HARDWAY stories AND some from OUR FOLLOWERS

THE STORY OF "OLD BLUE" - My 1954 3600 series Chevy Pickup. Purchased in 2010 by me, sold in 2013, just bought it back in late 2021
My first Grand - Henry - probably just before the truck left in 2013
Grandson Georgie saying goodby in 2013.
At daughter Cara and Josh's wedding at the winery 2012
At the Holden Green Tavern in Cassopolis, MI
Some of the original pictures as it came from Nebraska
ON THE LEFT - OLD BLUE BACK WHERE SHE BELONGS - HARDWAY GARAGE!
Being born in 1954 I always wanted a Chevy Pickup made in 54. Cruising Craigs list regularly, in mid 2010 I spotted this blue one in Galien Michigan. The doors were not on it and in the ad the owner said it was a project. It was posted quite a while so I eventually decided to take a ride as it was in the old mushroom hunting area Dad, brother Roger and I visited back in 1960ish. Wife Paula accompanied me for the ride. Upon arrival the seller had it pulled out of the barn for inspection. To my amazement there was not a rust hole in it - anywhere. He fired it up and showed me the receipts for the engine rebuild. He said that his Dad and his brother DROVE IT HOME from Nebraska in the late 90's. He had the engine rebuilt along with a few other items, put new wood in the bed, painted it the original color and painted everything else in flat black rustoleum as his intent was to use it as a work truck around the farm. He explained that his Dad passed away a few years ago before he got it done and he decided it was time to sell - when I asked about his Dad he didn't seem interested to talk much about it. His price seemed reasonable. Not having the cash and being the procrastinator I am, I said I would think about it and got in the car. Paula says - "what do you think". I said "it's a very solid truck - sadly his Dad passed before he could finish it". I started the car - and Paula says - "you can't leave that here" - it needs to be finished". Of course I perked up like a dog waiting for a treat from the UPS man. From 2010-2013 I got it all back together, painted the interior as original, new weatherstrip and window felts, restored the heater, fixed a couple of suspension issues, all new brakes, upholstered the seat - and drove it. Changed out the 456 “stump puller” rearend for a more drivable 410. I hauled trees, kids at the pumpkin patch, and took it to a few cruise-ins. Other priorities in 2013 came along and I decided to sell it. Regretting it as soon as it was on the flatbed on it’s way to NC. In November of 2021 I was telling my son Drew that the only vehicle I ever regretted selling was Old Blue. (short of my 1961 Corvette and 1969 Nova SS396) but that’s another story from a long time ago. So I decided to shoot the guy I sold it to a text – asked if he still had it – he said YES – he also said that within the last couple of hours he had actually told his wife that he was considering selling it! SO I BOUGHT IT BACK!!! He made a few improvements such as converting 6v to 12v, a new windshield and a new clutch and tailgate- as the original gate was full of dents. Danny took really good care of it and was pleased that I was getting it back. Thank you Danny.
That's me in 1973!
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US 30 dragstrip - merrillville, in
NO BIG THING AT US 30 - I HAVE A VIDEO - PUBLISHING SOON!
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wayne and dwayne
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1958 Chris-craft maiden voyage
Stay Tuned for all the details
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bernies general auto parts
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