Thanks Fenders, Your comment is much appreciated.

 

I drive a 292 powered '56 long bed that belonged to my Uncle who used it in his contracting business. I took over the truck in 1990 and bought a 1958 Alaskan camper for it. These campers weigh 1,050 pounds empty and with water, propane, gear etc. they are closer to 1,500. I installed sway bars front and rear with overload springs at the rear. I spent 6 months on the road that summer and circumnavigated the USA on secondary roads. Since I'm a bit of a desert rat, I drove a lot of unpaved roads too. It was a great trip and I got a lot of comments like "You are driving THAT thing WHERE?!" Ususally though they would also have a story about an old Ford PU some family member had in the past.

True, I kept under 60 mph over the road, and I had to make a few repairs along the way (generator, axle bearing, muffler) but nothing serious. I have to admit to being a bit jelous when on washboard roads the independantly suspended SUV's could drive at 45 MPH where I had to keep it under 20 MPH. Around town unloaded, the truck rides like, well.. a truck, and that doesn't bother me.

Personally I don't think there is any right or wrong way to enjoy these trucks-as long as they are kept going in some way!

 

I've had people ask me how I can drive a truck without power steering, power brakes, and AT. Once I'm locked in the cab and strapped to the seat, what else is there to do other than drive? The more I get to do the more I enjoy the process. I think that if drivers were more connected with their cars and trucks, they would pay better attention to the task at hand, and do a better and safer job of driving.

 

My point(s) weren't to put down any type of modifications at all, Its that I've seen way too many individuals get really disappointed with what they end up with.
I know exactly what to expect with the suspension mods I'm planning for the Panel. I know what to expect with the rear end swap. So far its still in the dream-phase of what the bored & Stroked Flatmotor will do, but what ever it does it will sound sweet and the whole shebang will be as I want it.

PS. The whole idea of this thread started over the weekend when a Dufi stopped by the house and began to tell me how I should do this and that to the Panel and "Make it ride like a Lincoln Town Car" and to make something useful outta that "Pile".

PSS FatFenders, Please don't tell the wife that I was "incorrect", she still believes I'm always right

 

"My point(s) weren't to put down any type of modifications at all, Its that I've seen way too many individuals get really disappointed with what they end up with."

We usually know what you're up to around here before you even finish typing it Dick. You're correct in that you aren't likely going to accidentally build a Town car or a high end European Sports car by throwing a bunch of parts together from 14 different donors. Biggest problem is that we do body offs and make 47 modifications before we get a chance to road test the very first mod. You can make them stop, go, ride and steer way better than stock. But there are some "oh damn I wish I hadn't done that" along the way for most of us. There are many hack job one weekend IFS done as well. Those count no more against us modders than a guy meandering down the road with 50 year old king pins represents the stocker crowd.

 

Oh you guys are sweet!

You know, I love this forum... we really love our old iron, love to play with it, drive it, talk about it, and rib each other about it, all the while, just havin' the time of our lives

...and this is a good thing

BTW, I have 3point belts in my cab as well

I'm on my way out to the garage...TTYL

GW (& the Dixie Dance Kings)

 

"BTW, I have 3point belts in my cab as well"

That's all well and good GW. Just know ahead of time that in the event of an accident, you will miss out on the nostalgic experience of your face kissing a steel dash at 70 MPH.

 

Fenders,

As I heard Jay Leno say, while demostrating one of his vintage Buicks on the Tonight Show once, something on the order of "They made these dashboards out of steel, not cheesy plastic like now a days, you get in an accident in one these they just hose you off and sell it to the next guy"

 

Yup- belts are in there too to give the boys the truck experience. (Funny how wives figger out that your Sat morn truck routine to Recycling, the hardware palace, and all could include kids IF ONLY there are belts- which are a good idea anywho)
My 15 year old has had some quality seat time with the 'cruiser which will focus the young driving mind so much more than some Accord automatic with a 1500 watt mp3 player.
And even us kingpin weirdos can put a PCV on to keep the fume brain damage to a minimum.
Great thread- how ever we like drivin em, they need and deserve road time.

 

Hey! Nathan, Mr.4spd,

Don't you just love it when the old timers start reminiscing. I know I do.

 

Hey we get free insight into how these trucks worked. Why not? It only shows their age.

 

Yep, although like my father(62), I try not take any of it in stone, as somne of this knowledge has been kept(or lack of) for almost 40+ years! -4speed

 

The old truck is mostly stock with disc brakes up front for a little extra safety. My son cut his driving teeth on an old Scout and this 60 F-100 and I think he is a much more aware and tuned in driver for it. People tend to notice the old Fords and someone always has a story about grandpa, dad or "when I was young".

 

Stone - Stone - We didn't use no stinkin' stone, just a piece of bark and a burnt twig, thats how we made our list to go the the parts store - Ah - Back in the Day.

 

You know that line about being involved with the driving experience?? I agree whole heartedly. When was the last time you saw an old truck being driven by someone on their cell phone?? The couch at home is for the phone, the truck is to be driven, and be given your full attention. Of course they demand your full attention anyways, and they are to loud to qualify as a phone booth.