jimy Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 (edited) Well, it has been a long wait, but my great-grandfather's 1935 Dodge pickup is back on the road for the first time since the early 1950's. He had a vegetable farm in Maine, NY and the primary use of the truck was to deliver vegetables to cafeterias for the Endicott-Johnson shoe factories in the Binghamton NY area. I believe these "cafeterias" commonly fed entire families, not just the workers. He passed away in 1958 so I never met him. My dad has memories of learning to drive it in the fields and my (younger) uncle recalls getting some rides.I believe my uncle was given the truck by his grandmother in the early to mid 60's. He did get it running at that point and ran it around the neighborhood a couple of times. He never got around to restoring it like he wanted, and my cousin (his son) didn't see it happening for him either. So I was deemed "most likely to restore". I am somewhat capable of the job, but given a history of some unfinished projects I decided to hire the job out. Well, that ended up taking about 12 years - but that is likely quicker that I would have managed!So the truck was delivered a few weeks ago and we have perhaps 75 miles on it - not too bad considering the early winter we are getting here. It was a lot of fun showing it and giving rides to my dad and uncle. I drove it to my uncles for a surprise and ended up being surprised myself. My aunts 97 year old father has just moved in with them and I learned he knew my great-grandfather very well, had delivered vegetables in the truck himself several times, and he was very happy to see the old truck again. I was thrilled to be able to give him a ride.I've never driven anything older than 1959, so driving this has been a bit of an adjustment. Definitely a slower pace than I am used to. The last standard shift I owned was a Miata so it takes a very conscious effort to slow my shifting down. There are a few bugs to be worked out on it, which is fine with me - I need to have my fingers in this too. I have added rear turn signals which should make me a little more relaxed driving it. I will be down in the Dodge forums asking questions soon...I have included an old "before" picture and then a few from the other day...Jim Edited November 30, 2014 by jimy added links to new pics (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Harmatuk Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 Like. ! ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhambulldog Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 Very nice !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleach Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 (edited) You can try using a photo hosting site an the copy the link the paste it using the "inset image" icon at the top of the reply box. Edited November 30, 2014 by Bleach (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 Sweet truck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 Nice truck and I hope you use it a lot. To wait 12 years for that seems worth it now. Enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 A nice truck and a wonderful story of genuine happiness ? Enjoy.Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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