Background: A lifelong local resident, Rick is an independent contractor. He is a father to two grown sons, 23-year-old Steven and 20-year-old Josh.

His wheels: A 1982 Chevrolet short-wide-box pickup Rick got from a man he worked with.

Rick said he got the truck for his oldest son, and they worked on it together.

His son lost interest in hot rods, and Rick decided to keep the it for his son.

“It’s still mine, but it will be his,” he said. “He likes driving new stuff and making payments. He doesn’t like tinkering with hot rods. When he does, then it will sit in his garage.”

The truck is one of about 35 vehicles Rick has owned over the years. It was in fair shape when he got it, Rick said.

“It’s been totally redone,” he said. “The only things that haven’t been rebuilt or replaced are the front and back bumpers.”

He and his sons did all the work, which included installing a built small block engine, new transmission, newer suspension, three-inch exhaust and some “shiny, go-fast stuff on the motor,” Rick said.

They redid the interior and installed a tonneau cover over the pickup bed. They also repainted it in the truck’s original almond color.

Rick said he’s taken the vehicle to shows and it does well.

“It’s clean, not overdone, but it’s done,” he said.

Rick has tried to make a business out of renovating vehicles, but decided it’s just a hobby. He took auto body classes at Lower Columbia College and has been working on cars since he bought his first at age 15. He then decided to share his knowledge with his sons.

“I drove my kids nuts making them have to work on it with me through their teenage years,” he said.

His other son drives a 1967 Chevy, Rick describes as “big, built and hunter orange.”

“We did that one together too,” he said.

Even though he’s had offers for the ‘82, Rick said he has no plans to sell.

“I totally love this truck,” he said. “It’s just the fact that my boys and I did it, and I did it for my son … just that. I’ve had offers to buy it, but I will never sell this truck — never, ever.”

That doesn’t mean he’s stopped his renovations, though.

“We just acquired a Bronco,” he said. “And one project I have in my garage now is a 1961 Ford unibody that we’re building, a gasser.”

The latter is his special project.

“It’s going to be super cool,” he said. “That one’s mine, period.”

Other recent People and Their Wheels features:

Vic Roberts' 1963 Studebaker Avanti

Marc Mattila's 2000 Indian Chief motorcycle

David Keegan's electric 1993 Mazda Miata

Leanne Westerbur's 1963 Ford Thunderbird convertible

Rick Terrell's 1967 MKI Austin Mini Countryman Woody wagon

Ryan Clarke's 1955 Chevrolet two-door sedan

Chuck Townsend's 1953 MG TD