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Im not sure this truck is even worth saving (Rusted through in many places). If not for the family sentimental value, it would be sold as a parts vehicle because it takes a lot of space. It was my wife's fathers truck who passed many years ago.
The truck was put in a barn of some long lost relative from 2004 to 2006. Then moved to the field to behind the barn to finish rotting away. Honesty, I didnt know the truck existed till 2011 and never even laid eye's on it till 2014 when I was shamed into picking it up before it was sold for $250.00. Now I like the Rusty Bucket and the kids think it's a family heirloom.
I rebuilt the carb, added new battery, changed the starter + solenoid, plugs, wires (eatten my critters), distributor timing advance diaphram, & set the points to a matchbook.
It now starts okay but idols and runs rough as hell. Pulled each plug wire while running and really only got backfire when wire 1 & 5 were lifted (strange). I did brave the 2004 tags and drove it around the block once. That got me a few thumbs up from the neighbors .
After I got it home, my wife asked how much it would cost to get it painted. After a long pause (trying to gather myself and not laugh), I said with a straight face "$25,000.00. We don't talk much about that anymore... Oops
I'd like to hear how any of you would have answered that question without sounding like your hating on your wifes precious family heirloom...
Mine was not as bad as that, and I told my wife there was a lot of work to be done before we could even think about paint. That was December of 2013, and still a way to go. She has stopped coming over to the shop to see the truck, it makes her cry.
I think you can get it a little cheaper maybe 19k, including bodywork. Then, you say, "i dunno honey, maybe 19." She will think you meant "19 hundred".
It has been fun and rewarding messing with it. Nothing like wrench therapy! I really want to make it run like a top and stop on a dime before messing with anything cosmetic.
That's some serious rust a whole donor roof skin would be your best way to go on that. My 64 has the rust through across the whole front above windshield like yours but atleast my sides ain't eaten up like yours. I've been planning on using it as a mud truck since it's so beat up. If it wasn't my first old truck I would've set it out to pasture already. But my other trucks are getting finished before I do anything to it.
It has been fun and rewarding messing with it. Nothing like wrench therapy! I really want to make it run like a top and stop on a dime before messing with anything cosmetic.
Well said sir,,, Well said!!
This is Shrek,,, my wrench therapy just went to fresburg and back and got almost 18 mpg,,, redid the brakes, and bearings, he is my daily driver most of the time since Jan or Feb 2011 aside from Sid my tan 77, he gets the most compliments and likes, was as laundromat worshing shop rags, had three different sets of "tourists" stop and take pictures of him!
I'm thinking (when I get to that point) grind out, weld in metal strips, and fiberglass the corners. Fact is, unless the parts are replaced, it will never be great. That said, it could be made to look okay for a unrestored 50yr old truck. I'm, talking plug the rain holes and making it so that every year I have to sand, touch up the cracks, and respary some spots. Hell, if I replace all the panels and the cab, is it even the same family heirloom truck?