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”
I can just see you in that truck, TonTon ion the back, loaded with veggies. Now “that” would be some picture! You’re right about the salt ruining our cars. I’m sure you ‘ve seen pictures of Cuba. They’re still driving pre-revolution era cars around that island. I bet there aren’t many trucks like yours still around that haven’t been bought by collectors/restorers. Who knows? One day someone may drop by to ask about buying more than just some asparagus.
Oh Dog! I LOVE that truck! The knobs inside remind Jen of her great-grandfather’s old car he had when she was a kid. It was a push-button transmission!
Great photos C!
I love your Dodge pick-up truck and I look forward to seeing pictures of it in action as a road side vegetable stall.
Celi, I’m besotted. The Dodge is beautiful and the idea to sell produce out of it inspired. Every chapter of yours at the farm has me more rapt 🙂
What a beautiful old car, it will look amazing as a fruit stall
Chicago also had a bright sun with cool temperatures this morning. Perfect for baking. Congrats on the truck working!
wasn’t it great when the sun came out this afternoon, same down here.. wonderful! c
I know some men in my life who would love to have that Dodge Pick Up. It would be cruel to show them the pictures! The glorious Dodge will be The Green PickUp Market. Hmmm…I like the double entendre of that name.
Don’t you have fun, Celi! Plus you are sharing the wisdom of being a mechanics helper.
AHA!!!Imagine if I wrote that on a sign!!! Perfect! c
An excellent panorama of photos today.. truck love ❤ I'm thinking he (or she) needs a name??
It is true but that we will have to decide on the gender first.. ! c
I don’t drive, though your truck has given me a bit of inspiration to learn. How can I drive through my vicarious farm without a proper license? I may have to get a dog, too, come to think of it…. I hope you had a great day, C! We’re (finally) knee deep in snow up here!
FABulous truck!!!!!!! Don’t worry about the not stopping. Wind down the window and shout “coming through”. People will learn to get out of the way! lol!
Have a lovely weekend.
Regards Florence x
That is fantastic florence I will remember that! c
This is the perfect attraction for your vegetable stall. I know quite a few fellas who would stop just to ogle the truck! Many times I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to push the brake pedal, let it up, down again…bleeding the air out of the lines. That’s not required on newer cars, for I have not been called upon in quite some time to perform. Hope your hearing has returned!
Good point Patti and while they are looking we can sell them a few bunches of asparagus! c
Hahahaha…it looks like you’ve uncovered treasure!!
What is it about an old vintage truck to get us all so excited! I think for me it’s memories! I think everyone in my family has had one at some point in time, but we’ve not held onto ours…pity! And to use it as your portable vegetable stall is a terrific idea! I’ll be so interested in hearing how that plan develops! Debra
What an awesome truck full of character!!