The Object of My Dejection

For whatever the reason, I think most guys want to rebuild a classic car. Whether that project results in a hotrod or a refurbishment into an original rendition is irrelevant. I’m no different. I have always wanted to rebuild a classic. Obvious obstacles to this desire are the cost and to a lesser degree the time involved. I say lesser because if you are going to do it right then the time needed is not the burden. The cost can be metered over time so that too can be controlled.

My 1970 El Camino

Sadly I’ve had classic cars in the past but did not know they were classic when I had them. I had a 1972 GTO as well as a 1970 El Camino. I would love to have either of these cars again; especially the El Camino. I purchased it for $1,000 and sold it three years later for $1,200 so, at the time, I thought I did well. Almost every day I think of that El Camino and regret my decision to sell it.

About a year ago I was speaking to one of my cousins and he asked if I knew of anyone who wanted to buy a Dodge truck. I’m not a Dodge fan so knew I was not interested but asked a few questions about the truck in the event I came across someone who might be in need of it. When he told me what year it was he got my full attention; it was a 1946. And, after he told me this was the truck my Grandfather purchased in 1947 my interest peaked and before he even mentioned a price I told him I would take it off his hands.

The ’46 Dodge when we pulled it from my cousin’s garage.

I remembered riding in this truck with my uncle when I was a child; my Grandfather did not drive anything other than a tractor. I sat in the middle with my uncle to the left and my Grandfather to my right.

My 1946 Dodge – Picture taken, we think, in 1948. Left to right: My Uncle Ed, My Mom and My Dad.

The truck has a colorful past spending the vast majority of its life as a farm truck and more often than not did not have a valid license plate. From the day my Grandfather purchased it the truck was bought and sold a number of times, but always stayed within the immediate family. For the past 20+ years it sat in my cousin’s garage waiting on his intent to rebuild it. The truck is 100% complete (and original) and considering its age and the life it led in very good condition. The price was better than right. After curiosity got the best of me I did some looking and found a number of ’46 Dodge trucks for sale.   The cheapest I found on line had a price tag twice the amount I paid and had no engine or transmission and the frame was from a Chevy S10 variant.

OK, so thus far life is good. I have a classic in hand, paid very little for it and it is 100% complete and original. And to top that, this truck was my Grandfather’s truck. So, other than the fact that I sold the perfect classic car for $1,200, where does the dejection come in?

Well, you’ll have to wait for part 2 get that information.