I recently added a 1970 GMC tow truck to my expanding collection of vintage cars and trucks. I have a preference for trucks that have a special utility and since fire trucks are just too big I decided long ago I wanted a vintage tow truck. Although I would prefer a truck from the 50's or earlier this one was available at a good price and in nice running condition. My problem now is how to get it insured. I was surprised when GRUNDY turned me down. I thought maybe they thought I was going to use it commercially so I reapplied with detail about my intent to keep it as a collector truck but got turned down again even though I have several other cars and trucks insured with them.
So now I am searching for another insurance vender. If you have experience with one that will cover a tow truck for a collector let me know. Thanks, Jim
I have been enjoying the great weather in Melbourne, Florida. Over the last six week my son and I built this 1929 Huckster. It is almost complete here and we have since added the roof material and the seats. We had it out running around last weekend. Michael is going to continue to work on the sheet metal. The engine is origional. It needed a replacement starter and generator that I had on hand from a spare engine I picked up last year just in case I might need some parts.
I was in Los Angeles for Thankgiving and went to the LA Car Show. Granted, it not about Old Cars although there were a few like a recreation of the James Dean Porche and an orgional Cobra that had been run hard and put up wet. I snapped a few cell phone pix as I went around. I couldn't for the life of me name them now. By the way, that cute gal in the pix with the James Dean Porche is my daughter.
I am working on one of my newly acquired VW's. It is my first Baja. So far it seems to be in better shape than I should expect based on the price I paid. The windup windows were converted to the "Cal Look" single pane style and they work fine but were not set in the correct rails so they leak. The Door upholstery was ruined by moisture but that's an easy fix. The new ones come in a pack from Mid America at a price so low most Old Cars readers not familiar with VW parts would think you are paying for one kick panel. That's one of the things I really enjoy about Volkswagens. The replacement parts are mostly very inexpensive and easily acquired.
Back to the doors. The previous owner had neglected to put the moisture barrier in before installing the door upholstery. If your car never sees rain you can get by without it but why take the risk. Any piece of plastic taped or glued in place will work. The car had an open slot where the radio should have been but fortunately I have a thing about radios and carburetors. If I see them for $5 at a swap meet I get them. I had one stacked in the shelf that was the original AM Sapphire that came with the car. The seats were very well upholstered considering the cheap slip covers that were over them. Unfortunately the prior owner continued to slide the seats back and forth on the adjustment tracks long after the plastic clips that avoid any metal on metal contact had worn away. The plastic clips are less than $5 and they protect $100 or more seats. Some damage had been done but I think I got them back on track (pun intended) with a little shade tree mechanical modifications.
I haven't started to look at the engine yet. It appears complete and I expect it to be fine with a new fuel pump, and a normal tune-up. I usually put off the engine to late in the restoration because I know as soon as I get a car running I want to drive it so I get all the other road worthy requirements taken care of first.
If you are still reading I assume you have an interest in VW's along with your other Old Cars. If so, maybe you have seen the same lack of overlap between VW owners and other Old Cars owners. It surprises me that there is so little overlap because the VW is much like a stovebolt or a Model T/A; underpowered, easy to fix and a classic design. I go to several VW meets a year and have several versions of VW's; most of which need some additional repair to be road worthy. I am interested in VW's because my Dad had one when they were so scarce that you would wave to the driver of another if you saw one and most certainly stop and share a spare fan belt with another stranded driver. To this day I always carry a spare fan belt. That was back in the 50's. I now own a couple "Ovals", a Single Cab, a Sand Rail, a Fat Chick, and a Baja. Hopefully many of those names are familiar to some of you. If not you may check out VW's and get one to tinker with.
