1966 Ford Pickup. I Rule.

I'm channeling Lester Burnham this evening - if you've seen American Beauty, then you probably get the reference to this scene where Lester lets his wife know about his "new" 1970 Pontiac Firebird - the car of his dreams.  I love that dang flick.   

But I didn't quit my job or blackmail the efficiency consultant.  Nope...this is all about a man named J. and a dream.  A dream of a pickup truck born the same year as he was:  1966.  And it's a finally a reality.

Behold the 1966 Ford pickup.  Grab your hubbies, ladies, because we're about to engage in some serious old truck love. 

Whoa....not so close!  Back it up a little bit....

At 46 years old, she's not perfect but alot of work has been done to the body and the cab mounts (which are what tend to rust out on these).  But we all have a little wear and tear on us when we hit 46, right?  The window is cracked, the window seals are shot, and a couple of the trim pieces are gone off the body, but the body itself is just about right as rain.  No dents!

She's straight off the farm in Lincoln, MO where she was toting firewood and hay.  According to the owner, who was at the auction, the 240 straight 6 engine was rebuilt by Ford and only has about 1000 miles on it since the rebuild.  He also added 6 new tires, new exhaust, new heavy duty hitch, new water pump, and a new battery.  She's got good bones.

Did I mention she's a 3/4 ton dually with a flatbed?

I can see her with a shiny new black paint job, fresh chrome grill and Cranky Puppy Farm signs on the doors.   And maybe some Rhino lining on the flatbed.

She's styling on the inside also.  Check out the gear shift.

And the dash is pretty original and in great shape.  This truck was never fitted with radio!  I can't wait to get my hands on it and make it shine again.

And here's J. driving her home from the auction last night in Sedalia.  He looks right at home with his farmer's straw hat, doesn't he?

When I first met J., he owned a black long bed 1966 Ford pickup that we both loved.  Heck, I used to tease him that I fell for his truck and he was just a package deal.  LOL.  

1950?  Nope, just J. showing his ShaNaNa cool. Note the cigs rolled up in the sleeve.  Those orange Converse are the reason we ended up together.  Who can resist a man in orange high tops?.

But, for some crazy reason, he decided to sell it.  And we've mourned that decision ever since.  We've searched far and wide for a replacement and it's taken a LONG time but we finally found her.  It was love at first site when we pulled into the auction lot last night.  We had to fight off one other person but we weren't to be denied.  She was all ours.

And the best part about it?  The huge smile on J.'s face. 
He owns a 1966 Ford 3/4 ton pickup and

HE RULES!

I've shared this with this week's Shoot.Edit.Submit,  Ole Saturday Homesteading Trading Post, Your Sunday Best and Weekly Top Shot hops.