How True It Is!

As the great D-Lo* has pointed out in my last posting of Project Stovebolt, Betsy has a bit of what we call a rust problem. Yes and when I say problem this is the kind that would require counseling.

She was born in a factory, raised on a farm, and retired in the field. No thanks to her previous resting place and the indigenous wet, ever damp, rust friendly environment in the beautiful northwest, she has developed a rust habit.

This is all okay. We are working with her, first on getting the current problem areas under control. Once this process is through and the engine runs, and the brakes stop, and the running gear, well runs, we will start parading her around town, to see who the lucky metal and paintsmith will be to cut loose with their handy work. Then this true blue Betsy girl will ride again.

If anyone has any recommendations of autobody or paint shops within a 1,000 mile radius of the hill we live on please advise.

Until the next blogging, always remember bare metal, rain, and being 57 years old will result in Betsy.

*Note: D-Lo is the reason I even know what a blog is. Call it inspiration, call it infection, I call it blogging.

Betsy is Her Name'O

How did this all start?

It just happens that my truck is approaching a ripe age and dons nearly 180,000 miles. Hence, it was time to start looking for a possible replacement. That is when it clicked that rather than buy a new truck, why not find a classic something with some character, that could meet the demands of the garden, and the occasional household remodel haul.

So I set out to find my childhood dream, a classic stepside truck. Eventually my internet search lead me to a truck in Lakeview, WA that has come to be known as "Betsy". She has wheels, tires, brakes, an engine, all the windows, a fairly straight body, and even some rust to boot.

After some negotiations we were proud to take delivery of "Bets'" late last fall. Due to our Seattle weather, progress over the winter has been slow but we are excited to see what spring provides. The goal is to get the engine running, go through the brake system, and then put a stop to our little friend called rust.

The story has only begun....

Z.