OL’ BLUE

Around our house this 2001 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton extended cab is affectionately known as Ol’ Blue. I had several trucks during our married life, a Chevy S10, a lifted GMC 4×4, and even a GMC Syclone, but at the time I got the Silverado, I was driving a Monte Carlo SS and just wasn’t happy. I drive an 18 wheeler for a living, and I really missed having a truck.
I knew exactly what it was I was looking for but was having a hard time finding one. None of the big area dealers had the one I wanted. Of all places, I finally found this one at the small Chevrolet dealer in our home town. We traded in the Monte and bought this Silverado new in April of 2001.
She has been a member of our family for almost 20 years now. We have used it to tow our travel trailer on many camping trips, and it has helped to haul both of our children and their belongings off to college. It’s still my daily driver.
A few years ago, my best friend and I installed a GM Performance crate engine and upgraded it with headers and a K&N cold air intake. At the same time, the transmission was rebuilt and strengthened with a shift kit and a deep finned aluminum pan. I also changed the rear end gears to a 4:10 ratio posi to help when pulling the trailer and also to give her a little more “umph” off the line. We had previously installed a B&M trans cooler with electric fan and Air Lift air bags over the rear leafs also to help when hauling the trailer.
A few Christmases ago, my wife gave me the 2016 20″ Silverado chromed rims and I upgraded to 285/55 Michelin tires to make the old truck fit in with the newer ones. Last year, I sold my motorcycle to pay for a fresh coat of paint on Ol’ Blue, but of course, stuck with the original dark metallic blue which we all love. Over the years I’ve also added all LED lights, a black front valance and chin spoiler from the Chevy Tahoe, and a steel AMD cowl induction hood.
The interior is still all original with the exception of an Auto Meter trans temp gauge on the steering column and a Kenwood touch screen stereo.
I get offers to buy the truck all the time, but Ol’ Blue is not for sale. She’s a great truck and will continue to be a member of our family for a long, long time.