I too value the purist mindset, seems to be a vanising thing. So glad to see someone with the resources and values combinded, focused on restoration.

 

I also saw the dodge in Vintage Truck. Didn't know so many of us subscribed. I would love to see your collection. As Spurredon will attest, My nine footer isn't exactly stock. (he cried when I pulled that pretty little 223, and replaced it with the noisy cummins jr.). It's ok Spur, I cry over the Hallmark Christmas card ads. Here's my '59. I plan to paint it next spring either meadow green or colonial white. The patina doesn't hold up in this constant rain and mist. Can't wait to see your build.

 

I don't know. I'd be hard pressed to paint your truck. To me, the patina is just so perfect that it looks just right the way it is. Mother Nature has done a perfect job. I share your rain-pain. Maybe put on a matte clear, or just oil it with WD-40 like the rat-rodders do. Ha! I find the original color quite pleasing also. I have several vehicles with original paint, and can't bring myself to paint any of them. But no matter what you do, please promise: No bedliner!!!

Really like the cab lights, and wish I could put some on mine. Maybe I just will anyway.

 

I actually did paint most of the bed as it was a light metallic blue on the outside and bright blue on the inside. My meadow green paint is made from rustoleum hunter green, rustoleum flat black, rustoleum flat white, and a splash of rustoleum royal blue. The high amount of flat paint in the mix really takes the shine off. Applied with a foam brush. If I really get around to painting it, it will still look oxidized, but not fake. The bed wood is original and is staying as is. The '47 2 ton I did last winter was pure brown surface rust. I fogged it with rusty metal primer and a similar, but modified paint mix and then wore it through in places of normal wear. Lastly, I have a '58 f600 fire truck with 3047 original miles, been in a fire station in Eastern Wa. All sheet metal is as new from day one and all glass is ford script. 292 y block and clark 5 speed. Boosted brakes, drive anywhere. I am ready to part with it because I can't stand seeing it outdoors getting wet.

 

Always love to see your pics again Gary!

 

Been trying to dredge them up from my old half-dead computer. I am getting them onto a memory stick, but then not sure how to work with them from there. It's fun for me to see them again. Thanks Spur.

 

OK, I see now how you approach things, and I'm on board. Really like the color, and your methods. The 47 looks great. I agree the fire truck needs to find shelter. That's the bummer about fire trucks - there are more out there than ones that can find homes...

The F350 looks so straight and solid. Too bad I can't do stuff to make my trucks more driveable, but as an ATHS guy, I'd have to go straight to hell. But that's just me. The good thing about this hobby, is that you can do whatever you choose to do, and if somebody doesn't like it... Well......

 

Exactly!

BTW I am not familiar with ATHS. I assume this is American Truck History Society. What all does ATHS do?

 

A local chapter of them set up every August in Lynden Wa. and display as part of the Puget Sound Tractor and Machinery Association's annual steam, gas, tractor and machinery show. Their trucks are primarily bigger trucks and beautifully and correctly restored to original condition. The guys really notice small details lost on a lot of the casual truck enthusisats. For instance making a big deal over my 9' bed and how hard it is to find a good one. I doubt I would ever restore anything to their guidelines or standards, but all it takes is one look at the Dodge in this post to understand what they strive for. Yes, I have said for many years, it's great we all get to do it the way we like! When is that red 9' express due to arrive?

 

The American Truck Historical Society is a worldwide organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of the people, trucks, and trucking companies that pioneered the industry. There are also local chapters in every state and many foreign countries. They also publish a bi-monthly magazine called Wheels of Time, and sponsor a national convention in a different city every year, with as many as a thousand trucks attending. Our local NW Washington Chapter has a truck show in Olympia every August, with over 100 trucks gathering. We're not snobs though, and welcome trucks in any condition from rusty relics to show trucks. Even modifieds show up, though the emphasis is on history.

As for the red truck, the seller still has to put the brakes back together before I can look into shipping. He said yesterday to give him a week.

Here's the 59 GMC one ton Napco dually that leads me to believe my truck could have been delivered as a dually. The GMC is a 4000 mile unmolested example, although the rear flares appear more modern, and probably were added at some point. This was on eBay, and the seller said it was a documented one-of-one conversion.





BTW, the only restored trucks I have are the Dodge D300 and the M-15. The others are "as found", either original or an older re-do. And headway is slow, as I'm trying to keep twenty vehicles on the road. Enough for one man, let alone starting a big project.

 

Well, 20 is a huge fleet! You need a crew! I keep 3 trucks and a bike in the summer besides my wife and daughter's cars and that can be quite time consuming. Even just the inspections. You sure have some cool ones.

ATHS show is in Syracuse, NY in mid July every year. Over 100 vehicles, always try to make it. Here's a link from one of the older shows. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimdue...244224/detail/

 

Thanks for the pic's. I've probably seen a number of those trucks in person, as I've been to 21 of the last 29 ATHS National Conventions, including Syracuse and Buffalo. Looks like a nice venue and perfect weather.

I was able to get ten of my trucks to our Northwest show last August, thanks to the help of my friends.

 

That's quite an impressive grouping. I try to go to Syracuse every year so our paths have crossed most likely. Small world.

 

Is the brown one on the left a cornbinder? What a beautiful fleet. I think I have 11 trucks. Now I can tell my wife about YOU!

 

That's a 1940 Chevrolet 1 - 1/2 ton open express on the left. Essentially a road tractor with a giant pickup box. No cornbinders right now. Haven't found one that's gnarly enough yet. Find me one like this --




1968 IHC 1300B 4 x 4 dually

My 67 Chevy C30 got a write-up in the Nov/Dec 2013 Vintage Truck magazine, if anyone has it laying around.