First Run

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Oct 24, 2023 | 09:55 PM

crazy96863

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 2,388

Likes: 138

From: Northern California

First Run

First time out of the garage in almost 8 years. A complete frame off restoration. Not quite done but it’s drivable. Next step is to make it street legal. Basically grille (for lights), bumpers and exhaust.

Oct 25, 2023 | 10:58 AM

Pickupmanx2

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 5,676

Likes: 998

From: Near Yosemite CA

That's awesome!! It's always satisfying to get to that point!! Well done! I've never done a frame off, but have had a few "garage queens" that once you get them out on the road it feels great!

Oct 25, 2023 | 12:34 PM

crazy96863

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 2,388

Likes: 138

From: Northern California

I’ll never do one again. I didn’t fully appreciate the time and money I’d be spending. With all the other crap life can throw at you it’s easy to lose sight of the project.

I know I know. Never say never. I hope not.

Oct 25, 2023 | 12:55 PM

Pickupmanx2

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 5,676

Likes: 998

From: Near Yosemite CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy96863

Life throws everything all the time, my 63 has been patiently waiting for at least 10 yrs to get a new engine and get back on the road! Just think, now you know every nut and bolt and every cuss words you used on them! Now you get to wash/rinse and enjoy!

Oct 25, 2023 | 03:03 PM

Viper Pilot

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2022

Posts: 1,377

Likes: 709

Congrats sir. As someone who is currently going through a frame-off, I can appreciate what you're saying. Folks who haven't done it have absolutely no idea how involved and expensive it gets. I was a bit flippant when this whole thing started thinking "These old rigs are so simple, it's going to be a cake walk". I learned the hard way that it's not, especially when you're not at all familiar with the platform. Thank God for this forum or I would have been stuck in limbo many, many times.

Oct 25, 2023 | 04:04 PM

FuzzFace2

FTE Legend

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 30,935

Likes: 4,124

From: Angier, NC

It feels good that first drive

4 years ago this week was the first drive of my 4 year cab off rebuild of my 81 Flare Side.
Hope your went better than mine. Lost brakes about 3 miles out and pulling in the drive clutch linkage broke had to shut it off to come to a stop!

Once out more and the thumbs up and people wanting to talk about it is all worth it.
Dave ----

Oct 26, 2023 | 12:14 PM

69Bronc

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 190

Likes: 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy96863

Congrats on the first drive! I remember the feeling when I pulled my '69 Bronco out for it's first drive after a build that took 8 years.

Like you said, never say never. After selling my Bronco, I also was of the opinion that I would never do one again. However, over time, life changed for me and now things are different. I eventually picked up another project (96 Land Cruiser) and "built it while driving it". I think that helps tremendously. It is frustrating as hell when your project is out of commission and you can't enjoy it for so long. Currently, I am doing a frame-up on a 77 F150. I still have the Land Cruiser, so I can go out and have fun and actually experience it. I am also really considering trying to build vehicles after I retire. I really enjoy the process.

Anyway - kick *** truck! Congrats again!