Just got back from CA today and my truck is finally on it's way to TX. I'm using Dependable Auto Shippers, mainly because they are the shipper of choice on Eb@y. Flat rate of 690 bucks from Sacramento to Dallas. I dropped it off at the D.A.S. terminal in Folsom (not far from the prison Johnny Cash made famous). I'll let you all know what shows up in TX when they deliver it. Keep your fingers crossed.

The truck drove great during the 38 mile trip from Grass Valley to Folsom, especially since it hasn't been run since 1998. Even so, about halfway to Folsom I reached the conclusion I was very glad to only be driving it 38 miles and not 1,750 (all the way to TX). 4.88 gears, 3 on the tree, and sloppy steering decrease the fun factor on the highway just a bit. I think four days of that would have left me brain dead.

Soon as I get it home in the garage the fun will begin. Since the Y block is running great, I think the only things I'm going to do mechanically are change the rear end, rebuild the stock front steering, and try to figure out a disc brake conversion for the front wheels that retains original style 8 lug pattern. It's already got a dual master cylinder and power booster.

The bulk of what I want to do is bodywork...get rid of the rust, fresh paint, new bed, new interior, etc.

I plan to share all the lessons learned here, even the inevitable embarassing and/or expensive ones. I've sure enjoyed reading about everybody elses busted knuckles; now I guess it's time for some of my own...

 

Rob,
Sounds like progress! Always easier to work on the truck when it's within 1700 miles! Look forward to seeing another '56 on the streets around DFW. I guess that means I will have to get mine back out there too.

Good Luck and let me know if I can help.

 

It must be quite a truck if you were able to navigate Folsom. I live about 15 miles from there. Did you get a chance to go to Sac Vintage Ford? They are right next door to Folsom in Rancho Cordova. Good luck with the new project. John

 

Glad to see that you were able to locate a truck. I felt bad that I couldn't help out from up here in the north country. Good luk with the project.

Gear Up

 

Thanks for the encouragement, and I probably will be after a little help or advice at some point, Fatfords, so thanks for the offer.

Didn't get a chance to go by Sac Vintage, but my Dad lives out there so I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

It was my great grandfather's truck, so plans are to keep it stock looking. I'm not opposed to making some improvements here and there, but from 50 feet I want it to look 1956.

I'll be busy getting the garage ready until it gets here....

 

Hey Rob, Sac Vintage has a killer cruise every month during the summer on the last friday of the month. Maybe I'll see you there, John

 

The truck arrived in Dallas on Friday...6 days after drop off in California, no damage. My hat is off to DAS auto shippers. Those guys had the best price AND service. Maybe owning their own trucks has something to do with it. Anyway, its a shameless promotion but I'm stoked to have my truck without feeling ripped off.

Already put the truck to work today...full bed load of cypress mulch for the yard. Even the wife is stoked.

 

I'll bet your great grandfather wouldn't be opposed to improvements either. What a great possession to have, and a great story. I hope it brings you a lot of pleasure and someday gets in the hands of one of your grandkids.

 

Thanks! My 4 year old daughter already likes "the big truck". She was stomping around barefoot in the mulch while I was trying to shovel it out.

Now, if I could only get my wife to feel the same way about it...

 

Sounds like you got a nice truck Rob.It's even better that it has personal history to go with it.That seemed like a really good deal on the shipping cost to get it to Texas.Good luck with your project.

 

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