ok another question
Mines a everyday driver. looks like hell but is a ton of fun to drive(OR SHOULD I SAY 2.5 TONS)he he. At this point i have no plans of making this a show truck,just something my wife will ride in(without the paper bag on her head). Is there a certain order cosmetics should be done ie... windows before painting...bed wood before painting or can this be done after paint? while im asking...are new windows available?....im lucky its always been a california truck so there is little rust(no i havent crawled under it yet)on the out side and body is really straight.As you can tell its all new to me but i wanna try and do it right...thanks for your help
erik

 

Hey Awoldog, Since your just doing cosmetics there's not much order involved like bed wood could be done before or after paint it just all depends on what easiest for you. Yes there are new windows available, side glass and small back rear window are just flat glass so no work involved. Curved front and rear glass can be bought through a supplier of truck glass who's names I can think of right now. Hope this helps and I wanna see some pics! -4speed

 

How come it is always the wife that want's you to improve the truck? (Paint, brakes, seatbelts etc)

 

You're obviously not married or you wouldn't ask such a question.

 

THANKS GUYS.... I figuer as long as i keep to cosmetics and dont make to easy to drive ie... power steering automatic tranny...... she wont ever ask to drive it..heh heh...maybe i should start a new thread but i will start here....12 years ago i had the steering rebuilt the kit came with a new shaft knuckles and the such...well the shaft was solid not hallow so now the horns been eliminated... 12 years of driving and the steerings really sloppy again does any body make an actual rebuild kit with the hollow shaft...... thanks again folks aw0000000000000000000
erik

 

I just wanted to know for future reference. But the truck should be done by then.

 

About the steering: have you tried adjusting the steering box? The Ford truck service manual explains how. It improved the steering on my '59, although not as much as replacing the kingpins did.

From a distance, the first things you notice on a truck are the paint and the wheels, so making the paint all one colour (or two, if it's two-tone) will make the truck more presentable.

 

yeah nathann but by then youll be looking for a truck to occupy the down time a wife creates....lmao
erik

 

Erik,

The first thing to do is figure out what parts you really need for your steering rebuild. That means you really need a shop manual for your truck. MotorHaven is the parts store that helps support this site. Click on the PARTS SHOP button in the upper-right corner of your screen. They have shop manuals in either printed form or on CD. Pick one up - it's the best money you'll ever spend on your truck.

Once you get your manual, take a good look at the sections for the front axle and the steering gear. My 1956 shop manual has a pretty thorough description of the components including illustrations. I would think the manuals for other years would be just as complete.

You may have to disassemble some parts to figure out exactly what you need. I realize this means you won't be driving the truck for a while, but a solid steering system is worth it in the end.

Once you figure out the steering system and get a handle on what you need, you should be able to get the parts from either MotorHaven or JobLot Automotive (718-468-8585) in New York. Try MotorHaven first to help support the site. If MotorHaven doesn't have what you need, JobLot will. They have the shaft and all the other parts you need to rebuild your steering.

There is a section on my web page (below) describing what I did to restore my steering and axle to original condition. You might find a few tips there. Whatever you decide, good luck and keep us posted.

 

'Dog,

The advice I was given (and it seems to make good common sense) regarding the cosmetic process is: install bed wood (holes drilled and all, then remove for painting);remove all glass and weatherstripping; then paint; then re-install bed wood (so you don't see the line where the paint ends and the bed wood begins); then upholstery (so you don't see the line and so door jambs, etc get painted beyond the point where carpeting and upholstery meet paint, and lastly so overspray is less of a factor on fabric). Seems to make sense. I did it that way and I'm glad I did.

Just my $.02.......

Daryl

 

Thanks Daryl thats kinda what i was looking for, and thank you George i am going to order a manual this weekend(i used to have a motors,but it got stolen) so here is a related question. what is the best manual to start with a motors manual or a ford service manual i have seen both on ebay as well at motorhaven. if you had your choice what would your choice be.

 

I'd pick the Ford Shop Manual. But then, I have the Ford Parts and Accessories Catalog and I think cross-referencing between the two is easier than with a Motor manual. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

AwolDog5, My 57 is a daily driver also and also have lots of fun driving it, I did mine the same way fixed it up but will never make it in a show. Do you still have your original hollow worm shaft? If so you can just buy the worm gear (at the bottom) and have it pressed on.

 

No 57 i dont have the original hollow shaft i was young and ignorant when i had it done. i didnt even ask for the old parts when it was done. i know of a couple junk yards that had some 59's in the area i think ill go on a hunt this weekend.if i only knew then what i know now....i even found one of the original hub caps the other day in my shed and i think i know were two of the others is.....
erik