Okay- I've read several times that these projects never get finished. My question is, "Why?" I'm betting it might be a lack of planning? (I hope) I bet those people that never crossed the finish line didn't spend alot of time on this site... I guess the only way I'll never finish mine is I grow so old I won't be able to manipulate a wrench or get under the dash. (Which there was a GREAT how-to post on...) Other than that, you guys have been a God-send. I think I've flapped my keys on this site for several months, but you really have helped clear up questions. (Sometimes with brutal honesty... ...Nate.) But it's all good. When I build something out of wood, I can see it in 3D finished form before I begin- My truck is taking on that look more and more. Wiring is the only slightly grey area. (I'll be installing a 350 EFI, and I want to keep it that way- not back out and spend money to carb it just so I avoid the wiring problems. (?) ) I've yet to take my first tie rod apart, but by God, I look forward to it. With you guys, nothing is impossible. And then there's Ken! You ARE Da MAN!
Zig, 90% is right I'm 90% BS, 10% knowledge and expertise. Old vehicles are always a "work in progress". My goal is to get my done as original as possible and enjoy it! Everytime I get in it, I want to remember my dad because it was his dream to make it like it was when it rolled off of the assembly line. Then i want to remember my granddad who taught dad everything he knew about cars. Then, maybe down the road (pun intended), I might want to upgrade to a 3:55 rear end so that I can feel the raw power of that awesome 216. Then I might upgrade to a 12 volt system. Then i might decide to upgrade the brakes to Bendix instead of these old Huck brakes. See where i'm headed? You will never get to a point on these where you say "By golly, she's done". There will always be something that you want to fix, modify or upgrade. That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy it all along the way.
When you make it to 90% Zig then there will be the rest of you to push you the next 10%. I know that there are a lot of people that get burnt out on their projects. I know a lot of people that do, but they look at them after a while as more of a job than a hobby. JUst have a good time with your truck and you'll make it all the way. I know the wiring may seem like a headache to you but trust me Paul it's not gonna be that bad. I'll help ya guide through all the mess. I still havent' picked up an ETM of your van yet, but I will soon.
Ok. Here is my thoughts on the 90%. We all admit that these AD trucks look great going down the road. Seems some want the looks with out making the dedication, sorta like a marriage. My dad always told me to date the ugliest girl in school. Two reasons...No one would try to take her away from me and she would work harder to keep me. These AD trucks remind me of the ugly girl..she just needs some TLC to turn her into a beauty and most don't have the time to wait. Just take time to admire all those curves and fat hips (Fenders) and we all have a beauty in their own right. PS I hope my wife never reads this post.
Teacher54, you're busted! If you want ugly, look up the '59 chevy station wagon! In my opinion, the ugliest thing that chevy ever made! Pretty close to the ugliest car every made. AD trucks are beautiful! They are Katherine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall and Sophia Loren rolled into one! Those ladies were class and so are AD's.
SWMBO wants me to add... Ingrid Bergman. (She's her favorite). Good call, Sarah! Class is class. Call them under-engineered, primitive, whatever, but don't call them ugly! AD's rule!!!!
Agree with you on the beauty of the AD trucks, but after 50 years of abuse even Katherine needs a facelift. 90 % don't have the time for the face lift needed to bring out the beauty. Can't wait to dance with mine in April.
Just to let you know, I am at about 96% on my 48 and hope to be "done" by my birthday, April 23. I haven't been posting pictures cause we have had a great series from The Boop and her Dad. I should be able to show you some finished pics of mine after we see the finished product from the great state of Texas. I ordered the wheels today. They should be here in about a week. Once they are on the cosmetics are done and I will start on a couple of safety upgrades to the brakes, steering, belts, and such. I usually stop at about 90% on any project that I do cause when it gets to the nit pickin stuff I want to move on to the big stuff on the next project. That is why I am sticking to the task on this ole gal. Gater
By Gwad... We can spin anything, can't we? I see the relation betwixt the beauts of the silver screen and ADs, believe me! (Love them curves...) I think the best thing to do is- when you're feelin' down about how things are going with your ride... under the cover of darkness (for your neighbor's sake...) just go out and run your hand over that classic designed fender. Feel the soft, supple curve... slowly kneel down beside her and embrace that fender with both arms in a "not so tight" embrace. As you set there, lost in the moment, the headlights of an on-coming car snap you back to your senses and you quickly reach down for the valve stem and hit the side of the tire with your fist... And as you walk back to your house knowing your wife is going to ask you where you've been for so long, you silently vow that no matter WHAT- you will bring that beauty back to life!!!
Careful, Zig... We have young lady (ladies) reading this! Dang, i've got to go smoke now. Mom always said you had a way with words!
Great!! Had tears in the eyes after reading that. I remember many times going out in the shop at night to make sure the truck was still there. Like anyone would steal 20 piles of rusty metal anf broken bolts and a frame that hadn't been sandblasted yet. Since I moved the truck to let a professional do it, we still take late night drives to peer into the darken windows to catch a glimpse.
Ask your dad about those "Dames" They are some classy Dames. I'd put them up against any women today. The best part about them, they all knew how to push a clutch in!
OK, I've let you AD guys rant long enough. If you want to associate trucks with movie stars take a look at the front bumper of my TF.
350 W/ F.i. ! F.I. isn't nearly as hard as you think it will be , just take everything from the donor vehicle , personally I'd keep the donor handy untill the truck is driving how I like but them that's me ... O.K. , I admit it : I'm 99 % B.S. and 1 % experiance and knowledge... See ? I'm a real " 1%'er " The actual # 1 reason most projects never get finished ? they get taken totally apart then the dumbshoot is intimidated by all that work so in the scrap pile it goes....
