Well Deve, sounds like your heart is really into it (work quality). That's
something that is missing in our economy in just about if not all industries.
There's no question about it. When a person does not give his (or her [for all
you politically correcto's]) all, the job quality suffers. When I work on any
truck, I work on it as if it was my mom's truck. Besides, your work quality
shows where your head is in life. Body shops can hide a lot of shoddy work. A
good job will be self evident years down the road when the body starts to wear.
Hey, if Earl Schieb painted your truck, what would it look like in 10 years? So,
Deve, my hats off to you for doing the finest job you can. I hate hack's. As
soon as my garage is up, I hope to do the same to my truck. Except the cab will
go. I want a 5 window cab. BTW, you might want to consider painting the under
dash white. I saw a truck painted like that and I am sure it would make working
on wiring or anything else under the a lot easier. Hardly even needed an extra
light.
new mexico jim
51 two ton dump
50 ½ ton
Deve Krehbiel wrote:
> 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
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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