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Re: [oletrucks] How best to get started?

To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] How best to get started?
From: Gene Davis <genedavis@tritel.net>
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 1999 10:05:31 -0600
K & B wrote:
> 
> Hi Folks-
> 
> Well, now that we've bought our 59 Apache Fleetside... cleaned it up (with
> soap & water)... climbed in, on and under it to check it out... taken loads
> of photos (for the project scrapbook)... and imagined and dreamed of things
> to come... what's the best way to get started in our effort to transform our
> bucket-o-bolts and rust into a street-worthy beauty?
> 
> Keep in mind that there is no engine or transmission for us to deal with (at
> this time).  The bed floor is original wood... and is very... very poor
> condition.  The window glass is all original and in great shape, but we
> can't say the same for the rubber seals that hold the glass to the steel.
> 
> We love this thing... but are... to put it mildly... very overwhelmed!
> Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
> 
> Thanks in advance-
> 
> K&B
> 59 Apache Fleetside Longbed Project
> 
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959

My $.02,

Find a engine/tranny, insall, make sure the brakes/lights/wipers work,
Drive until the new wears off, then worry about restoring!  

I lose interest if I never have driven it a while.  It helps to find
some of the stuff that really needs work and also gives a reason for
spending all the time it takes to do the work and get one restored. 
Damn those rattling windows, man this thing has alot of steering wheel
play, Hear that rod knocking? boy a working heater sure is nice!  Those
kinds of things.  Its also a good education. You see the cause and
effect of this being worn or that being mis-aligned.  Some would say its
foolish to put an engine/tranny into something you are just going to
pull it out of again, but working on all this stuff makes it so you
arent afraid of it any more.  To pull an engine and successfully fix a
problem, reinstall and drive it shows a guy (or kid) that it isnt a big
hairy deal.  I have learned alot, and though Im not much of a mechanic,
Im learning.

Always carry tools, or a cell phone and a membership to an auto club
isnt a bad idea either.  Of course, I live in Wyoming, we dont have to
do inspections here, and I aint to opposed to walking, and have!  Nice
thing about small towns, someone you know is usually along sooner or
later.  Strangers give ride too, especially when they see an oletruck
1/2 mile back with the hood up.  Every ride can be an adventure!  Of
course once you get them running reliably, you dont worry so much.

Have fun however you decide to do it! 

Gene Davis
'58 GMC Napco/w 270 out for the second time! (if at 1st you dont
succede...)
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959

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