Posted by Drew M. on February 15, 2000 at 09:01:24:
In Reply to: sad PW posted by Stewart Crane on February 14, 2000 at 20:44:57:
Obviously the truck means alot to them. They probably don't want the truck to rust away either b/c they would lose their memorial. If you're local, maybe you could spark the restoration bug in them or they would pay for paint/parts if you fixed it up for them as a static display.
This does a few things. First, it preserves the ol' truck. Second, it helps to preserve the family's memories of the grandfather. Third, you will get the opportunity to hone your restoration skills and learn from mistakes before touching your own truck(s). Fourth, you'll likely make some friends. They sound like good people. Fifth, you may get them interested in driving the truck again (target the grandsons). Sixth, who know's, maybe they will see how you too love the truck and think grandpa would you want to have it and sell/give it to you.
I got my M37 only because the seller saw I loved it just like her late-father. He bought it planning to restore it but got ill and passed away. I told her I wanted the truck and offered to drive the 200 miles to leave a deposit until I could get a way to bring the undriveable truck home. She said she could tell I wantred the truck and said she'd hold the truck w/o a deposit until I came the following weekend. Meanwhile someone offered her $500 over my price before I could pick up the truck or leave a deposit. She turned him down b/c he planned to just resell or part out the truck. She wanted the buyer to carry out her father's intentions and fix up the truck. Before I left,she asked me to someday show her the truck after it's fixed up. In 2001 it should be ready to show her.
-Drew M.