH. I’ll probibly stick with the late 60′s and early 70′s models. I probibly sell a ’56 IHC S132 model later on, if you happen to be interested. Mostly I would want to trade for a scout (with a good body) or a light line truck like I have already, parts or otherwise. It’s not your Dad’s, but it might be close…