I finally have made up my mind.......I think.......well.......maybe. After seeing all the info here and everyones input on questions I never thought i would have I have decided what I want to do with my 54 panel. I would like the finished product to fall somewhere in the middle between restored stock and radical/race/custom/show queen. The one thing I do know is that I get no enjoyment from it just sitting in the corner of the garage collecting dust. So first is to get it running and driveable- it has been licensed in the last decade and it's 90% complete. For now it will be stock and as time and money permit I will add a later model l6 or even a small v8, dropped front axle, 9" rear end, power steering and brakes-for my wife, ac to make it comfortable the kids. It will be driven often but not every day or on long trips and I would like to be driving it before my 15 month old son will be able to. Thanks to everyone for making this a great site.

 

Sounds great. This panel was at a local show in my area, it's kinda neat.

 

don't go to the dark side. leave it as stock as possible and still be a safe driver

 

Hey its your truck, but since you asked....... I like'em restored completely original or modified while keeping the body stock(all emblems and door handels original but it can be lowered with newer rims. Thats cool your making it a family cruiser, wish mine would all fit in. You can have alot of fun in a panel because of all the graphic possibility's and interior choices too. Anyway's good luck and post some pics. -4speed

 

Unless you are George, you will not have a truck just like it was back in (fill in your year). You will have to acknowledge that certain upgrades in safety and appearance are the only way to go here at the onset of the 21st century. Early enthusiasm (like the whole year after I bought my truck) led me to believe that I needed a suspension upgrade. I was wrong. Trucks drive like trucks because they are trucks. The I beam is ok with me. Brakes, on the other hand, are marginally sufficient in stock form. I think I need front discs. I like my pawn shop radio and will swap it for Mrs. H's premier system in the Lincoln some day. Springs are important to me now... as well as the 3 deuce foolishness that I should have put on my '55 Merc back in high school. Oh, and torq thrust mags... yeah, I got them, too. Do I care that I am tampering with a historic vehicle? Nope. I need to drive something that can carry my junk, sometimes some dirt, and be cool doing it. It will never be slick like 'fenders '53... never as authentic as Earl, never as cool as John's front end tester platform ... but I can drive it everyday. Delight my grandkids and their friends... and have pals here on the board to share it all with. Enjoy the ride. Best. Himmelberg

 

"John's front end tester"

That's a good one!

 

Peter (Himmelberg) is right on every count. I'm trying to restore mine as closely as possible to original to help me remember some very good times with my brothers. It will never be exactly original - but I really enjoy trying to make it close. And that's the real key. Think long and hard about what you like to do and what will make you happy.

Some folks like to work on little details and make them just right. Others just go nuts dealing with the little details.

Some people just want to drive one of these gems and are perfectly happy buying one already street ready. Others need to put it together themselves before they will enjoy driving it.

Some would enjoy driving a wild custom ride. Others would prefer to remember old times or have good new times in a stock truck.

The hardest part of any truck project is - figuring out what will make you happy. Unless you are one of the lucky few, it's usually not easy. Invest some time and energy because everything else you do with your truck will be affected by your decision about what will make you happy.

 

When I got the Panel I wanted something the whole family could ride in, although an old pickup would be nice. I've had it for 2 yrs now and finally finding time to work on it. I really like the look of the old Fords with an original body lowered on mag wheels. I'm not a brand loyal person and always built cars with what parts are easily available- I have a couple of SBCs, and an RB for engines with autos and 4 speeds, a 12 bolt and an 8 3/4 rear ends, a C-10 front suspension and a Z-28 clip- but after seeing the passion some members have for fords I'm going keep it all Ford. I always enjoy reading the opinions,advice, and experiences, of the members here (except when it starts to sound like my kids squabbling).

 

"Oh, and torq thrust mags... yeah, I got them, too."
Right on!

And Primer too!

Slight rake

And a Flatmotor, even if it didn't come with one!

 

Thats what I like to hear! Just remember its yours and only yours so do what you want to it. -4speed

 

All right!! nother slant-cab panel!! I'm looking forward to seeing it progress! I'm just now getting back into my panel project, myself. Itwill never be original, but I will finally be getting my other dream vehicle!

I'm going for flat black paint, red steelies, red engine accents, pinstriping accents, ghost flames, shaved door handles, and lowering all around.

Enjoy your project! I think it's the perfect family ride!