Lifer's Truck

[Lifer]

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have to report that my beloved project truck is on its way to a new home in Madison, Wisconsin. "Westech," from the Steel Soldiers forum, brought a friend of his down to pick it up this morning. The infamous Murphy made an appearance just as we almost had the truck on the trailer and Westy's winch stripped its gears. The truck proved how well it can roll off a trailer that's already pointed uphill. We ended up pulling it up the hill from my daughter's back yard with a couple of tow straps attached to the back of the trailer. Once we got it onto level ground, we had to turn it around and get it onto the trailer. I was able to pull it around and up with my Dakota pickup with only a little bit of wheel spin when the front axle started coming up the ramp. Unloading the rebuilt engine from the bed of my Dakota turned out to be easy. I guess Murphy had gone home to lunch, because my tailgate turned out to be exactly the same height as Westy's trailer deck. I just backed up to it and we slid the engine off the truck and onto the trailer. Westy and his friend are happy, my daughter is happy, and my wife is more than happy.

I'm not. Oh, well. I simply had to face reality. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing that it's going to a loving home.

[Nickathome]

Lifer;

Sorry to hear that your truck is out of your hands. But, things must be reasoned through and if the truck had to go, it had to go, simple as that. You're lucky in that you can rest assured its going to a good home. When I sold my first M37( years ago bought it before I was really ready to get into the MV hobby), a guy came with cash and I let it go, only to find out the kid was going to "modify it" in his words. My heart sank, but then again what can you do, I wasn't able to work on the truck, and needed the money to pay bills.

Please stay with our family here, I for one appreciate your advice and insight.

[Lifer]

Y'all can't get rid of me! I don't have a truck any more, but I still have opinions and advice...which may well be worth exactly what ya pay for 'em. I'll continue to contribute both on a regular basis.

[SierraM37]

Whatcha gonna do with all that extra time on your hands! Sacrifices are what life is, unless you have unlimited cash on hand.

[Lifer]

Cash flow wasn't the problem, actually. I tend to be rather frugal in the first place, and the wife didn't know what I had tied up in the truck, so there was no dispute involved about "household" funds being diverted.

The real problem is my health. I have a type of muscular dystrophy which really limits how much I can do. I was on huge doses of Prednisone (a steroid) for about 8 yers and am still on a "moderate" maintenance dose. The steroids caused me to develop cataracts within the first year, leading to lens replacement in both eyes. This turned out to be a good thing, however, as I can see better than I ever could before. The other side effects of the steroids which invaded my life include Type II diabetes, severe asthma, and emphysema. I have to use a walker to get around the house, now, and am getting a power wheelchair for when I go shopping with the wife. It will also help me get around if I can ever get to any of the various festivals/outdoor events that I used to go to all the time.

Anyway, those health limitations are why I let my truck go. There's just no way I'll ever be able to restore another vehicle. When I find another MV (and you know I will), I will try it on for size and make sure it's in motor-pool ready condition before I reach for my wallet.

[Cal_Gary]

There is no requirement for actually having a rig to participate in this forum, so keep your advice and opinions coming Lifer-we appreciate it!

You were one of the first to welcome me when I joined, and I've never forgotten that
Gary

[skinnedknuckles]

Lifer,
Hot dang another m37 in the neighborhood. He's only 30 minutes away from me . It would be pretty cool to have a m37 get together at one of the local cars shows once we get them done ( I'm restoring a m37 B1 right now from the ground up) and post them on here . I know that your m37 is in good company
Paul in Janesville, Wis.
I have gallons of O.D. green what should I paint next

[HingsingM37]

Lifer,
My condolences on the separation of you and your rig. Sounds like it is leaving one good home for another. You best stick around here on the forum sir as we have all grown to know you as an integral part of our community and value your input