Pix Posted ! THANX ! . I see why you want to repair it BD but it's allready non stock in a very good way so I personally wouldn't restore it ~ keep that passenger car 235 (it's a better engine) and the Delcotron 12 volt alternator too ~ Just service the crap out of it (I can see no grease for years) then once you're ready , pull the cab abd bed off , rebuild both and re-paint the frame etc. , etc. you'll have Grandpa's old truck back the way he liked it and rust free too by then.... Any interior pix to share ? .
Here are some more pictures of the truck. I don't think some of the parts are worth saving. Would i be better off finding a donor truck or buying repop parts?
Time, Tools and Patience I've been restoring our first old truck. Some basic advice i received from an old gentleman... 1.Be organized... Keep all parts, bolts, screws in zip locked bags. use the date and time as an idenity # (020509-307) you can keep them in order. 2. Have a general plan as to the order and sequence you want to disassemble. 3. Determine extent to which you want to restore, repair or replace. 4. "Begin with an end in mind" Covey. Know where you'er headed. 5. Have an idea of a budget and how much you plan to spend. 6. Lots "Blast" those nut's will kill ya! 7. Keep a photo journal... for many reasons. 8. Put down the tools and walk away when frustrated. This is an option and should be rewarding,not another stresser! Wall Street gives us enough of that. 9. Use common sence, good tools and be safe! 10. Have fun! Your Grandfather should be proud!
There are 2 main companies that make replacement parts. Mar-k 's parts are in grey primer, cost a little more, but fit right. The others are Counterpart, come in a black coating, and usually need a little influencing. I put Mar-K bedsides on the 53 I am working on, and they are wonderful. They cost about $800. If most or all the panels need a lot of work, just buy the whole bed kit....sides, front and sill for the rear, it is cheaper and less work.
Welcome bd! I couldn't agree more with ol' chebby on Mar-K products. I used their tailgate and bed kit for mine and am very pleased with the outcome of both.
Thank you I will keep that in mind. I think the first order of bussiness is to rebuild the front end. I think i can save most of the parts minus the seals. I don't have alot of money but I have alot of time until spring. Any suggestions on getting rid of the rust. It looks llike mostly surface rust. Nothing too far gone from what I can tell. Again thank you for all your help.
3M wheels! I love these things! They take it down to shiny new bare metal without a whole lot of effort. I have more time then money, also. (Not that these wheels are super cheap, but over the months I've done the whole cab, inside and out. (...and under...) The front frame, and an inner fender. If I had the $$$, I would happy have it blasted, but then I wouldn't have done the whole thing myself. Good luck!
Remember that saying ? ? I would rather push a Chevy, than drive a ...a .....F@&# ?? http://www.truveo.com/Chevy-Truck-gets-stuck-in-Mud-Hole-has-to-be/id/844679699
It's been awhile since i posted. My grandfather passed away on July 22. So now I'm in a dash to get the pickup up and going. I have the truck tore down to the frame and have the front suspension off. How do i get the bushings out of the leaf springs and the frame? Also would it be better to buy new springs or to paint and finish the old ones?
Sorry to hear about your grandfather Go to this link and it will explain how to remove the bushings. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0313.htm If your front springs are good, don't waste your money buying new ones. Just prep them and give them a good coat of paint.
Are the pins also the bushings? How about the kingpins? I can't seem to get the plate aver the kingpins out. thanks for the help.
