Welcome to Thisoldtruck.org, a digital scrapbook and tribute to the incredible journey of Dale DeRossett and his trusty 1964 Chevy truck. For nearly 60 years, this truck has been more than just a vehicle; it has been a member of the family, a vessel for adventure, and a witness to a lifetime of memories.
The Story of a Legend
Dale DeRossett purchased his Chevy in 1965 when it was just a year old with a mere 1,200 miles on the odometer [01:39]. Originally a “real truck” featuring a 292 cubic inch six-cylinder engine and a four-speed stick shift, it was built for work. But Dale had a different vision: adventure.
To prepare for a life on the road, Dale added a 10-foot Camp King cab-over camper [01:51]. Over the decades, the truck evolved alongside the family. Dale upgraded it with a 350 V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, and air conditioning—transforming it into a classic that “drives like a modern truck” [01:15].
Adventures Across the Map
From the dusty trails of Mexico to the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Dale and his family have seen it all from the cab of this Chevy. Some of their most cherished memories include:
- National Park Tours: Exploring Yellowstone, Death Valley, and the Pacific Coast [11:03].
- The Dune Buggy Days: As members of the American Buggy Association, the family would tow a custom-built dune buggy to Pismo Beach and Calico Ghost Town for monthly desert excursions [10:45].
- The Great Canadian Trek: A massive journey crossing the ferry to Vancouver Island and traveling across the Canadian mainland [11:15].
- The Three-Tank Strategy: With three gas tanks totaling 54 gallons, Dale could drive over 400 miles without stopping—a feature that famously panicked his teenage kids when they thought they were running out of gas on the freeway [04:23].
A Legacy on Wheels
Whether it was catching raccoons at a campsite [15:14], hunting at Tule Lake [16:42], or hauling rocks for a home project at the age of 97 [24:12], Dale and his truck have never stopped moving.
Thisoldtruck.org is here to chronicle these stories—the breakdowns in 120-degree heat, the “cementery” ghost stories, and the simple joy of a drive to get a McDonald’s shake. It’s a celebration of a man who still fixes his own radiator and a truck that, after 58 years, is “better now than when I bought it”