How to get started
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Near Orlando, fl
ssj7kids
How are the brakes? I just rebuilt the master cylinder and found another problem. The rubber flex lines for the front wheels and or rear axle were clogged. If you do not have brakes and are rebuilding the brake system, it may be prudent to go ahead and replace the rubber sheathed brake lines too. Best wishes, Monte
How are the brakes? I just rebuilt the master cylinder and found another problem. The rubber flex lines for the front wheels and or rear axle were clogged. If you do not have brakes and are rebuilding the brake system, it may be prudent to go ahead and replace the rubber sheathed brake lines too. Best wishes, Monte
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 2
From: Boise, Idaho
Steve,
Here is another opinion about how to go about fixing up your truck.
I'd do one thing at a time and as much as possible keep the truck driveable. If it runs well, leave the powertrain 'till later. If not, go ahead and tackle that. The strategy is to avoid the never-ending-truck-rebuild syndrome - there's a chance that it will take too long and you'll have to pass the project on without ever having driven it.
If you have a pretty good idea of what you want the final product to look like, then I'd start working on the individual systems one at a time.
If you want a daily driver that's mostly stock with some updating and modifications to make it usable on the highway then you can start with the rear axle and then move forward to the transmission. The stock chassis can be made to work ok when it's restored. Then, once you have the chassis in good shape, you can take the front clip, cab, and bed off and restore them.
Or, if you want a street rod, you might as well start with the engine and transmission. For street rods the rear axle is simple - 9". Then you'll want a front suspension like the Mustang II or the Cordoba.
Of course, you can do the Niolion approach; keep upgrading everything. Seriously, if you're a gear-head that can be fun. He recoups some of his costs by selling the stuff he takes off.
Here is another opinion about how to go about fixing up your truck.
I'd do one thing at a time and as much as possible keep the truck driveable. If it runs well, leave the powertrain 'till later. If not, go ahead and tackle that. The strategy is to avoid the never-ending-truck-rebuild syndrome - there's a chance that it will take too long and you'll have to pass the project on without ever having driven it.
If you have a pretty good idea of what you want the final product to look like, then I'd start working on the individual systems one at a time.
If you want a daily driver that's mostly stock with some updating and modifications to make it usable on the highway then you can start with the rear axle and then move forward to the transmission. The stock chassis can be made to work ok when it's restored. Then, once you have the chassis in good shape, you can take the front clip, cab, and bed off and restore them.
Or, if you want a street rod, you might as well start with the engine and transmission. For street rods the rear axle is simple - 9". Then you'll want a front suspension like the Mustang II or the Cordoba.
Of course, you can do the Niolion approach; keep upgrading everything. Seriously, if you're a gear-head that can be fun. He recoups some of his costs by selling the stuff he takes off.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: North GA.
Welcome Steve,
I'm still getting started on mine (52 F2 stakebed) this forum has been the best sorce of practical information that i have come across. i also have subscription to classic truck mag, & Hemmings motor news.
I will be taking my time this has been a dream of mine for years and I want to do it the right way.
again welcome
CWR
I'm still getting started on mine (52 F2 stakebed) this forum has been the best sorce of practical information that i have come across. i also have subscription to classic truck mag, & Hemmings motor news.
I will be taking my time this has been a dream of mine for years and I want to do it the right way.
again welcome
CWR
Nice starting point. Each model year has something special about it. I like the teeth on the delux 53! Good luck, John 
