It took me a long time to figure out that was a heart. It looks like a strawberry with a green zit so I ignored it.
I just now discovered that there are rating labels (mouse over the poster's green squares) based on how many rep points a member has received.

 

Nice thread Jimmy. You have taught me one very valuable lesson: Keep your fingers away from heavy, sharp stuff!

 

Great post Jim!!

 

As a newb here, I want to also say thanks to Jim for putting words to it for many of us. I read several sites for a while before coming across this one and was sold pretty fast. The depth and breadth of knowledge & experience are amazing to me. I've learned a lot from posts here and realize there's a lot more to learn. And this is the place to learn it.

I've only been active here a couple weeks yet I've received all kinds if advice, helpful tips, and offers of parts for very reasonable prices. As well, I'm fortunate to live only 22 miles or so from one of the list's more experienced members, AXracer, who has offered to stop by tomorrow to help me assess the '52 project.

The stories and photos you folks post sure are inspiring for someone just beginning the journey. The quality of workmanship is outstanding. Didn't even own the trucks a month ago, now I'm part of a community that literally holds the hope of the future for these old vehicles in their hands every time they pick up a wrench and post the results. The best way to insure the future is to share the knowledge as is done here, which gets a few more trucks out of the 'scrap' line and back onto the road regularly where everyone can see and enjoy them.

Keep the faith -

 

(Blush...) Aww shucks!

 

Thanks Jimmy

 

Well I personally haven't been a member here long and thouroughly enjoy surfing the threads.. i don't feel at all as if i will be flamed if I post opinions or on how I think something should be.. I am in a few diesel and hot rod enthusiast sites and all they seem to care about is making you feel like a idiot or show you who knows EVERYTHING.. That does not happen here so that's definately why I love surfing around asking for advice and giving it if I feel it may help.. So a big thanks from James in Alabama to the guys at FTE

Okay guys enough sobbing from this one

 

My thoughts exactly. Even though we don't all agree on what "the perfect build" is, there is no trash-talking or build bashing. Opinions are given frequently, but never in a degrading manner. That is the biggest reason I prefer this site over all of the others out there. Help is just a post away, and it's always honest, experience-based advice, and it's always given in a manner that's easy to understand. I have done all of the work on my truck by myself, like a lot of you other guys, and the advice and information that I have learned HERE is the only reason I have been able to do some of the things that I have. Even though were are separated by quite a few miles, there is a sense of teamwork here that I haven't experienced anywhere else.

My thanks to all of you, and I'm proud to be a member of the team!

 

Well, I wasn't going to reply on this thread because I've said all that in previous posts. But being a blabbermouth, I couldn't stand it any longer.

I have a truck that would still be sitting in my driveway not ready to be driven if not for FTE. I've had help on practically every step of the way, and I'm certainly not done yet. So, even though I read this forum's posts daily without always commenting (because an awful lot goes on here I know nothing about) I am learning new things almost daily.

I subscribe to threads I think I may use info from in the future (I find that easier than the search function).

I know nothing about the other sites mentioned, because I've never had to go looking anywhere else. And I'm glad I came here first, because if I had gotten blasted on another site, I might have just given up on the whole idea of fixing up an old truck.

So, thanks to all on FTE who have helped me in the past, and who will help me in the future. And a big thanks to Jimmy for bringing it up.

 

A very small personal illustration of what Jim has said occurred for me yesterday. To those of you doing your frame up rebuilds and other great work I see on here it will be funny and a bit silly, but I had my first small success doing a job on my truck without having to go to my mechanic. For some one who hasn't done anything with a car for perhaps 30 years and lost confidence in my self to do so, this was a wonderful achievement for me and it is purely because of the articles I have read here and the thought that if I wish to do this stuff I need to start out with some small successes.

After recently setting out to troubleshoot problems with my wipers, and panicking and getting the mech to do it, I was determined to at least put the wiper transmission arms with new bushes back on. Well I questioned my sanity several times but thought about the stuff you blokes do and persevered and succeeded. I have wipers again.

A very small triumph but to me an illustration of what this site does for us. Motivation and encouragement, ideas and friendship, a laugh here and some support there.

 

I love to come here and see what everyone has done and read about the process that got them to the point they are..

I'm too broke and old to be working on an old truck, but I sure do appreciate the time and effort you guys put into you pride and joy..

When I was a kid these trucks were what was doing the work everyday, I grew up with and learned to drive a 1951 Dodge Coronet flat head six with the Gyromatic transmission, sorry it wasn't a Ford but my uncle did have a 51 two door, with a transplanted Lincoln v8. Does that count?

Like Jim said, this forum seems to, me at least, the most helpful of all of FTE and every one is willing to pass along their little "secrets", it just seems like family even if I never post here..

I'll shut up now and crawl back under my rock.............

 

Keep at it! That sense of accomplishment can be hard to keep your eye on when you're up to your elbows in greasy rust and wading through a pile of parts that's up to your knees. However, perseverance pays off! It's just that feeling that keeps me going.

 

I spend way too much time on this site learning and not enough doing
A good bunch here unlike the others that I have tried. Most even overlook my Che#y engine (Blame lies on the PO of my truck) and my lack of experience.