Ten years ago, my friend's husband got a wild hair and decided to restore a 1951 Chevy. He brought the rusted, beaten, dented and icky old frame home on a trailer and plunked it into his shop. His vision was to restore this hunk of metal to it's glory days and spend the leisure days of his retirement cruising in his tricked out pickup with his best Gal by his side. His eyes sparkled when he talked about someday picking his grandkids up at school in a restored vintage pickup.

Over the years, he accumulated the tools, parts, pieces and components necessary to complete the restoration. He spent countless hours welding, buffing, sanding and primering. The line between dream and reality was getting closer and closer. Retirement was closer also.

Last month (JULY) my friend became ill. After a prolonged hospital stay, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was told that he'd have 2-4 months to live, depending on how the condition was treated.

Due to the illness and his physical condition, continuing on the restoration of his pickup is impossible. The pickup body, all the pieces and parts and all the tools have been moved back to the house and stored in the two-car garage. It's a reminder of better days and days that will not come.

My friend's wife and grown daughters don't have the means, expertise or knowledge to complete the restoration, though they have promised him that they'll take him for a ride in the vehicle when it's done (even if it's just his ashes that get the ride).

I'm far from a vehicle enthusiast, but truly care for this man and his wife. They've been such wonderful friends to me. I've seen shows on cable TV where vehicles have been restored in a short period of time, however I've no idea of where to start with this?

If anyone has any grand ideas, resources or places for me to contact I would really apreciate it. My friend's wife is my cohort on this, he's not aware that I'm working behind the scenes.

I have several photos of the vehicle restoration at this point, if you need pics, please e-mail me.  Any information or suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated!  

We're in Oregon - Willamette valley  

Overhaulin' has a website with information on how to pitch a build to them. Through a friend that  know's Chip, I heard they are most likely going to aim for the magic number of producing 100 shows. This means you should have a chance of making it I think... I hope, Overhaulin' is a good show.  

Wow! I really hope they can get hooked up with Chip Foose in time to pull this off. This sounds like one of those stories that Chip would like to be involved in. I hope the best for the guy that owns this truck.  

I hope you get in contact with Chip Foose.  

i feel for you my brother but truly don't hold your breath on"fancy foose" and by chance it does i will gladly eat these posted words good luck2 you