An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LockDoc** · 02-04-2012, 12:36 AM

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The original post when I got the truck is here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478066

I had to go to Pella, Iowa the other day so I took the ladies information that I got off the title for the '68 before I transferred it over to my name. I had looked the name up in the online white pages and there was a listing for her so I told the wife I was going to try to contact her. I had printed out a map from Google Maps and used it to locate the house. I went to the door and asked her if she used to own a Silver 1968 Chevrolet truck. She said she didn't but her late husband did. He bought the truck new in 1968 and they were married in 1969. He died 13 years ago and she kept the truck for a while because she couldn't make herself sell it. She said that her husband used it for daily transportation, hauling fire wood, hunting and fishing, and to pull his ski boat and small travel trailer with. She finally donated the truck to an organization that rehabilitated teenage alcoholics in Des Moines, Iowa because she thought her husband would approve of that. The truck was then purchased by the owner of the salvage yard at an auction that the rehabilitation organization had, but he never transferred the title into his name. The lady couldn't believe that I had bought the truck and was going to fix it up. I printed out a picture and took it with me and when I showed it to her I thought she was going to start crying. She said it brought back a lot of memories for her. She thanked me several times for stopping and wanted me to keep in touch. She still has her husbands wooden water skis and asked me if I wanted them to display in the back of the truck when I get it finished. I gave her my card and told her I would stop back the next time I was down that way. That trip made my day and I'm pretty sure it did hers too....

.. I was really happy to learn some history on the truck.

LockDoc

shawno72 · 02-04-2012, 12:50 AM

Great story. When I bought my 72 the old man gave me a long history of it. I would go by his house every so often and show him the progress. He liked that I could tell and every time I stopped I would a little more history of the truck. When I sold it I never had the heart to go by and tell him.
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black_sheep454 · 02-04-2012, 12:53 AM

Awesome story. Makes all the work worth it just for that.
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CG · 02-04-2012, 01:25 AM

Great story, now you have to finish the truck =)

**special-K** · 02-04-2012, 07:09 AM

That is an interesting story. One f those things where you could have thought about it and decided "maybe not" and now that you did "how could you not?" Life happens,but we can make it better and stuff like this is it.

Sicklajoie · 02-04-2012, 08:35 AM

Nice story

rsavage · 02-04-2012, 09:07 AM

It's a great story Leon. It never ceases to amaze me how these trucks leave a lasting positive impact on the lives of people.

sboris · 02-04-2012, 09:47 AM

That's cool. Gotta make that lady feel good thata piece of her husband is gonna live on..
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Street Smart · 02-04-2012, 10:20 AM

Great stuff!

toms68cst · 02-04-2012, 11:11 AM

I love it! I'm anxious to see your restoration progress.

yuccales · 02-04-2012, 11:31 AM

That was nice of you to swing by and talk to her, made her day I'm sure.

flashed · 02-04-2012, 12:01 PM

Thats a very nice story and a nice looking truck. I dont want to intrude on your post but I bought a 72 El Camino SS about 7 years ago from the second owner who had lost interest in it after owning it for 30 years and after I restored it I took it back to let them see it. His wife asked if I would sell it back to them and I told her no but that they could drive it any time they wanted ,she said ni I was just checking to see if you loved it as much as we did .I do love that El Camino and still not for sale .My 72 Chevy truck that is getting a frame off restoration was owned for 30 years by an old guy that finally realized he could not afford to fix it the way it deserved and when its finished he will get the same offer as the first as he did not really want to let it go. Keep us posted on your truck ,I love stories like yours.

dhaymaker · 02-04-2012, 01:19 PM

Fantastic story! I've bought and sold so many old cars and trucks. I've been able to find a few survivors, here and there, but this is certainly a "feel good" story! Good job.

factorystock · 02-04-2012, 02:14 PM

Another reason to restore it back to the way it left the dealers lot. There memories are of the way it looked back then, not of a new owners custom project creation. When paint color is changed and the original wheels and hubcaps are removed, the original owner's wouldn't even recognize it anymore.

**LockDoc** · 02-04-2012, 04:31 PM

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Many thanks to all. I won't be able to start on it until April or May with all of the other stuff I have going on right now. I need to get the Suburban finished up, then the '36 Ford.

LockDoc

factorystock · 08-26-2012, 10:58 AM

How about a gold medal along with the silver? This one also has the original one piece 16.5" rims with clips that accept the original 3/4 ton hubcaps. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...m=271040670401

**72 Super** · 08-26-2012, 11:42 AM

That was a great story.

**LockDoc** · 08-26-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factorystock

How about a gold medal along with the silver? This one also has the original one piece 16.5" rims with clips that accept the original 3/4 ton hubcaps.

Oooh, a big block truck too!! Looks like a nice truck but it doesn't have the buckets so it won't match...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72 Super

That was a great story.

Thanks. I haven't started on it yet so I feel bad about that....

**special-K** · 08-26-2012, 05:28 PM

You haven't started on it,yet? So,what's the story now?

**LockDoc** · 08-26-2012, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

You haven't started on it,yet? So,what's the story now?

I've been spending too much time in Jail...

Oh, and a couple of other projects too.

LockDoc

bobs409 · 08-27-2012, 06:46 AM

I have always wanted to contact some of the owners of my cars but never had the courage.

I just have a feeling that most would not be interested and would probably slam the door in my face or something worse. LOL

I will be taking the wrecker I'm restoring to visit it's past owner if he's still alive when it's done. Still not sure how that's going to go but you guys will hear about it good or bad next year hopefully.

**special-K** · 08-27-2012, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

I've been spending too much time in Jail...

Oh, and a couple of other projects too.

LockDoc

That's no excuse. I was just at the Eastern Museum of Motorsports Racing yesterday ( www.emmr.org ) where they have "The Prison Car" on display. I can't remember the racer's name,but he was in prison in MI (I believe) and they let him build this race care as a project for the inmates. So,you're going to have to come up with something better

. Oh ok,now I see you mentioned "other projects". Now I understand. So,how is your wife these days?

lil hoodlum · 01-22-2021, 02:15 AM

An old thread for sure, but a great story about how these trucks have stories behind them.

Thanks for sharing Leon.

Happy_dan · 01-22-2021, 08:57 AM

Fantastic!

I have a story about a 73 Camaro I was restoring. It was my friends car growing up and the car I met my wife in. We had gone on vacation in that car and when we got to the place, I stepped out and met my future wife. Love at first sight. LOL.

Anyway, a few years ago, I bought the car from him as he had kept it all these years. The documentation was there so I called the original owner. He bought the car in 73 and traded it in in 1974. I figured what the heck and called the number on the warranty information. To my surprise and his, he answered the phone. He was very surprised to hear from me and surprise the car was still around. He told me he traded a 69 Camaro SS 396 in for it figuring the next generation would be so much better. He hated it and traded it in a year later on a Corvette. He didn't like the car at all and was glad to have it gone. He was going to look and see if he had any paperwork from then, but never found any. Oh well, the car was a total rust bucket and after doing much of the metal work, I sold it and bought my truck. I am happy about that!

68Gold/white · 01-22-2021, 10:25 AM

I'll be looking for that build!!!

02-04-2012, 12:36 AM	#1
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,319	An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper - The original post when I got the truck is here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478066 I had to go to Pella, Iowa the other day so I took the ladies information that I got off the title for the '68 before I transferred it over to my name. I had looked the name up in the online white pages and there was a listing for her so I told the wife I was going to try to contact her. I had printed out a map from Google Maps and used it to locate the house. I went to the door and asked her if she used to own a Silver 1968 Chevrolet truck. She said she didn't but her late husband did. He bought the truck new in 1968 and they were married in 1969. He died 13 years ago and she kept the truck for a while because she couldn't make herself sell it. She said that her husband used it for daily transportation, hauling fire wood, hunting and fishing, and to pull his ski boat and small travel trailer with. She finally donated the truck to an organization that rehabilitated teenage alcoholics in Des Moines, Iowa because she thought her husband would approve of that. The truck was then purchased by the owner of the salvage yard at an auction that the rehabilitation organization had, but he never transferred the title into his name. The lady couldn't believe that I had bought the truck and was going to fix it up. I printed out a picture and took it with me and when I showed it to her I thought she was going to start crying. She said it brought back a lot of memories for her. She thanked me several times for stopping and wanted me to keep in touch. She still has her husbands wooden water skis and asked me if I wanted them to display in the back of the truck when I get it finished. I gave her my card and told her I would stop back the next time I was down that way. That trip made my day and I'm pretty sure it did hers too...... I was really happy to learn some history on the truck. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

02-04-2012, 12:50 AM	#2
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Great story. When I bought my 72 the old man gave me a long history of it. I would go by his house every so often and show him the progress. He liked that I could tell and every time I stopped I would a little more history of the truck. When I sold it I never had the heart to go by and tell him. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

02-04-2012, 12:53 AM	#3
black_sheep454 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lebanon, Mo. Posts: 1,315	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Awesome story. Makes all the work worth it just for that. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1968 chevy lwb, getting ready to join forces with the 70 gmc 1970 gmc swb, getting ready to be a 68 chevy swb 1971 gmc lwb 2500 2wd Sierra Grande 1988 chevy 1-ton crew cab 2wd waiting for a 12v cummins

02-04-2012, 01:25 AM	#4
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 19,769	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Great story, now you have to finish the truck =) __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … … Monroe Swap meet May 18-19. Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever. Lunch time BBQ at the spaces. If you have stuff to sell bring it along. If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291

02-04-2012, 07:09 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper That is an interesting story. One f those things where you could have thought about it and decided "maybe not" and now that you did "how could you not?" Life happens,but we can make it better and stuff like this is it. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-04-2012, 08:35 AM	#6
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,488	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Nice story __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

02-04-2012, 09:07 AM	#7
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper It's a great story Leon. It never ceases to amaze me how these trucks leave a lasting positive impact on the lives of people. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

02-04-2012, 09:47 AM	#8
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper That's cool. Gotta make that lady feel good thata piece of her husband is gonna live on.. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

02-04-2012, 10:20 AM	#9
Street Smart Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Brooklyn N.Y. Posts: 819	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Great stuff! __________________ 1967 GMC Suburban, Supercharged 6.2 LS with a 6l80e , my 11 second tow vehicle! pic in my profile 1987 GMC CrewCab Dually 6.0 LS/6L90e, new tow pig. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...=74049&cat=500

02-04-2012, 11:11 AM	#10
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,272	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper I love it! I'm anxious to see your restoration progress. __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

02-04-2012, 11:31 AM	#11
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,580	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper That was nice of you to swing by and talk to her, made her day I'm sure.

02-04-2012, 12:01 PM	#12
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,729	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Thats a very nice story and a nice looking truck. I dont want to intrude on your post but I bought a 72 El Camino SS about 7 years ago from the second owner who had lost interest in it after owning it for 30 years and after I restored it I took it back to let them see it. His wife asked if I would sell it back to them and I told her no but that they could drive it any time they wanted ,she said ni I was just checking to see if you loved it as much as we did .I do love that El Camino and still not for sale .My 72 Chevy truck that is getting a frame off restoration was owned for 30 years by an old guy that finally realized he could not afford to fix it the way it deserved and when its finished he will get the same offer as the first as he did not really want to let it go. Keep us posted on your truck ,I love stories like yours.

02-04-2012, 01:19 PM	#13
dhaymaker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peyton, CO Posts: 448	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Fantastic story! I've bought and sold so many old cars and trucks. I've been able to find a few survivors, here and there, but this is certainly a "feel good" story! Good job. __________________ don "The DRBMan" 2014 Audi A4 (The Wife's Daily Driver) 2017 HD Ultra (The Cruiser) 2003 HD Fatboy (The Ride) 2001 Chevy Suburban (Another back up!!) For the first time in forever, not a single 67-72 Chevy truck, Blazer, or Suburban on the property! Basically retired and getting the new Motorhome ready for some traveling. Doing a bit of work on the house getting it ready to sell! LOL!!

02-04-2012, 02:14 PM	#14
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,351	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Another reason to restore it back to the way it left the dealers lot. There memories are of the way it looked back then, not of a new owners custom project creation. When paint color is changed and the original wheels and hubcaps are removed, the original owner's wouldn't even recognize it anymore.

02-04-2012, 04:31 PM	#15
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,319	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper - Many thanks to all. I won't be able to start on it until April or May with all of the other stuff I have going on right now. I need to get the Suburban finished up, then the '36 Ford. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -



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08-26-2012, 10:58 AM	#16
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,351	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper How about a gold medal along with the silver? This one also has the original one piece 16.5" rims with clips that accept the original 3/4 ton hubcaps. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...m=271040670401

08-26-2012, 11:42 AM	#17
72 Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hyattsville, Maryland Posts: 3,677	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper That was a great story. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super (Purchased new by my parents in August of 71) Black and White

08-26-2012, 05:28 PM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper You haven't started on it,yet? So,what's the story now? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-27-2012, 06:46 AM	#21
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper I have always wanted to contact some of the owners of my cars but never had the courage. I just have a feeling that most would not be interested and would probably slam the door in my face or something worse. LOL I will be taking the wrecker I'm restoring to visit it's past owner if he's still alive when it's done. Still not sure how that's going to go but you guys will hear about it good or bad next year hopefully. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

01-22-2021, 02:15 AM	#23
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,695	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper An old thread for sure, but a great story about how these trucks have stories behind them. Thanks for sharing Leon.

01-22-2021, 08:57 AM	#24
Happy_dan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: New Boston, NH Posts: 456	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper Fantastic! I have a story about a 73 Camaro I was restoring. It was my friends car growing up and the car I met my wife in. We had gone on vacation in that car and when we got to the place, I stepped out and met my future wife. Love at first sight. LOL. Anyway, a few years ago, I bought the car from him as he had kept it all these years. The documentation was there so I called the original owner. He bought the car in 73 and traded it in in 1974. I figured what the heck and called the number on the warranty information. To my surprise and his, he answered the phone. He was very surprised to hear from me and surprise the car was still around. He told me he traded a 69 Camaro SS 396 in for it figuring the next generation would be so much better. He hated it and traded it in a year later on a Corvette. He didn't like the car at all and was glad to have it gone. He was going to look and see if he had any paperwork from then, but never found any. Oh well, the car was a total rust bucket and after doing much of the metal work, I sold it and bought my truck. I am happy about that! Last edited by Happy_dan; 01-22-2021 at 10:38 AM.

01-22-2021, 10:25 AM	#25
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,272	Re: An Interesting Story About My '68 CST/Custom Camper I'll be looking for that build!!!

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