This is what I began with initially, original V8 flathead, 3 speed transmission.




I pulled the flathead and transmission to swap with a 302 and a 5 speed transmission(Later went with a C6 Automatic).




I decided to pull the stock rear end and swap with a 9 inch Ford rear end with 3.50 gear ratio








Then it came time to test fit my engine onto the frame.






Then I sandblasted the frame to prepare it for a couple of coats of chassis saver.










Next I installed all new brake hardware, shoes, springs, etc.




Then I sat my engine and transmission onto the frame. In this pic you can see the 5 speed transmission that was later swapped.








Then it was time to test fit the cab onto the frame with the engine to ensure a good fit.






Next I began my ongoing task of body work.










Then I primed my firewall and painted it before sitting the cab onto the frame.




I went with the original Meadowgreen.




Next I started stripping the cab to bare metal.








After lots of beating and banging, I finally sprayed primer on the cab.








My number one helper testing the steering wheel out.




Next, the fenders and grill valances were stripped, body worked and primed.






Then the bed, tailgate, and rear fenders got worked over.




wetsanding for paint.




interior painted Meadowgreen




Truck was sprayed with a base coat Meadowgreen and then a Flat Clear.






My truck as it sits now.


This is my first ever restoration attempt, I'm 26 years old, started this truck when I was 23. My goal for the truck is that when its completed it will resemble a well taken care of barnfind, hence the flat clear coat. Let me know what you guys think so far.

 

It looks great!

 

Thanks Ross, I sure appreciate that! I've started on installing the glass this week, hoping to have the interior done by Christmas.

 

well done. Good luck with the rest of your build.

 

thanks yamagrant, I'm hoping it goes smoothly.<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="6" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td class="alt2"></td><td nowrap="nowrap">





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Great job! Love the pic of you and your son behind the wheel.

 

Thanks DJL66! I actually rolled the truck into the the garage the day my wife found out she was pregnant. I worked about 9 solid months and then here and there on the truck. My little boy is almost two now and going out into the garage and sitting in the truck is one of his very favorite things to do, he has a daily exclamation of "whoa, wow, cool!" when he sees the truck!

 

I think it looks awesome! And you have basically a build thread in one post...

Your number one helper will enjoy driving this truck some day.

 

Fantastic so far. Well done.


Tom

.

 

welcome to fte that is a great looking truck so far i wish that i had your talent,good luck

 

thanks for posting! boy sure does look proud of his truck

 

i like the flat look and the idea of making it look like an older truck. too much shiny, chromey bling doesn't do it for me. your's looks great. dick r

 

That is very nicely done.

 

Outstanding. You have done some great work. Glad to see a little fella enthused with the project. I'm sure your truck will be an important part of his boyhood memories.

Enjoy.

 

Thanks everybody! I'm hoping that my son will always remember the old truck in the garage and I'm sure someday dad may pass it along to him. I was very lucky to have a dad that showed me a few skills along the way to help me out with this truck, I hope that I can do the same for my little guy.


Thanks for all the compliments, it sure makes those days when I'm unsure of my efforts seem a lot better.