I've been working on my '59 all winter and I've finally got some progress to report. The engine is about put back together after a complete rebuild. I did the assembly myself and I learned a lot, primarily because everything I did, I did twice. Who knew the tappets had to be installed before the camshaft and before the block was closed up? I just finished rebuilding the original Holley 1904 and got it installed yesterday. You may notice from the picture, like I just did, that I installed it backwards. Again, everything I do, I find a way to do it twice. That's ok though, I decided before I started, that, given that I have no idea what I'm doing, I wasn't going to let little setbacks upset me. I have been known to not handle frustration well in the past, (I seem to have a vague memory of me wacking the hood of my crappy car over and over with a snow shovel...never mind, long story), so the fact that I've gotten to this point without throwing any tools is pretty good. Also, I've purged myself of any illusion that this sucker is just going to start right up. I'm sure there will be plenty of mistakes discovered once I get to that point.
Tomorrow night I have my first welding lesson! Well more like, I watch my buddy, Ulises, weld patch panels into the radiator core. He said he could teach me to weld, but to figure on him doing almost all the actual welding on the truck. Fine with me, its just great to see the sheet metal work starting.
Cam and I are also going to pull the bed tomorrow. That'll be the last piece of the body; I'll be down to just the frame and axles. The plan going forward is to split my time between cleaning and painting the frame and rebuilding the trans. It's a pretty basic Ford 3-speed that I bought from a fellow forum member on craigslist. Thanks Ron! I have my original (same model trans), so I'm hoping that using mine as a guide should make rebuilding the new one a little easier.
Hopefully, I'll have some more pics soon as we start to assemble the rolling chassis.

 

Looks great buddy. I just got my engine back tonight and cant wait to get it in the truck.

 

Looks great,keep up the work and the learning.

 

I'm glad you installed the carb backwards at first. It makes me feel much better about some of the stuff I've done over the years. You obviously have learned the virtue of patience. That engine is a thing of beauty, and that doesn't just happen by accident. Great to have you in the fridge truck club! I love how you lessened the impact of having 2 wheelbarrows in your garage!

 

right on. looks great! thanks for the update and looking forward to more

Joe

 

Keep up the good work and believe me I'm with ya on mistake's; but that's how most of us suppose to learn..

 

GORGEOUS! Could you do the same to my y block? Just joking. but beautiful.