pkhammer

If a person has skills and applies them, they will always have demand for their work no matter what they do or their level of education. I'm a high school graduate myself that took vocational drafting classes in my junior and senior year. I started out as a mechanical draftsman 42 years ago and have worked in mechanical engineering and design all my life. I find it ironic that a lot of "educated" youngsters barely know how to attach a nut to a bolt. Education will help you get a job but it won't necessarily teach you the skills you'll need.

It's amazing how stuff comes out of the woodwork when you start looking and TALKING to people. A co-worker owns this truck and he rarely uses it. He is on the fence as to whether he'd sell or not so of course I'm hoping he does. Although it does not have A/C it would fit the bill nicely otherwise. 1972 Ranger XLT package, V8, automatic, P/B, P/S. I was lukewarm on the paint but when I found out it was a good quality respray of the original Calypso Coral I'm kind of warming up to it.

The ranchero has a nice style for sure! I drove 3 hours one way yesterday to look at this truck. Pretty nice truck, fair price, lots of spare parts but no A/C. An aftermarket system could be added but what really scares me is the bubbling under the paint above the drip rail over the windshield. It wasn't just one or two either, it was sprinkled all the was across from one side to the other. A real shame on a truck with an otherwise perfect body. Not a repair I want to get into.

I'd call that a very fair deal. Not looking for a model A presently but if I was...............

Great! I'm going to look at one Saturday about 3 hours from me.

I guess I'm the kind of person that would rather pay a lot for something I really want instead of a little for something I don't. I've owned quite a number of F100s; 1957, 1960, 1970, 1973 and 1979 models and loved them all. I'm a Ford guy at heart. Short bed, 2wd, V8, automatic at this point is my focus. A/C would be nice but I can always add an aftermarket system.

Paul, your truck is beautiful just the way it is in its work clothes! After a lot of thought I think the Wife and I will likely buy something a bit newer as we both wish for automatic transmission and A/C for comfort sake. I know, I know, getting soft in my old age! That pretty much eliminates anything before the 60s unless I purchase a (gulp!) street rod. 😬 I've got a lead on a couple possibilities; a 1978 Dodge li'l red express truck and a '72 Ford F100 Ranger XLT. I'm excited just to be out window shopping!

The Studebaker is a 1916 4 cylinder touring. It was for sale by WW Motorcars and Parts in Broadway, VA. It looked like a very complete car (it was parked next to our spaces) but needs complete restoration. Ask was $4,800 I believe but I got the impression that was very negotiable.

Ah yes, the Diamond T! How could I have been so reckless to omit such a cool truck! Of course, I don't think I've ever even seen one in person. They must be quite rare. What a beast!

I need to clarify statements I made above as they might seem contradictory. I really dig the '47-'54 Chevy Advance Design pickups. I also said I couldn't warm up to the late 40's to early 50's Chevys. That is the CAR styling. Sedan deliveries obviously have car sheet metal. The trucks on the other hand are very handsome. The downside for me is the inline six and three on the tree that most were equipped with. I don't much care for either quite honestly. Part of the driving pleasure for me is the sound, and nothing sounds like a V8 whether it be a flathead, a Y-block or small block. A friend of mine is selling this beautiful '53 Chevy. Wonderful, solid restoration with a 235 six. I think he's priced ok for the quality of the truck but I just can't get excited about it.

Here's the deal with the '51. At the rate I get things accomplished these days it'll still be a couple of years realistically before it sees the road.

In addition to pickups I have a real appreciation for sedan deliveries and panel trucks, maybe even a preference. I can't warm up to the styling of the late forties-early fifties Chevys though, they just don't really catch my eye. Now a mid-thirties Dodge Humpback or a '40 Ford, YOWZA! Now that's a different story! Not sure if I have the budget for one of those however. I will likely lean heavily toward the Ford camp however from the 50's or 60's. V8 engine and the possability of automatic trans would be a major selling point for me.

The flathead from the '51 F1 I am working on was long gone when I bought it and replaced with a SBC. That had to go and it will at least be Ford powered when I finish it.

I wouldn't actually be using the truck for any real "work" but would like to put lettering on the doors like I did on the '42. I'm 5'-7" and fit in my '42 very comfortably. I wouldn't say that "money is no object", but I would like to find something within a days drive (east coast mid-Atlantic region) so I can inspect it in person. A solid, original good driver or older restoration would be perfect. Definitely not looking for a show truck. I need to get out to some shows this summer and see what shows up for sale as well as keep an eye on classifieds. I purchased a car a couple of years ago from a tip I received right here so who knows?? The '33-'38 Dodge or Plymouth I mentioned above would be tough to find but I think I'd be most excited about if I did. If the truck was originally available with a V8, that is what I'd strongly prefer. That Y-block in my old '57 sounded so sweet, a six cylinder just wouldn't give me the same driving pleasure. The '78-'79 Dodge 'lil Red Express would probably be the most comfy, especially if equipped with A/C. My Wife would also be extra excited since I believe all of those were automatic. She does not like to drive a manual.

Below is a photo of my old '42 Ford shop truck above Gatlinburg, TN. Apologies to the purists, but the truck although pretty stock looking was sporting a 428 FE, 4-speed and 9 inch rear end. It's single digit MPG was one reason I eventually got rid of it. Having recently sold a couple of cars, I think it's time to replace my old shop truck with something a little more suitable to my current tastes which means STOCK. Although I realize I'm opening up a big can of worms by asking opinions, I enjoy hearing from my fellow enthusiasts. Here are some of my thoughts on possible candidates for a new shop truck. Oh, and I'm done with projects for a while. I want something that needs only gas! 1930-1931 Model A -I am a model A Ford guy but I've never had a pickup. My desire for an open car (or truck) could also possibly be satisfied with a roadster pickup. A lot of the parts I buy and sell are also model A Ford. 1933-1941 Ford -All of these trucks appeal to me. Great style and good parts availability. Flathead V8 doesn't hurt either. 1933-1938 Dodge -The 1933-1934 suicide door pickups I think are especially attractive. Probably my favorite from a purely aesthetic standpoint. 1936-1938 Plymouth -Beautiful trucks and rare too. I'd love to own one. 1937-1938 Reo/Mack Jr. -Also a great style but so scarce I'm a bit afraid of parts availability. 1934-1939 Hudson Terraplane -Rare and exciting trucks! I haven't quite decided if I love the style or hate it yet. 1935-1937 Studebaker -The coupe express pickups are also near the top of my list of greatest styled trucks ever. 1934-1939 International -I rarely see any of these but I like them a lot! 1947-1954 Chevy -I'm not much of a Chevy guy but I admit that I do love the style of these trucks! 1948-1956 Ford -The 1950-1952 F1 trucks in particular are a favorite of mine. I have a '51 now but it needs a lot of work to be road-ready. 1957-1960 Ford -My first set of wheels was a 1957 Ford short box with wrap around back glass with Y-block V8. I'd love to find another! 1967-1969 Ford -I've had a few of the late 60's Ford "bump-sides" and wish I still had one. The 390 powered versions are bruisers but the gas mileage... not so good. An automatic version would be appealing. Last but not least -1978-1979 Dodge lil Red Express -As a teenager I got a ride in one of these and it left a lasting impression. Those stacks rumbling behind the cab made my day! Automatic transmission and optional air conditioning also appeal to me as I age. Post some photos of your work trucks!

Looked this machine over at Luray. Tempting but hard for me to drop 30K on a toy. I wonder if it sold. I did see some other cars there sell.

There're not ugly. I look at them and the first thing that crosses my mind is "transformers". My work takes me into the nations capitol fairly often. I've seen several in my travels around that erea.

These are cool tractors and I would love to own one. Same Hercules IXB engine as in my BF Avery tractor.

I saw a set of Franklin headlights today at the meet but that's as close to a Franklin as I saw. Quite a few T's and a couple A's for sale, some quite reasonable. Day was sunny and in the mid-eighties so pretty warm day! Forecast is rain tomorrow so we packed up this evening and came home. Everybody likes photos so here are a few pics I took today.

I got to the swap meet around 3:30 and spent a couple hours setting up. Lots of vendors already there and some nice cars (mostly T's) there for sale. I'll try to get some photos tomorrow. If you are a Model T aficionado, you should be here!

Got frustrated over the gas tank issue and I also needed space. Interior of tank was crustier than any I've ever seen and I decided if someone else wanted to tackle it, I'd let it go so that's what happened. I promised myself the next one won't need anything but gas.

FYI to everyone coming to this meet. Check out the '26 model T coupe in the cars for sale section. It's a great buy and only a short distance from the meet in Quicksburg, Va.

This car is not far from the Luray, Va pre-war swap meet this weekend. The owner should take it there and hang a FOR SALE sign on it.

I'm heading over this afternoon to set up. I have two spaces and my trailer is loaded down with lots of model A and T goodies so please come by and say hello! Thankfully this is only an hour from my house so if I sell out Friday I can come home and restock! 😃 I just sold my model A Roadster so I may be in the market for something well sorted and ready to go. Model A or T touring, phaeton or pickup perhaps?

That's pretty cool, certainly something not often seen. I have a new found admiration for the model T after visiting Greenfield Village and the Gilmore last fall. Safe travels!