When I was looking for a new apartment to move into in Spring of 2002, I looked closer to downtown Montreal to have an easier time traveling by bus and metro. When I saw these two vintage trucks on Chester street in the N.D.G. municipality, I took them in as a positive sign of the area. They were and still are, the closest to home antiques I have ever spotted.My old neighbor Tony and his father have been in the sharpening business for generations, and the business even stems as far back as their forefathers who were sharpeners back in Italy. They are among the very few who sharpen knives, scissors, and even lawn mower blades.
The old orange step vans have been in their family for years, as even I remember as a kid seeing one of the trucks coming down the street slowly with the bell clanging. Tony's father drives the very well kept '76 GMC, while until 2006, Tony drove the rare 318 poly equipped '81 Dodge. Like the few old step vans still in use, both trucks were former Canada Post delivery vehicles.
Reflecting Chrysler's quality control problems of the '70's and early eighties, Tony had to retire the old Dodge due to too many substantial problems. He did however have a long run with it though, as he had purchased it twenty years ago. A shame he had to scrap it since this was the only Dodge step van I had ever seen. Tony replaced the Dodge with a slightly used, and more fuel efficient Grumman Diesel Step van. He had it painted in the same colours, orange with a white roof and bumpers. Notice in the photo how interesting it is that the Dodge is actually taller than the GMC! The GMC by the way is powered by a quiet and smooth running 6 cylinder engine.
Since sharpening tools and such is a seasonal business, it's why these trucks have lasted so long not ever having been in the snow. Old and unusal trucks for an equally old and unusual business!
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