1984 GMC 2500 – Patricia B.

Old Red

It was the end of the day. My coworker and I were wrapping things up when I suddenly heard the deep sound of a muffler; someone had pulled into our parking lot. I looked out the window but all I could see was the back of a 1983 GMC, a pair of white CB antennas with the red tips that were still swaying back and forth when he parked his truck. Shortly thereafter, a young man came into the office looking to rent an apartment. Never did I expect that almost 23 years later I would be telling a story of how we met, all because of the sound of that truck.

We had that truck, which we named Old Red, for several years after we were married. As a gift for our third anniversary, I had a friend of ours put in dual exhaust and wow, did it sound good! It was much more fun driving it around with that deep muffled sound! Unfortunately, later on we ran into some financial problems and sold it to his parents. I told Mom when they were done with it, I’d love to have it back but somehow the communication got lost. For years and years, I longed to have that truck back with us.

As time went on, the old truck got beat up, used up, and passed down to my brother-in-law who is now a mechanic. He is starting to fix little things when he can and is trying to get it painted soon. When we visit their hometown, I always have the wonderful opportunity to drive it whenever I please. This makes me happy!! To this day, he still gets compliments on that exhaust, too!

A few months ago, I made him an offer to buy Old Red but he wouldn’t budge. He told me he “really loves that truck” and something pulled at my heartstrings. I really care for my brother-in-law so I decided to start looking elsewhere for a similar truck and found one just a few weeks ago! It’s a 1984 GMC long bed, straight body, recent paint job (although not original) and in pretty good shape! It has had some things that needed immediate attention, including the exhaust. So, last week that same friend redid the exhaust system for us. You could tell that he was having fun doing it because he did the same system in this one as he had done 20 years ago in Old Red! Wow, does it sound great! Although it’s going to take some time and a little money here and there, eventually restoring this truck next to my sweetheart of 23 years will be such a great adventure! We are excited to get it done together![lmc_story_gallery]