OK, I'm not sure if it began when I was 14 or so, but I have been crazy about old trucks ever since I can remember. I learned to drive on a 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton shortbox with a 250 ci inline six and a three on the tree. No power steering. I loved it. It was a rustbucket, so it had to go. So, when I moved out to Washington, I always said that I would look for something. They don't salt the roads out here, so there is more available. But what did I want? I knew that I liked GM (Chevy/GMC) more than Dodge or Ford - easier to get parts. But I do like the 1967-72 design, the 1960-66, and the 1947-1954. My goal was to find a low rust vehicle. I also wanted to find something that ran. Another criteria would be that it was not too tweaked out - I didn't want a big V8, auto, air etc. Ideal would be low rust, sweet design, complete, inline 6, manual transmission, and something intact, but not so nice that you'd be afraid to drive it. Well, as the economy has been down, people have been selling their extras. I sold my 1998 Accord in June 2007 - I have not had my own car since then - I share a care with Marc. I have been looking, looking, looking. I drove a 1968 Chevy which was cool, but with exhaust leak and rust and poor linkage. I also stumbled upon a 1954 GMC - sweet look - but was it for me? I thought about it for two weeks and researched the heck out of it - I was then able to negotiate a price - then it was mine. I love it! It is what I've always wanted (way better than a BMW). Rough, noisy, stinky (like gasoline), and totally me. I love this truck and am so glad that I stumbled upon it. It's totally intact with low rust (almost none), and it's something that nice, but not so nice that I'm afraid to drive it. It will be a love/hate relationship as I have the days when it doesn't start etc., but I'm glad it's mine!!! I'm such a country bumpkin. And this is Part 1 in my story. More to be continued! Mike
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