Part of the Family: 1946 Dodge Truck Owned Since High School
After restoring this 1946 Dodge half ton pickup in high school, it’s been a mainstay of the owner’s life ever since.
Cars move us – not just physically, but metaphorically as well. When you spend most of your life with the same car, you tend to get attached. You might even give it a name. In the case of Dan, he’s named his 1946 Dodge half-ton pickup truck “Bill.”
As the story goes, Dan first became acquainted with Bill when he was still in high school. At the time, he was studying to be an auto mechanic. In the video from EverStory, it’s explained that he was offered the derelict Dodge by a family member under the condition that he wouldn’t customize it or scrap it.
It was in rough shape, requiring a total restoration. The bed was seemingly filled with yard trash, and many components were missing. After cleaning out the Bed, Dan was treated to a pleasant surprise.
Thankfully, most of those missing parts came with the truck and resided in the bed. As for an engine, he pulled one from the junkyard and swapped it in. With some help from an uncle, Dan got Bill running again.
From then on, he continuously worked on improving the truck. The year after graduating, he had Bill painted its current metallic blue hue. He even courted his wife in the truck, and unlike many enthusiasts, he kept it even after starting a family. Not many of us can say we still have our high school ride.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Dan has dutifully maintained the truck and kept his promise to his cousin’s husband. The truck has remained stock, but it still gets new goodies now and again. Last year, Bill got fresh tires, a Christmas gift from Dan’s wife.
These days, you’ll find a Soap Box Derby car riding around in Bill’s bed. Dan explains that his love of all things mechanical started during his childhood with one of these simple gravity-powered race cars.
The car hobby can mean a lot of different things to enthusiasts. For some, it’s about the pursuit of speed, of perfection, of the passion and the glory. For Dan and Bill, it’s all about enjoying the ride.
Join the Dodge Forums now!
