i am beginning the restoration of my fathers truck for my wife. it is 80% complete, but i am looking for info and pictures of this truck in its original condition. the rear bumper was made by hand on the farm and i would like to know what was originally on it. it is also missing the glove box and ignition key. my dad put a rebuilt older 318 w/ 4 speed in about 10 years ago. since then it has only been driven about 500 miles. i have to replace the master cylinder and brake cylinders. the wood bed also has to be completely replaced. i am looking for any advise or good used parts houses.
i am considering putting this body on a newer frame/engine, like a 82 power wagon w/ full time 4x4, power steering, power brakes and automatic tranny. please post your opinion on the poll.
thanks for any help and/or pictures
bob-ivy
christian
12-11-2002, 02:44 AM
My opinion depends on the intended use of the completed project. If for-your-wife you mean that she needs a set of wheels, then do the most expeditious thing unless she wants a completely restored old classic. The bodt would give her the classic look but you'd gain a bit by using the more up to date frame and etcetera (less maintenance to keep up with and all).
If however, you are looking to show the truck then there is no question but going to a complete and as near original restoration as possible. That would be the only way to gain a true amount of value in the classic car market.
So, it sounds like it's decision time - what do the two of you want (or need)?
:cool:
52 M37
12-11-2002, 01:36 PM
Do you want a daily driver or a show truck?
I like trucks both ways. If your looking to just drive it occassionally original is fine. You can drive an original on a daily basis but restoring to 100% costs some bucks and do you really want to tie alot of money up in a truck that could get smashed by some idiot at any time?
Putting it on another trucks frame is what I am doing with my 46. If you are in an accident the parts needed to fix up a newer frame and drivetrain are readily available and in most cases cheaper.
I am putting my 46 cab and fenders on a motorhome frame. The motorhome has a 440 with an automatic trans. By the time I upgraded the old frame with newer drivetrain and suspension it would have cost me a fortune.
If your truck is rare or of great sentimental value I would say restore. If you want something you can have fun in and not worry about breaking go the other way.
Bottom line is that it's what you want.
My 2¢
Rich
Ronzilla
01-20-2003, 11:48 PM
Full time is a great thing....specialy for the wife. just a little vote of conf. when the weather gets questional. $.02 :cheers:
RamGuy
01-21-2003, 12:17 AM
If it was mine I would restore it, but it's not so do whatever pleases you!
lbeenken
02-08-2003, 10:08 PM
why full time 4wd? And why are you all so hellbent on this option???? I finally bought a 4wd only because nobody had a 2wd dullay around here. You know how many times I've used it? ONCE in the parking lot just to make sure that it worked proberly. As for the vote of confidence if she can't drive she can't drive. The 4wd will only get her in trouble cause she'll think she can do as she pleases in it and you can't. I work in auto recovery and every year we pull several people out of the ditches that say "Well I don't know what happened I had it in 4wd."
thomasjohn
09-19-2004, 09:47 PM
You may want to consider a "clip". I have a '54 I found that had the front clip from an '89 Plymoth Fury put in it. It came with a 318, automatic, power steering, power brakes, front disk brakes, etc. etc. That may be another option for you. Mine turned out fine and it's fun to drive. By the way, if you stumble across any another original side view mirrors, I could use two for my '54. I've found that locating parts for the old truck is tricky at best.
Good luck on the restoration, which ever way you decide to go. :SPIN:
