OT old truck restoration ? *LINK*

Re: OT old truck restoration ?

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>You're lucky it's a Ford, since AFAIK Ford continues to stock replacement parts for all their products, could be very reasonable price wise.

Pam

Re: I hope you're right

Rob in Kansas

>In a search of some of the online things I only find info that goes back to like '52. So far not finding much in that time frame.

Re: OT old truck restoration ?

Jack Guzman from Maine

>You need to get an autobody person to look at it.There are points at which the body repair will be too extensive to merit bothering.An autobody restorer could help you decide that.The frame also needs to be looked at.I have a 64 chevy 3/4 ton stepside that I had to give up on because of too much rot.The work needed to restore it is way too much.Running gear,motors and accessories can usually be repaired,bought used,fabricated,etc..Good luck,even though it's a ford it should be a nice toy when you finish.---Jack

Re: OT old truck restoration ? *LINK*

Rob Brophy Niagara Falls

>Hi Rob,

It really depends on how much of the work you can do yourself. Can you weld? Do bodywork? Are you willing to get dirty? willing to learn?

I just went through the same sort of project (dragged the car home in January and drove it for the first time last weekend), but with a British sports car, and the costs were quite reasonable...but I have hundreds of hours labour in the project. Except for the soda blasting and paint application, all of the work was done by me and a buddy.

With few exceptions, the body and trim work is much more expensive than mechanical.

The whole process was great fun and a good change from sawdust. You won't regret the effort and will cherish the truck even more if you do the work yourself.

I built a Model A pickup a few years ago for a stage play and was amazed by how many parts were available. A 40's pick-up will be a little tougher for parts but I bet if you pick up a copy of Hemmings you'll find enough contacts to get an idea of cost.

Feel free to ping me privately if I can be of any help.

Rob




Start to Finish Pix

Re: OT old truck restoration ?

Derek Cohen (in Perth Australia)

>Rob

Nice truck. I'd want to restore that as well, especially since it was your grandfathers'.

The mechanicals aside, "sitting out in a pasture" means Rust and more Rust. It is unlikely that you will be able to find a whole lot of parts in salvage yards, so this means fabricating panels. In some cases this is not a difficult skill to learn, but I see curvy fenders that will need professional attention. Get an expert restorer to check it out with you and give you a rough quote. On this point, you will never get an accurate estimate of predicted costs - there are always too many surprises once you start dismantling the car.

If you do proceed, the word to keep in mind is "patience". Restoration can take a long time, especially when you are juggling other responsibilities, such as a family and kids - not to mention woodwork. I have been restoring a Porsche 356 (1957 A Coupe) for the past 7 or 8 years. It is a "driving restoration" in that I drive it, pull a little apart, fix that, drive it some more ... I am scared that if I take it apart and try to do it all at once I will never find the time to put it back together! (My wife refers to this car as the "Menoporsche").

Start reading as much as you can about restoration, body work, panel beating and fabrication. Get to know what you are getting into. Don't be too daunted about a lot of the bodywork - coming from a woodworking background helps greatly.

Above all, give yourself time to digest the above. There is the emotional component that is driving you. Give the brain a chance to catch up!

Best of luck.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Nope

Neal (San Jose)

>I heard that story about Ford still stocking parts for very old models when I was restoring a '40 sedan while in high school - 1963 or so. The parts man at the Ford dealer laughed at me - it wasn't the first time he'd heard that. What he told me was that all the old molds and dies were reused for other purposes during WWII, but I suspect the truth is that they only continue to carry parts for as long as it makes economic sense. Maybe 10 years for body panels, longer for spark plugs or wiper blades since they will fit many models.

Good luck

Re: Nope

Jack Guzman from Maine

>I don't know alot about fords but I do know that there are sources for new body and other

parts for old cars and trucks. I used to get a catalog.They even had studebaker parts.---Jack

Very Nice TR6

Bob Hutchins in central TX

>Great restoration. Thanks for the link. I enjoyed all the pics.

Lessee, in 1974 I was . . . years old. Still wet behind the ears.

BobH

Re: Thanks all

Rob in Kansas

>My thoughts were I need to get it out before my grandpa dies as I know the farm will be deeded to my uncle. Since I'm the only one that takes my grandfather out for drives to the farm (he's 95) and gives him someone to boss around I'm sure he'd sell it to me if not give it.

Since there is a very real possibility I might become a primary caregiver to Pa I know I don't have time and money right now to do the restoration. If I could get in out and in storage where I could stop any further deteriation I could take some automotive classes at the vo-tech so I don't have to hire as much out. I figure once I get started it will probably take 5 years and $10-15,000. Depends on how much I can do and what I have to buy. My concern is like you said Jack, the body may have too much rust that can't be easily repaired.

Rob I'll take a good look at your website and see your progress, it mght give me an idea on the starting point. I's sure I don't have your ability right now, but maybe after some classes.

I anybody else can point me towards some resources I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

Rob

Re: OT old truck restoration ?

Todd Hughes

>I have a few friends with antique cars/ trucks and to the man they say it doesn't make econimcal sence to take something like this to restore. Moneywise far better to buy a car that has been restored or at least in better condition....Those adds you see where it says "$15,000 invested ...sell for $10,000" are often true.

Now if for sentimental reasons you want to restore it I think you will find that you will be able to find ever part you need with out much trouble , just have to be willing to pay....Todd

Re: Thanks all *LINK*

Jack Guzman from Maine

>I found this on a quick search of "antique truck restore" on google. Someplace to start.---Jack


http://www.restoretrucks.com/?search_make=0&search_model=0&search_year=1940&search_text=

one more resource

Jack Guzman from Maine

>This just occurred to me. The next time you're at your local magazine seller browsing the woodworking mags take a gander at the hot rod magazines. Find one with a tricked out truck on the cover and check out the ads in the back.These books are usually full of resources.---Jack

or...

Bob Hackett

>Pick up a copy of Hemmings Motor News.More restoration and used parts than you can sift thru in one night.

MB

Re: OT old truck restoration ?

Rob in Kansas

>Thanks Jack & Bob, if I do this I'll need all the help & can get. At least I know not all the parts would be hard to find. And Todd, I'm sure you are correct on that. What I think I might do is get it somewhere safe and see what happens over the next year or two. Worst case senario is I sell it for parts. It still has all the emblems and parts I'm sure people might want. Best case senario I take some classes, learn how to work on cars, and have a cool old truck that I'm able to say I did this.

Re: OT old truck restoration ?

Ernie Miller

>First bthing you need to do is start looking for several other trucks then you will have a ready supply of parts. I did a 32 binder back in my youth so give a yell and I will come over and play. I would offer my garage but Pat hates old rust.