As always, everything looks beautiful with your build. I can't wait to see those parts on the truck. You amaze me with your diligence and detail of work.

 

Good to see you back at it! Strong work, as usual!
I will agree on the Eagle River area. Easy commute to the base!

 

There has been some long overdue progress on the restoration.

Complete:

-Built and installed rear springs (minus rubber pads and straps)
-Installed differential
-Installed mid and rear parking brake brackets

We are in the process of moving to Alaska, so there will be yet another pause in the restoration until we are all moved in and settled. Enjoy the pictures and I'll keep everyone posted on the progress once work resumes. Anyone recommend a good machine shop in the Anchorage area? I'd like to start with the engine machine work soon after our relocation.

Before:

After:


Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

 

Beautiful work as always. I hope the move goes smoothly for you.

 

Your before's look as good as some of my after's! Hope you move goes smoothly!

 

Looks Great. Keep up the good work and have a safe move.

 

Awesome build ! On a carpet… that´s so cool ! Never seen such a detailed and clean Truck Restoration. Keep us updated !

 

Well, the truck and family are now settled in their new home in Alaska. I already have a a few orders of NOS engine parts on the way in preparation for the engine rebuild.

The engine block is stripped and ready for machine work. Can anyone recommend a reputable machine shop in the Anchorage/Eagle River/Wasilla areas of Alaska?

 

Austin,
I just spent the last 2hours reading and reviewing your entire thread. Absolutely Outstanding! Your attention to detail and your methodical nature is a rare find for a truck restoration. I too am under way on my '59 restoration you have given me so many good ideas. I too want to thank you for your service to our country. Keep up the good work I look forward to seeing the progress.

 

I apologize to the late reply. Thank you for all the positive comments. Over the past few months I have acquired several NOS parts to complete the chassis and begin the engine rebuild. Also completed is the refurbishment of the crankshaft (hot tanked, shot peened, cut .010 under, and polished). Tomorrow, I intend to drop the connecting rods at the machine shop for cleaning, shot peening, re-sizing, and installation of the new NOS piston pin bushings, rod bolts, and nuts. More pictures to follow soon.

 

I think I speak for many forum members when I say we are really looking forward to additional photos. Good Luck.

 

Here are a few before and after pictures for the time being. The restoration is progressing rather slow right now, as I have been acquiring the last of the hard-to-find NOS chassis parts while working slowly on the engine. More pictures to come as progress continues.

 

That is one nice work of art there. Look forward to more posts.

 

You can't beat the smell of a crank!

 

This week:

-Drop connecting rods at machine shop for reconditioning

Next week:

-Purchase NOS camshaft
-Continue search misc NOS engine parts

Here are a few pictures of the rods and NOS bushings/bolts/nuts before reconditioning commences.