I have a chance to pick this up from a friend for 1500. Its an old mining truck. Supposedly pretty complete.


Given the conditions and price... is it worth it?


My thinking was to have the engine rebuilt, get dents pulled out, drive as is. Possibly put an automatic transmission behind the flathead.

 

Price is ok . Do you know what you are getting into ? How much do you know about getting something like this running and SAFE to drive ? Do you have $ to spend to get it up and running , plan on $3,000 , to have a daily driver . Without body work or paint . If you are ready , go for it . Truck looks a lot better than most of us started with.

 

Looks like a good one. Are the floors rusty?

 

Honesty.


No idea what Im getting into.


I have no idea what it going to take to get it up and running.


Most of my experience is from the Jeep - rock crawling world (lifts, bumpers, brakes, etc...), but I don't do engines or transmissions.


I make a decent living so... my issue is more often time, since I travel for a living.


I have no desire to paint it, but I do know a few people that do some fine old school metal work.


I do appreciate the advice. I went ahead and pulled the trigger.

 

Im hoping for the best, but wouldn't be surprise if there are a few spots. Its been stored inside, and its an Idaho vehicle.

 

Welcome to the forum. You'll find a bunch of opinionated enablers here, most of whom mean well. Looks like you have a largely unmolested truck.

 

Yours is a common story...pick it up, get it running, and drive it the way it is. Then comes the learning curve...wow I didn't know that I could do "this" or "that" and since I will be in there fixing this other thing I may as well go ahead and do this as well. It sounds like you are a gearhead and should know what's in store in your new project. It will be a roller coaster ride...if you like the thrills then you will really enjoy the ride. Good luck, you are in good company here on the FTE!

 

where are you located ? we have members all over the country .

 

The fun is in the journey! At least that is my mantra as I SLOWLY continue with mine...

 

Boise, Idaho.

 

I'm a bit north of you up here in God's country.

Welcome to the insanity.

 

I'm glad you are one of us now. Your truck looks in great shape so many of us started with much less. I would do brakes get it running good and let the truck show you what's next. Clean the fuel system and inspect the rest of truck and enjoy.

 

Welcome! That's a find looking '52.
As pweng1 and others have mentioned, get the brakes, tires, and powertrain operational (and safe), and just drive it for a bit. These are very simple machines, compared to new vehicles, and part of the joy for many is doing the work. Now, time is a scarce resource for most and money lets you spend time differently. You'll look to strike a balance between the two.

The money to get an old truck back on the road will vary, depending on your expectations. Keeping old sheet metal looking old is less expensive than a new paint job, for the most part.

Engines and brakes are another matter. Finding a mechanic able to work on flatheads can be challenging. Few newer people in the trade have experience with pre-computer controlled engines, much less these designs. There are change outs required to insure the fuel line is able to handle modern gas formulations. The brake system from master cylinder to the lines to the wheel cylinders will likely need to be replaced. With some coaxing, the flathead may be brought back to life as is - which would give you a sense of the other work needed: wiring, cooling, charging system, lights, and gearing are typical. Expect to spend a couple thousand on tires/brakes/engine parts - more if hired out. Parts sources will range from the local NAPA store to some good online houses (Dennis Carpenter, Mid Fifty, Mac's, C&G, Summit, and others) with speciality houses for sheet metal (Northern Classic Truck), tires (Coker), and radiators (US Radiator). This is not an exhaustive list by any measure.

Avoid the temptation to tear it all down before you get in any miles. Be prepared to become an ambassador for old truck ownership with each trip you ultimately take in your new beauty. Most importantly, grin like a goof every time you get behind the wheel with your good fortune to own a piece of history - that draws admiring looks from many. Enjoy the journey.

 

I'm no mechanic by any means! A back yard tinkerer at best, like you I bought a 51 complete in 1994 restored it and enjoyed the simplicity of it ,since then I'm now on my 5th truck it's enjoyable to me....... I have done pretty good for a guy with craftsman tools! Play around with it as a hobbie see if you like it!!

 

Welcome to FTE! Congratulations on the new member of your family! I just started working on my Truck. It just happened to belong to my Grandpa and Dad so I didn't have the purchase cost upfront. I have found myself liking the simple challenge of all aspects of the rebuild. Yes, my original plan was to tear it apart and start from scratch, but after I got the ol'e girl started the direction changed. I want to drive it! So I'm starting from the wheels up. Items that will make it road worthy. The dents, dings, paint, etc. can wait. It all has to get done eventually so why not enjoy it along the way. Of course everyone is in a different situation and different expectations. The single most important word of advise would be "Patients". Have fun and good luck! Dave