1952 Chevy 3600 - Project for me and my boy...

Had started a thread, but I don't see it. So here goes again... bought a 1952 3/4 ton a few weeks ago. Want to do this build so I have a daily driver, and to give to my boy when he is 16. He is already calling it "his". Luckily I have 11 years to complete and drive before I hand over the keys. I joined the forum today because for the last couple of days I have mot been able to quit reading some of these threads. Great info, awesome pictures, and good people. Look forward to this journey!!


-Chad

 

Welcome aboard Chad, enjoy the ride while here, Thanks for posting the photos.
Great looking ride

 

Thanks Charles. Been looking for awhile, and the wife finally signed off on the decision to buy one.

 

It is always good to have the other half in on the build. Makes for some great rides together later on.

 

whoooa chad, where in the world did you get that?
im in sierra vista too and that looks like a solid lil truck
whooa

 

Chad,

Welcome to the message boards! Looks like you have an excellent candidate for a project truck there. Have you come up with a plan yet? (Other than making it a daily driver... which is awesome, by the way.) The possibilities are literally endless, as you have seen by reading some of the project threads on here.

The gang here is a great group of folks dedicated to helping one another out with any needs that arise. Ask questions. Ask all the questions you can think of. Did I mention to ask questions? There is an amazing wealth of knowledge amongst the members here: Ken, Russ, Nate, Paul, Mike, Charles... the list goes on and on. Be sure to check out Russ' thread on assembling an "AD" pick-up truck... it's priceless.

I firmly believe that the only reason some of the newer guys (including myself, most definitely) are having so much success with their projects, is that the membership here is so willing to lend their advice and experience.

Hang on, and enjoy the ride. Be sure to update us often. Looking forward to following your progress!!

Damon

 

I have been looking for months, craigslist, internet etc. MANY trips to Tucson which were all busts. I wanted a truck that was almost complete. The last trip to Tucson was for a 1952 GMC in which the guy said " it is complete, it is all there". The engine block was sitting under the hood, and only the engine block. The cab also had NOTHING in it. I almost gave up looking at that point, but then I found this one in Douglas. It runs, just no brakes. Body is mostly solid except for the floorboards in the cab.

 

Thanks for the welcome Damon. I had been going back and forth with what I wanted to do with this truck, but now I know that I don't want it sitting in the garage for 3 years before I drive it. It has no brakes, so that will be the first order, along with dropping it a few inches. 1/2 ton axle up front with the disc brake conversion. Thought about Mustang II, but then I found myself saying I might as well do the motor, tranny, etc, etc at the same time.

Ths wealth of knowledge is what had drawn me to join this board. I have read others, and you guys just seem so damn helpful. Thanks again, and I look forward to sharing!

 

Great truck

Welcome aboard Chad.That truck has potensials. What kinda plans do you have in mind with your AD ?
As Damon allready said , the guys on this board are really great people with fantastic much knowledge about these trucks. Looking foreward to hear from you.

Martinius/Norway land of the scary vikings.

 

Thanks! Well 1/2 ton axle with disc brake/5 lug conversion, new rear axle, freshen up the interior, all new glass, 12v conversion, all new brake components, and probably split exhaust manifold as well as some kind of intake with duel carbs. Motor runs, but will probably replace it with a newer I6 in the future. But for now, road worthy and safety are at the top of my priority list. The kid I bought it from had spray painted quite a bit of the truck, so I think I am going to try to see what is under it. Hoping for a nice patina of sorts, give it more character. Then maybe some door art. Want an old shop truck feel. Thanks again for the welcome!

 

you might have to try the CLR trick or the lacquer thinner trick ive been using. as you see in my thread ive been using the thinner and a green scotch bright pad and been scrubbin the truck. its frickin hard work and even with rubber gloves on, its jackin up my fingers but the look makes it worth it. ive tried paint thinner and it doesnt work, paint stripper takes it all off.
guess we'll be lookin out for parts for each other, i too need a 1/2 ton axle
joe AKA mothertrucker on here lives in tucson and has tons of parts. i got a fender off him

 

Skeeter, I am absolutely going to do the clr thing. Was working on the CBR motor today, and found myself staring at the truck often lol! Have tried to tell myself that I finish a project/job before starting another, but I have 1 week to wait on parts for the bike........SOOOOO... starting the truck in the morning!!

 

Welcome chad !

Nice looking rig there , dual side mounts are a plus .

Before you go all nuts , fix the brakes , slap some decent LT Radials on it , grease it , tune it , adjust it (there's a lot that's adjustable / greasable on these trucks) then DRIVE the darn thing , you'll be surprised at how well and easily it'll drive.....

SEAT BELTS straightaway as you need to teach your Son the more important things in life .

 

nahhhh, my dads workin on his 63 vette, a 62 norton, a stone wall and workin around his house. now hes retired but he needs 3 projects to bounce around to thru out the day.
i think my battery or coil is goin bad on my 05 triumph. hit the starter and it clicks a few times and then fires.... any ideas? battery is 2 years old

 

Thanks Nate. I didn't know if the dual tire mounts were stock, or if someone welded an extra one on? Not sure about leaving them there. Might to one off eventually, leave the other. Will need to start making a list of parts I need straight away.

 

This 'N That

A slow to respond starter usually means a failing battery , using an analog volt meter will tell you instantly .

The dual side mounts are added on but , being a Geezer , I like would retain them .

Be slow to change things , experiencing varieties in life ,broadens your palate .

 

The starter clicks a few times and then engages? Could be a starter going bad, or improper voltage going to it. Best way to check the battery is fully charge it, pull the plug wire, turn it over a few times and see if the voltage drops drastically on the battery. If the are saying that the starter is engaging the entire time, but won't fire right away, pull your plugs, grong them on the engine, then crank it. Should be able to see if you have good spark everytime you turn it over, or if it is intermittent. Intermittent would lead me to believe the coil or ignition module (if it has one) assuming the plugs and wires are good.

Forgot to say, I have replaced more batteries in the last 5 years in AZ then I have in my entire life! Truck done once, wife's car once, my car hauler once, my Harley 3 times, her Harley once, and our quads twice each. The dry air tears them to pieces ESPECIALLY if then get discharged. Go to Batteries Plus, found that they have a 2 year free replacement warranty on most batteries for bikes. I always use the AGM type, sealed gel cell. I like them better.

 

I hear ya on the "important" things in life. When I built his old barn find KTM, he had all his gear well before the bike was done. He knows he doesn't ride without the protection. And first thing he does when he gets in my truck is buckle up. (He left gloves and goggles off in this picture, for picture sake)

 

Didn't get much garage time tonight, but I did manage to get some. Vacuumed the cab, took the seat out, and started to take the glass out (going to replace it all with smoked, since I needed 4 pieces anyway thought I would do them all). Pretty stoked to see that the factory paint is dark blue! Hoping that there is more under this primer when I get around to CLR'ing it!

 

its prob the same color as mine...