Well, the frame is complete and for the past few weeks I have been working
on the odds and ends that are involved in getting the running gear put back
on. It's amazing all the little details. I have seen some professionally
restored pickups that I envy but noticed some minor anomalies that I would
be more particular on.. well this is my chance. While the whole thing is
apart, no better time to attend to the little stuff. Leaf springs re-arched,
then taken apart and individually primed and painted, teflon poly-liner
strips in between each spring (not just makes the ride better.. but
preserves the leafs. If you've ever taken a gander at the leafs, you will
see wear marks, rust pits, etc and this elliminates that threat). Then there
are all the nuts, bolts and washers. What to do with them? After 50 years,
the old ones are not just rusty, but badly pitted and some even broke off
when I removed them. So, to prevent this from happening, I am priming
(Sherwin Williams 988 Self Etching Primer) and painting (Acrylic Enamel)
each individual nut, bolt and washer. Any scars from tightening get attended
to with touch-up paint. No stone left unturned.. afterall, this is only
gonna be apart this far once.
Front axle is now complete with new kingpins and the leaf springs are now
bolted on. Everything is semi-gloss black and I mean everything. I like this
look. Since I paint each item individually before assembly, it doesnt look
all mottled together. The rear-end (torque tube variety) is at a local axle
specialist being totally rebuilt. I should have that back next week. I
figure I am about 2 weeks from being able to put my new tires on the frame.
I am really looking forward to seeing it on wheels again. After the frame is
on wheels, I will attend to the engine. Since it runs just fine already, it
will be more of a face-lift than anything. But again major attention to
detail.
I am doing most of the work myself, but the cab repair is another story. I
have access to a really good welder. He is very experienced in the 47-53
truck sheet metal work and is repairing the cab at his shop. Much going on
there. He had to replace the left outside cowl panel all the way to the vent
opening. Also, the top vent rusted out and its being replaced along with cab
corners and a few other odds and ends. He had already replaced all the floor
panels. This cab was pretty shot but he saw it for what it could be and is
excited about seeing his vision come true. I only wish we all felt that way
about our workmanship. I havent attacked the bed yet, but its in decent
shape and will be looked into after the cab is completed and put back on the
frame. I am pretty sure I will paint the sheet metal myself. Pro's are too
expensive for me and I am finding that my workmanship is as good as some and
better than most. Its all in taking the care and doing the research. I was
very fortunate this last week to see two fully restored trucks (one a
frame-up resto) and I am very proud of my work so far. Its as good or better
than guys who do this for a living. I am not bragging so much as stating
this in the spirit of a person who is just learning the ropes and
discovering hidden talents that I only wish I had discovered many years ago.
In other words, its not beyond anyones ability to do a really good job
because if I can do it anyone can. I'll keep you all posted as things
progress. If you have any comments on what I could be doing better or
differently, feel free to say something. I learned most of what I know of
these old trucks from YOU!
Deve
50 3100
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