Hi guys, I just bought a 52 half ton 5 window and started taking it apart. Its in pretty good shape, sat in a barn for 30+ years. Amazingly, the engine runs good and other than the brakes gone, everything sort of works. (I was able to drive it into may garage (obviously very carefully with no brakes) after taking it off the trailer). I've ordered the full brake kit, ss lines, and the suspension kit to start playing. Have to replace the rear end seals and have ordered them. My plan is to keep it as a weekend toy for picking up stuff at Home Depot. I don't ever plan on taking it over 35 MPH and will put it back to its original condition. (Not looking for a show truck) This thing has very little rust, just needs lots of sanding and full paint job. I plan on taking it down to the frame other than the cab. I have lots of questions like leave it 6 volts or convert to 12. (I plan on buying a new harness in any case), go to electronic ignition? It has lots of house paint on it so I started removing it with paint remover. (Don't want to sand or blast since it may be lead based) Any ideasthere? Anyway, if anyone has any tips I'm all ears! Thanks!
I assume that's a Chevy? WELCOME Steve! Sounds like you got yourself a heck of a cool truck! On your next rainy day, I suggest that you get yourself a nice cup of coffee, a comfy chair, and go way back in time on this site, and read and print your way to the present. SO much good info on things to do to these rigs. The guys here won't give you crappy advice, that's for sure! All we ask is, "Pictures, please?"
Welcome ! ......To the nut house ! Steve , you're on the right track , for now just get it running and replace the crispy , mouse chewed original harness , you'll find this to be a very well engineered maching that will respond well to taking apart , cleaning , adjusting and lubricating pretty much every thing on it resulting in a nice looking , easy driving old truck you can use and enjoy while you're working on it . It'll go around the earth @ 45 MPH so forget that " I'll only drive it 35 " jazz Tire selection is critical both for safety and ride comfort , there's much written in the archives n the correct radial LT tire size to use . I'd leave it 6 volts for now as the harness and fuse box etc. don't care , you can change it over later on and re-sell any left over 6 volt parts . What " suspension kit " did you buy ? . Remember these old tech trucks leaked a fair bit when new and it's now what 55 years old ? .
Deja Vu all over again! Steve - I think we are pretty much in the same boat. I found mine in a barn that had been there for more than 20 years passed down from generation and was waiting on the grandson, but he went off to war and doesn't need it anymore. It is 100% original and I have never had such a thrill as driving it on old country roads with no brakes! Those guys jumping out of helicopters with a snowboard onto the side of a mountain have nothing on us! Mine is a work in progress with help from these guys' combined brain power from this site. I am trying to keep mine as original as possible but with a few upgrades for comfort, safety, and highway. Mine will be a driver for sure, maybe 4th or 5th place in a local show will be fine for me! I, for one, am switching to 12 v. I look forward to reading your posts and the responses. Good luck!
All, thanks for the great advise. I'm now looking forward to going back in the archives. Just need a rainy day! Nate, the suspension kit I bought was in the catalog. (not on the website) Its part number 99-711 and has most of the components that wear under the truck. I've been looking for a 52 for a year, since I came back from overseas. I was born in 52, so the date means something!
Welcome Steve. Lucky Steve, same age as me, and found a truck in a barn he could take home! Enjoy the site, enjoy your truck. There is much to be said for having your very own AD, Keep your camera handy. Just try to resist cutting it up and making it 'hop" like many of these young wizards do. Once you get the rest of the truck apart, getting the cab of isn't much added work. Jim
Jim, I'll never cut it up, when I'm done it will look like it did when it came out of the barn, cow catch and wood crate back and all. (just very clean) Bye the way, early next year I'll be living part time in Port Arthur working on the refinery expansion!
Steve- you're a lucky man! I'd love to spend some time with Jim! If you haven't already, look at his photos on this site- He did a FANTASTIC job on his truck! You'll be able to get some greatinfo/ideas from this man. That is as long as you're not working to hard to get away!
Look me up Dang Ziggy!. I'm a bit red-faced after that, but am quite proud of my old 54 as you well know. Steve, I can't hardly wait to show my truck off again. I really like showing Thunder off. I look forward to meeting you in old PA(Port Arthur) Steve. Maybe it won't be raining the whole time you are here and we can take Thunder out in the street. Port Arthur is famous mostly for the folks that have left, Janis, Jimmy Johnson, Little Joe Washington, Babe Zaharias, et al. I never left that long. Jim
