Posted by Mark in ca [166.137.8.25] on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 23:02:31 :
I was 19yrs old and had been bitten by the power wagon bug. A local pw expert named Dave McD (not sure if he wants me posting his whole name here) was nice enough to bring me up to speed on the styles and models of truck both ffpw and pgpw. I set my sights on a 1957twpw. After some looking, a soon to be friend of mine Dave Cirrillo had a truck available. No motor, no trans, but it was real, and the price was something I could afford $1500.
So off to Oregon to go grab it!! Dave McD mentioned that Rick Sultan was also in the same area, and we should look at his trucks as well..he had many, they were for sale as well. As we pulled into Sultans, it was power wagon heaven..seemed like he had 25 running, driving trucks. One truck however stood out above the rest...it had a dried rose placed on the dash....great patina....and it was an open cab ffpw fire truck. I remember looking at that truck and thinking it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen....and.that it was the most expensive truck in the whole place....I was right. Way more than I could dream of affording at $8000. However it started a life long obsession with these unique fire trucks.
ANYHOW, got the 57. Found original315 motor and trans, took engine rebuilding class at pierce college and had everyone shaking their head
Asking if it was a 409 chevy??? Got truck running and driving and ran out of money to take it any further..so it was sold to a collector.....never saw it again.
So. Here's the full circle part. That fire truck I fell in love with was the 1958 van pelt from walnut creek ca in the contra costa county district. After 23 years....the current owner just sold it to me. I have all the parts to bring it back to correct original and will do so as soon as it arrives. It may not be the flashiest truck in my garage...but it's the one that hold the most meaning.
So what happened to the 57 twpw?
A gentleman approached me at the Las Vegas mopar show asking , "arent you the power wagon guy?" I said "probably". And laughed.... He said your the guy who should have this truck..I have a truck you should buy..it's on my property in Idaho . He shows me a picture of a 57 twpw...I'm pretty sure it was my old truck. Yes I bought it. Awaiting restoration in a friend of mines capable hands. Both trucks from my beginning in the same year...full circle. 2014. What a year
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