Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

I thought the Wichita mini-meet attendees might like a preview of my Dad's 65 one ton Suburban which he'll be driving to the meet.

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

That's a beast Ed! I like those bigol tires, the dual spot lights, and.......are those the original side windows?

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

If I remember right, Foley, the front tires are 12 x 16.5 and the rears are 12.50 x 16.5. Dad had to have the rear wheel openings enlarged to accommodate them. Darryl Starbird's shop in Wichita did that work as well as some of the work converting the rear opening from doors to liftgate/tailgate. If you're not familiar with Starbird, see http://www.darrylstarbird.com/starbird.htm.

I don't remember how Dad managed to find the Young Windows company in 1965, but I see they're still in business: www.youngwindows.com. Dad designed the custom made windows to match the angle of the B pillars. I remember them arriving at the house in a wooden crate. He and I worked on converting the panel into a Suburban with 4 rows of seats to accommodate us 9 kids.

A little more about it: Dad ordered it with almost all the options available at the time -- custom trim, power steering, power brakes, front bumper guards, clock, tach, no-spin rear end, and probably more than I'm forgetting. I think the spotlights were dealer-installed. Before he took delivery, he had the dealer swap out the 305E for a 351C. He also installed an auxiliary 20 gallon saddle tank. The tallest rear ratio available in the 2500 series was a 4.56, so he had an overdrive box installed to drop that to about a 3.4 ratio for better highway cruising.

We went on lots of vacation trips in it, pulling a 24' Avion travel trailer, going to the mountains in Colorado or back to New York to visit relatives. Dad had the truck/trailer combination weighed one time on a truck scales -- about 12,000 pounds. Good memories! I guess that means I've been a fan of the V6 for almost 50 years now.

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

That's so cool! What great memories... (even if there was nine kids... LOL)

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

Hope this message works, I have had issues in the past......

I want to thank Ed for more or less getting this Mini-Meet promoted.

I have committed to work/help at a car show the place I work at is hosting on Sat. the 21st. Awards are given out @ 3pm. Debating on staying in Topeka or Wichita Fri night. Really depends on what time I get out of St Charles. 5 hours to Topeka, 7 to Wichita. I am hoping to be out of Car Show by 5...... We shall see.

Also debating on what to drive..... 78 GMC gets 6-8 mpg Family car gets 28-32. 850-900 miles round trip.

Never mind about the debating..... Even though I love showing off the 78, the 80 gallons of fuel difference has made up my mind. But I will bring pics!!!!!! LOL

Looking forward to seeing some old friends and hopefully making some new ones!!!!

RustyNut

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

Pics vs 80 gallons of gas, that's no contest! Hopefully the Powder Puff and I can make it, even for pics. You should see about trying to post them pics on here too Rusty so everyone can see. I made a video about doing it here. :giggity:


See you there!

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

Jeannie?????

I think this thing is working...... For how long I do not know..... LOL

You gonna make the 3 hr drive to meet us in Wichita?

Rusty

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

Thank you RustyNut, however Tom would be unhappy with me for weeks. I will be looking forward to updates from the attendees....And mind the language on the board please :)

:superhug:

-Jeannie

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

Ed caught my typo/brain fart. I am planning on staying SAT night NOT FRI night in either Topeka or Wichita depending on what time I get out of St Louis.

Re: Mini-Meets/Get-Togethers
 

You need to get rid of that gas-guzzling 78 GMC, Rusty, and get an economical V6 to replace it. Set up like Rick Rusconi's 62 (lightweight half ton short bed, 3.08 gears, overdrive trans) you could easily double your mileage.