It just so happened that I bought 1950 chevy pickup 3/4 ton. all original just needs a master cylinder and it will be road ready. been stored since 1967 in a fire house. Real good shape. I would like to keep it original but asking advice on the most efficient or smartest way about going about it. This would be my first restoration project.
That's a weird question you ask. You say it's in real good shape but what is driving you to restore it? Rusted, bad paint? Need more info on why to restore to give you a good answer.
>That's a weird question you ask. You say it's in real good >shape but what is driving you to restore it? Rusted, bad >paint? Need more info on why to restore to give you a good >answer.
Your right! What I meant to say it is in good shape for a 1950. but there is some discoloraiton and minor rust due to it being so old. I guess what I was wondering was just how involved is it to take it down to a frame restoration, and is that something you can do in your own garage. I have air tools and such, pretty mechanicaly inclined but I never restored a vehicle. What would be the best way to go about it. Someone told me just fix it up as you drive it. The only thing wrong with that is I am anal about doing things correctly and looking good.
Which way you go depends on what your final goal is. If you want to have as near perfect truck as possible, willing to spend hundreds / thousands of hours restoring, spending more money than you would be able to resell the truck for and enjoy doing the work then go for the frame off restoration. I've seen so many "projects" someone tore apart and then ran out of energy, money or interest it is a shame. If you want to have a nice looking truck and have fun with it go for fixing it up while you drive it in smaller less time consuming projects. I am not against frame off restoration as I am in the middle of another one right now and have a '48 Suburban lined up to do next. Just pick a direction and stay focused on it. Good luck and most importantly have fun, Doug
charlie Sounds like real good advice from Doug, been there and done that. Every project needs to be handiled different. It's been said that I walk around one for a long time, sometimes months, while I'm trying to figure out my plan. My wife says years but that can't be so. Before you get it up on jack stands try to locate all of the parts you will need or at least a good line on them. The 50's are real bad about rust behind and under the gas tank. You can't really see it until the gas tank comes off or you get under it with a flashlight. The gastank and lines is probably where I would start. This way you can still drive it and figure out the rest along the way. Good luck on a excellent hobby.
thanks for the advice I believe I will look at if for a while and see what needs to be accomplished thanks for the advice about the rust around the gas tank I will definitely take a look at it.
