But the call for help gave you and I an opportunity to drive over to the Masters Lair at the big farm workshop and see how The Dodge is doing. The 53 Dodge Pick-Up Truck that was released from the barn and is getting ready for its new life as a roadside vegetable stall attraction! 
It has been cleaned, not painted though as I do like the old look it has. And Our John is pleased to be able to announce that it RUNS! The motor not only starts, but it will also idle. 
But it does not STOP yet, hence the pumping of the brakes. Tonton and I were put in the cab and hoisted to the ceiling, then John realised he had left his wrench on the hubcap and we were let back down with a hiss, the wrench retrieved, then once more we were hoisted up. Between the brake pumping I inspected the rather complicated dashboard.
OK seems simple enough, pull throttle, choke the choke, turn key. Or is it turn the key pull the choke, throt the throttle? Is it in order from left to right? Well it is an old Dodge Pick Up! What does Pick Up mean anyway? Head surely must mean headlights. Panel? There is a Panel? I need to consult. 
I was told there is a problem with the oil gauge, I am guessing Rust but not being a mechanic or in fact not being, in any way, prone to Tinkering with Motors or Messing about in Boats for that matter, I would not hazard that particular guess Out Loud! There are times in a girls life when it is best to just push when told to push and stop when told to stop. It is enough to sit 1o feet up in the air, playing with my new steering wheel and making like Jethro out of the Beverly Hillbillies. Maybe I should put a rocking chair in the back for Ma!
Once we were lowered to the floor of the workshop on the hissy thing Dog and I dutifully went to inspect the motor. Look what we found!
A horn! Seeing my excitement John leapt to the steering wheel and blasted me straight into the world of the deaf. Then he produced the prize. A hood ornament. He found this in his collection of stuff that resides in the workshop. 
The Dodge Ram. Who could say no to a shiny hood ornament on a rusted dilapidated old truck. It is the perfect juxtaposition of shiny and rusty.
There are issues with the fuel tank (it being rusted right out) and having no muffler (rusted out also) and shuddering tires (perished rubber). But all in all, as we went for a slow wee drive, John showing me the little quirks and foibles I would need to know for driving it up and down the lane laden with asparagus, I decided that my new truck was in pretty good shape. It did quite well for an old truck that had sat in the barn for 12 years with chickens using it as a nesting box. Ton will have to start riding on the deck though like a real Dog, with his tongue hanging out and not squashing the tomatoes in his excitement! 
The sun is coming up today into a clear cold sky. SUN! Now, I know I was going to do my award list this morning but we have once again run out of time. Tomorrow I shall get up earlier and have that ready for you by dawn. So I hope you will forgive me having your weekend reading a day late. I do enjoy that page. But Duty and Daisy calls.
Good Morning.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
64 responses to “Pumping Brakes is Girls Work evidently”
Excellent, as usual and interesting read. BUT what happened to the Kreativ Blogger award that I awarded you? Just wondering’…
Ronnie
check yesterday ronnie! c
As you know “love” is a word that I feel is used too lightly, too often and I’m not a car fanatic in any way but that Dodge truck presses all the right buttons for me. I fully throtted with love. My option is to find an old Citroen 2CV truck as a riposte, but I think they cost as much as new car with the current feeling of “shabby chic”. I’ll have to wait until people want shiny things again.
It is a dear wee truck. I also am not of the car fanatic cut but this is one vehicle that I enjoy having on the property and also in the background of farmy shots! c
It’s wonderful that it is not only highly decorative but also useful. Enjoy your new means of transport-cum-sales-stall. May it make your fortune.
Me too Viv, as satisfying as it is to Save money i don’t mind making a little. Though it will be only be pin money, it will help my beleagured travel account.. c
J.E.A.L.O.U.S. Love that truck. Can’t wait to see the asparagus stand in action.
Morning Charlotte, I hope i get a good crop this year. It will be its fourth year so we should be able to pick for a few weeks! c
I can’t say I really “do” cars, but I admit fell in love at first sight when it was still a resident of the barn, and now it’s had a spruce up and a tinker with its a treat, the detailing in your photos is perfect. C
This is one of the few posts that John actually read the moment it was up!… c
I have wanted a truck like that since childhood…
They’re still plentiful down South (relatively speaking) but up here, they all rusted-away years ago from the road salt and sea spray…every time I see one, it takes me back to my Great Uncle’s place in Texas, where we would drive one out into the field to feed the cattle…
So good to see it running.
We also have a rust problem from all the salt they throw on the roads, evidently the best place to buy an old car is from the desert, they seem to survive better out there.. who knew! c
That truck is a beauty, and you’ve given me a wonderful idea! My husband owns a 1930 Model AA rack truck we could use as a farm stand at the end of our lane! His grampa bought it with only 300 miles on it. It still has a slight rim of blackout paint on the headlights from WWII blackout ordinance. Only trouble is it’s a crank. It does run though! The springs that protrude through the seat are only a slight problem…
Yes, that is a great idea, ands ince you know its history maybe you could even make a wee sign so people would pause to read about it! That must be a beauty! c
The 53 Dodge is a work of art in its current state and will serve as a perfect backdrop for your veggies. I love those hood ornaments, too, and all those knobs.
Now if my husband, the automotive machinist, could get his hands on your truck…
The knobs are so sweet, I need to find out what they do though. This truck is older than me!! c
Look forward to seeing it loaded with wonderful fresh produce.
Great story and pics as usual.
Cheers
Marcus
Have you seen the kids movie, “Cars”? Do you know the old truck character called Maynard? Lovable despite his tired and worn down looks and this is your little green truck. Have a great weekend. BAM
Maynard, well i was wondering if we should name it, nothing came to mind but you may be onto something there! Morning Bam! c
I can just picture you and Ton-Ton meandering up the lane in a truck over flowing with fresh tasty veggies! spring is in the air!
Jess
Morning jess, good to see you again! c
That truck is a zillion kinds of fabulous. I have truck envy but I do agree that some of those thoughts of yours are probably best not voiced Out Loud. Your secret thoughts are safe with us here!
Thank you for guarding my secrets tanya and good morning!
Lovely old beastie. The truck, I mean. Panel (lights), head (lights), pull the choke first then muck with the throttle. AMP shows if and how much battery is charging/charged.
Oh yes, Maynard is one immaculate picture of “Rocket-Age” engineering…that’s what they called the 1950’s…Yes, I too can see you and TonTon meandering across the prairies spreading Veggie Tales far and wide…But, trust me…You are much more of an Elli May than a Jethro.
“Pull the Choke” Turn the key, after hearing back fire, and seeing fire and smoke…push the choke back in, and dump the clutch…
Oh what a lovely idea to use it for your vegetable stand! And restoring something is always immensely satisfying.