The 1973 Chevy Pickup From Cry Baby: Brian's Movie Car Connection and Classic Truck Tales
About this episode
Brian shares his automotive journey, starting with his first car, a 1973 Chevy pickup, and the unique stories tied to it. He discusses the nostalgia of classic vehicles, including a 1954 Chevy school bus featured in the movie 'Cry Baby,' and his experiences with various cars and motorcycles. The episode delves into the changing landscape of car prices and the joy of working on older vehicles, while also touching on the practicality of modern cars like the Hyundai Venue. Brian's passion for cars and storytelling makes for an engaging listen.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Brian's first car was a 1973 Chevy pickup. Years later, he discovered it had appeared in the John Waters film *Cry Baby*.
Most people find out their first car has some quirky history—maybe it belonged to someone interesting, or has high mileage, or survived a minor fender bender. Brian found out his truck was in a cult classic film starring Johnny Depp. That's a different level of automotive backstory.
The question becomes: does knowing your car appeared in a movie change how you feel about it? And more importantly, how do you even verify something like that?
In this episode, Brian reveals:
- How he discovered his '73 Chevy pickup was in *Cry Baby*
- The detective work required to verify a vehicle's movie appearance
- What it was like owning a '73 Chevy pickup as a first vehicle (pre-movie discovery)
- Why classic pickup trucks from the '70s are having a collector moment right now
- The reaction he gets when he tells people about the movie connection
- What makes a '73 Chevy pickup good (or terrible) as a first car
- Whether the movie connection makes the truck more valuable—and if he cares
But there's one detail about how he found out about the *Cry Baby* connection that involves pure chance, a sharp-eyed friend, and a late-night movie watching session. The odds were ridiculous.
Related episodes:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16665619-monster-truck-woman-nicole-s-wild-ride
https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15046730-ford-tempo-as-your-first-car-brian-s-unique-car-history
🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.com
Brian's favorite episode is features Monster Truck Jam and YouTube superstar, Nicole Johnson - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16665619-monster-truck-woman-nicole-s-wild-ride
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DeLorean
"And of course, I was in my DeLorean. He pulled up beside me, asked me some questions."
The DeLorean is a unique car with a shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous because it was used in the 'Back to the Future' movies.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It's famously featured in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise, which has contributed to its iconic status.
Chevy pickup
"...the first vehicle that I really started driving was a 1973 Chevy pickup. This God awful, like, like puke, pea green, kind of olive green color..."
The 1973 Chevy pickup is a type of truck made by Chevrolet. It's known for being tough and useful, and many people like to restore these older models.
The 1973 Chevy pickup refers to a model of Chevrolet's full-size pickup truck that was popular for its durability and utility. These trucks are often appreciated for their classic styling and are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
three on the tree
"...that one was one of the ones that was three on the tree up on the column. So it took me a while..."
It's a way to shift gears in a car where the stick is on the steering column instead of on the floor, usually with three gears to choose from.
'Three on the tree' refers to a type of manual transmission where the gear shifter is mounted on the steering column instead of the floor. This setup typically has three forward gears and is commonly found in older trucks and cars.
floor shifter
"...We put in a floor shifter. And if you didn't exaggerate that that pattern, it would get stuck..."
It's the stick you use to change gears that is located on the floor of the car instead of on the steering column. It makes it easier to shift gears while driving.
A floor shifter is a gear shift mechanism located on the floor of a vehicle, allowing the driver to manually select gears. This design is common in many modern cars and provides a more intuitive shifting experience compared to column-mounted shifters.
Toyota Land
"I've seen it on Toyota Land Cruisers. I've seen it."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large, tough SUV that can handle rough terrain. It's popular for its reliability and comfort.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has a long history and is often favored for both luxury and rugged performance.
Shelby Cobra
"I was looking at a Shelby Cobra that's just way out of my price range. That's right around the corner these days."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car that is very fast and powerful. It's highly valued and often expensive because of its history and performance.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engine and lightweight design. It has become an iconic model in automotive history, often sought after by collectors.
Ford Mustangs
"...including on Mustangs and I think Ford probe GT second gen. It was a different color."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for being fast and having a cool design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It has been in production since 1964 and has gone through several generations, each with its own unique features.
Ford Probe
"...and I think Ford probe GT second gen. It was a different color."
The Ford Probe GT is a sporty car that Ford made in the 90s. It has a stylish look and is fun to drive, similar to other sports cars.
The Ford Probe GT is a sporty coupe that was produced in the 1990s, known for its sleek design and performance. It was often compared to other sports cars of its time.
Dodge Neon
"And it could be far out there. It could be neon green. It could be chrome."
The Dodge Neon is a small car that is fun to drive and doesn't cost too much. It's a good choice for people looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was produced from 1994 to 2005, known for its affordability and sporty design. It gained popularity among younger drivers and is often discussed for its fun driving experience and economical price.
Chevrolet Bel Air
"But I have to throw in here. A friend of a friend has a 57 Bel Air and Chevy Bel Air. And when he bought it, he bought it maybe five years or so ago."
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a famous car from the 1950s. The 1957 model is especially well-known for its stylish look and is popular with car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car known for its distinctive styling and popularity in the 1950s. The 1957 model is particularly celebrated for its iconic design and is a favorite among collectors.
quarter panel
"The I want to say the rear driver quarter panel with the wheel. Well, rusted kind of a known issue."
The quarter panel is the part of the car's body that covers the rear side, just behind the back door. It's important for both looks and strength.
The quarter panel is the section of a car's body located between the rear door and the trunk. It is often a critical area for structural integrity and aesthetics, especially in older vehicles.
rust
"Well, rusted kind of a known issue. Car was decades old anyway."
Rust is what happens when metal gets wet and starts to break down. It can make parts of the car weak and unsafe.
Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs when iron or its alloys are exposed to moisture and oxygen. It can significantly weaken metal components of a car, leading to structural issues.
color matching
"They were able to color match it exactly when I saw it."
Color matching is making sure that a new part of the car looks the same color as the rest of the car. It's important for how the car looks after repairs.
Color matching refers to the process of ensuring that a replacement part, such as a panel, matches the original color of the vehicle. This is crucial for aesthetic consistency after repairs.
truck
"He said, Hey, you know, I got a truck. I'm selling it. You know, I don't need it. This and that."
A truck is a type of vehicle that is used to carry heavy loads or cargo. They are often larger than regular cars and have a separate space for carrying things.
A truck is a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting cargo. They come in various sizes and configurations, often featuring a separate cab and cargo area.
Dodge Shadow
"I found it was a Dodge Shadow. I thought it was a Dodge Spirit at first, but it was a Dodge Shadow."
The Dodge Shadow is a small car that was made by Dodge in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was popular for being budget-friendly and was designed for everyday driving.
The Dodge Shadow was a compact car produced by Dodge from 1987 to 1994. It was known for its affordability and was part of the K-car platform, which helped to revitalize Chrysler's lineup in the 1980s and 1990s.
Dodge Spirit
"I thought it was a Dodge Spirit at first, but it was a Dodge Shadow."
The Dodge Spirit is a slightly bigger car than the Dodge Shadow, made by Dodge in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was designed for families and had more space inside.
The Dodge Spirit was a mid-size car produced by Dodge from 1989 to 1995. It was known for its spacious interior and was built on the same platform as the Dodge Shadow, offering a larger alternative.
brake booster
"...I mashed that break all the way and the the the booster broke. That plunger went through and I lost."
The brake booster makes it easier to stop your car by giving extra power to the brakes when you press the pedal. It helps you stop without having to push down really hard on the brake pedal.
A brake booster is a device that helps amplify the force applied to the brake pedal, making it easier to stop the vehicle. It uses vacuum pressure to assist the driver in applying the brakes more effectively.
brake power
"I believe I only had back brake power. So the drive home later was a little dicey, only having back brakes."
Brake power is how well a car can stop. If only the back brakes are working, it can make driving very tricky and dangerous.
Brake power refers to the effectiveness of a vehicle's braking system. In this context, having only back brake power means that the front brakes were not functioning, which can significantly impact vehicle control and safety.
Honda Enduro
"...you had some interesting cars. But you're also a motorcycle guy, right? Yeah. Yeah. And I have a ninety five Hartley electric line with the evolution motor."
The Honda Enduro is a type of motorcycle made by Honda that can be ridden on both streets and off-road trails. It's built to handle rough terrain while still being street-legal.
The Honda Enduro refers to a line of off-road motorcycles designed for both on-road and off-road use. They are known for their versatility and durability, making them popular among riders who enjoy adventure and trail riding.
Harley-Davidson
"...I have a ninety five Hartley electric line with the evolution motor. We wanted something, you know, we were looking."
The Harley-Davidson Electric Line is a type of motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It was designed to be more environmentally friendly and has a unique look.
The 1995 Harley-Davidson Electric Line refers to a series of electric motorcycles produced by Harley-Davidson. These bikes are known for their unique design and electric powertrain, appealing to environmentally-conscious riders.
carbureted
"And my dad's hates carbureted stuff we can work on without needing a five thousand, ten thousand dollar computer that can dive and do everything."
Carbureted means the car uses an older system to mix fuel and air for the engine. Most new cars use a different, more advanced system that is easier to control.
Carbureted refers to vehicles that use a carburetor to mix air and fuel for combustion. This technology is less common in modern cars, which typically use fuel injection systems that are more efficient and easier to manage with computer controls.
Harley
"...Saw this. Oh, this was on a Harley."
Harley is a popular brand of motorcycles, known for their classic designs and powerful engines.
Harley refers to Harley-Davidson, a well-known American motorcycle manufacturer famous for its heavyweight cruiser motorcycles.
Lincoln Town Car
"...I think a town car of the same vintage, not not too long ago."
The Lincoln Town Car is a big, luxurious car made by Lincoln. It's famous for being very comfortable and is often used by chauffeurs to drive people around.
The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Lincoln, a division of Ford. It is known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and strong V8 engine, often used as a limousine or for chauffeur services.
V8 engine
"...that's a big V8. That's an enormous American car."
A V8 engine is a powerful type of car engine that has eight cylinders. It's known for providing a lot of power, which is why it's often used in big cars and trucks.
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a 'V' configuration. This design allows for more power and smoother operation, making it popular in larger vehicles like trucks and luxury cars.
Ford Crown Victoria
"It's basically the Crown Vic platform. So I'm a local officer for the longest time. Police officer, we had the Crown Vicks. I love them."
The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car that many police departments used because it's tough and has a lot of space inside. It was popular for many years but is no longer made since 2011.
The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan that was widely used by law enforcement agencies in the United States. Known for its durability and spacious interior, it became a staple for police departments until it was discontinued in 2011.
Ford Explorers
"...o a couple other things. Now we all have the Ford Explorers and, you know, it's good. It's a lot of room."
The Ford Explorer is a big family car that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for road trips or just getting around town with plenty of space.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a popular choice for families since its introduction in 1990. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, it offers a comfortable ride and ample cargo space, making it a great option for those needing room for passengers and gear.
Holden Caprice
"...o that was his thing. We also went with the Chevy Caprice a little bit. And for a few years there, we had s..."
The Holden Caprice is a large, fancy car that is very comfortable and has lots of features. It's a good choice if you want something that feels luxurious.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Holden, an Australian subsidiary of General Motors, from 1990 to 2017. It is known for its spacious interior and premium features, often used as a luxury vehicle and for government fleets.
Toyota Crown
"...some of them had the the Ford Taurus. I mean, the crown also the truck, as I like the layout of the Crown..."
The Toyota Crown is a large, comfortable car that is known for being very reliable. It's a good choice for people who want a nice ride without worrying about breaking down.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size sedan that has been a staple in the Japanese automotive market since 1955. Known for its luxury features and reliability, it has a strong reputation and is often discussed in relation to Toyota's history of producing dependable vehicles.
Mercury Grand Marquis
"... Well, we were talking about these, you know, the Grand Marquis, the Crown Vic, right, these big vehicles, right?"
The Mercury Grand Marquis is a big, comfortable car that is great for long drives. It's known for being reliable and has a lot of space inside.
The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size sedan that was produced from 1975 until 2011, known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. Often associated with comfort and reliability, it has been a popular choice for families and as a fleet vehicle.
Chevrolet Advanced Design
"...it is a nineteen fifty four Chevrolet advanced design is what it's called"
The Chevrolet Advanced Design is a type of truck made by Chevrolet in the 1950s. The 1954 model is known for its unique style and was part of a major update to make the trucks look more modern and useful.
The Chevrolet Advanced Design refers to a series of trucks produced by Chevrolet from 1947 to 1955. The 1954 model is known for its distinctive styling and was part of a significant redesign that focused on modernizing the look and functionality of Chevrolet's trucks.
Hyundai Venue
"... quick, let's talk about the let's talk about the venue, the Hyundai venue."
The Hyundai Venue is a small SUV that's easy to drive and has a lot of modern features. It's a good option if you want a vehicle that’s stylish and practical for city life.
The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV introduced in 2019, designed to offer a balance of style, practicality, and affordability. It has gained attention for its modern design and features, making it a popular choice among urban drivers.
Kia Rio
"...0 miles to the gallon. So my my wife had a little Kia Rio that she loved. It was the first car she bought."
The Kia Rio is a small, budget-friendly car that is easy to drive and saves on gas. It's a great option for someone looking for their first car or a reliable daily driver.
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car that offers practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers. With a reputation for good fuel efficiency and a comfortable interior, it is often praised for its value.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...ewhere around there. Now, it doesn't have to be a Camaro. It doesn't have to be this or that old road runn..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a cool, sporty car that looks fast and is fun to drive. It's known for its strong engine and stylish design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966. Known for its powerful performance and sporty design, it represents a significant part of automotive history and is often discussed in the context of American car culture.
Dodge Road Runner
"... a Camaro. It doesn't have to be this or that old road runner or something. Anything will be good."
The Dodge Road Runner is a fast, classic car that many people love for its cool design and powerful engine. It's a symbol of the fun and excitement of muscle cars.
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic muscle car that was produced from 1968 to 1980, known for its high performance and distinctive styling. It is often celebrated in automotive circles for its role in the muscle car era and its association with speed and power.
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