Sally Mae

In February of 1976, as a junior in high school, I became the proud owner of my first 1966 F-250. The truck had 112,000 miles on the odometer; based on its condition I believed it to be accurate. I would keep that truck for 10 years, accumulating approximately 140,000 additional miles. Two engines, two transmissions, new Dana 60, and various service projects helped to keep it on the road. We helped numerous family and friends during our tenure together. It hauled my family and I from Arizona to Texas in 1982. I would sell the truck in 1986 for nearly 4-times my original purchase price of $500. Being young and impetuous, I wanted a new truck.
Over the years I regretted selling the truck that affectionately became known as the “Beast.” So, in 2005, I decided it was time to see if I could find a clean truck to rebuild. My internet search turned up a number of potential F-100 platforms to consider. While narrowing my search I discovered the F-250 that would become my labor of love for the next 14-years. While most of the F-250 trucks I found were used on the farm or construction site and in very rough shape, this truck was used to haul a camper and was relatively low mileage. So, in December 2005, I placed my bid and was successful in procuring by project truck, a clean, unrestored, untouched 1966 F-250.
Living in Texas and with the truck located in Southern California, I decided the best approach was to take a week’s PTO over the New Year holiday and take a road trip to secure my purchase. 3,200 miles, a layover at my brother’s house in Phoenix, I had my new purchase safely home. Running the original 352, and cast iron Cruise-A-Matic, I was pleased with how well preserved the truck was. While it ran a little rough due to a burnt exhaust valve, a head job at a local machine shop had the engine running as smooth as silk.
I have relied on LMC Truck for numerous parts and components over the years, from bumpers, side molding, seat cover, new rubber goods throughout, marker light and head light bezels, carpet, new dash bezel (custom cab), and more. I have to admit that one of my primary driving forces to purchase the truck is the availability of parts. A co-worked had a 1971 F-100 and when I asked him about getting parts, he informed me that there was a company they he enjoyed doing business with. The following day he brought me an LMC Catalog. Covering Ford trucks from 1957 to 1972, I quickly discovered that the purchase of a 1966 F series was in my future. My wife insisted that I name the new truck. So, after due consideration, we now have Sally Mae as part of the family.