Saturday, May 14, 2016

Adventures in Moving

Following Rev. Paul’s move to their new home sparked a few memories.


Growing up my family must have moved at least a dozen times if not more. When I was in the 7th grade my parents were able to buy a small ranch where they stayed for several years. My father often said the best way to move was with a 5 gallon can of gasoline and a book of matches.

1970's  found my bride and I living in a West Salt Lake City apartment. We bought a house in Granger and were in the process of moving when my father showed up. He was on his way to a fishing trip in Oregon but pitched in to help with the move. All the light stuff was already moved but the heavy furniture remained.

  “Where is your hand truck” my father asked?

   “Huh” was my reply.

Off we went to a rental yard and got a furniture hand truck. Damned if it didn’t make things easier and faster. Of course, there was the whole sotto voice remarks about raising a dumb kid, the picking up  the car and setting it on the jack, etc. Still the help was most appreciated.

When we relocated to Seattle, I bought a used International 18’ box truck for the move. We got everything in it except the dog house. That got lashed to the back. Spoiled the otherwise professional look I believe.

That truck paid for the move. A plumbing contractor bought it for twice what I paid for it and was happy to get the truck. I was happy to sell it, profit or not, because I used it to commute for three weeks. Fun, fun, fun on Seattle hills and narrow streets.

After each move I swear it is my last one. I will undoubtedly be saying it again.

The definitive bumper sticker.

   “Yes that is my truck. No I won’t help you move”

One hazard in writing a blog is being sidetracked. While looking for a photo came across this.



Two hours later returned to the search.

Seems fully restored El Caminos can bring as much as $100,000. Maybe less for this one.


Anybody interested in a project?

Probably should quit about now.

8 comments:

Old NFO said...

Oh, THAT was a time sink... 59 Elky? Depends on how complete it is...

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Frame and unibody. Nothing front of the firewall. Believe it is a 59 the way the fins flair but I'm not real good on the foreign stuff. Now if it was a Ranchero.....

Coffeypot said...

I love those old trucks, especially the late 50's and early 60's models. But I can't afford one in good shape now days. Hell, I paid more in sales tax on my F150 than those old trucks cost new... near bouts. (old Southern saying).

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Saw a rare one is Scottsbluff this year. Crew Cab Dodge 4x4 diesel short bed. Probably around a 1990 and a Detroit Diesel. Didn't get a chance to talk to the driver.

In a nearby town is a 1946 Ford Australian ute, right hand drive. First one I've ever seen.

Old NFO said...

Yep, it's a 59 El Camino. With no front clip, that would be EXPENSIVE to get back on the road!

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Yeah, take a year just to find the missing parts. Wandering around spotted a 1950's era Mercedes 180. Body still good but not much left of it.

What I was looking for were decent seats out of 1st generation Mitsubishi 2 dr Montero/Dodge Raider. They will bolt right in my Mighty Max.

Momma Fargo said...


We moved once. I could not have stood for another. It broke my heart but was the best thing my mom and dad did. I like to be grounded in one place. Now as an adult...I was finally settled in my dream home and uprooted myself. Gah. Been off balance ever since.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

I got inured. Attended at least six schools before the 7th grade.