Re: first truck

Posted by Paul in MN on April 28, 2016 at 19:40:14 from (65.128.152.175):

In Reply to: first truck posted by pete black on April 28, 2016 at 16:32:47:

My first truckswere not really mine, but were assigned to me for use within Many Point Scout Camp in 1962. There was the 1/2 ton 49 Dodge PU a pretty good truck, but it had been in the north woods for too many years. Everything was loose from the rough roads and off road duty. While driving it on the twisty roads one day one of the tie rods jumped off and we hit a tree dead center. But it was resurected for more abuse. The other vehicle I was assigned at that same time was an English Ford van (for telephone repair work). It was a 1958 Thames 800, a predecessor to the the Ford Econoline van of 1965. The Thames was the most miserable piece of junk, a 4 cylinder engine which might have 3 cylinders working on a good day. I had to carry spare spark plugs and plug wrench because it fouled out its plugs so frequently. The good part was you could sit in the drivers seat with the engine cover off and change plugs, no bending over needed. It was the most gutless vehicle known. Sometimes I'd have to back down a hill and then take a run at it to get to the top. It is a good thing Ford did not import more of that British junk.

Meanwhile I drove $50 cars and carried a toolbox and knew how to use it.

My first real truck was an IH Travelall 1100, 1963. I bought it with 80,000 miles and drive it to 300 K. I began my snowplowing business with that tough old beast and it became the carpenter's tool van as I built houses in the 70's. In 1968, I drove it up the AlCan highway and successfully brought it back for many more years of use and abuse. It had the 304 V-8 and a 4 speed with granny gear. The only options were radio, super heater, and a 2nd gas tank. I bought a few more IH PUs and Travelalls up until they went out of production in 1975. They were all used vehicles but were as tough as a B series Mack in the drive train.

Good memories!

Paul in MN

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