Woo Woo... Life is good... posted a message WITH an uploaded picture of my truck. AND, I created a gallery album. Great, a new addiction to compete with my job and all my other addictions... back to work... cyas!

Brian

 

Brian -

That is a pretty truck! Such a classic look. I love the green color and the wheel covers with white walls.

So, what's to do? It looks to be already done. Nice paint, good bed wood, clean (matching) interior, clean engine, etc. Most of the guys here ain't even driving theirs yet. Some, like me, are driving, but will be in primer for a long time. You got a cruiser already. Sheeesh!

 

Brian:
You cheated dude! You bought a completed truck! A little cosmetics and you will have a TOTALLY AWESOME cruiser! You sure you want the son to drive it?

You realize of course that to get any REAL respect around here you are going to have to completely disassemble and reassemble the thing 3 times. (Just kidding)

What are your plans? I am serious, assuming there is no "rank amatuerism" under the paint you really only have cosmetics unless you are going to fiddle with drivetrain and suspension.

I have been at it so long that the modern head unit I bought for the truck needs to be upraded to CD/mp3 from cassette. Nevertheless, I/we keep going and I/we are almost there.

Tim

 

Yeh, I cheated a little, but the pictures are also way flattering. I didnt need two immeditate projects with the T-bird all tore down and demanding much of my time now through spring. The `55 is drivable and decent 10 footer. I figure by the time my son is done with it, I'll have time, money (?), and energy to tear it down completely and R & R it the way I want it.

If my daugther (next in line to claim the truck as hers) has her way, we'll wind up slipping to the "dark side" with some body slammin, big meats and wheels, tilt clips, and whatever else. I may have to get another cuz I'm about being stock orginal with only saftey and reliability upgrades.

Immediate needs for this one is door glass and seals and an R & R of the window lift mechanisms. Right now you cant help but unintentionally wash the interior every time you wash the exterior.

The carb (I think) needs some attention in order to help with consistent idle... doesnt want to drop down to curb idle all the time which makes for grind into first gear or a stall out. This is a 58 292... should there be a dash pot on the carb to help achieve curb idle without stall-out?

The front wanders a good deal, brakes pull pretty hard, and the ride is abit uncivil... even for a 55 truck. This calls for new bushings and such. The PO gave me a new master cylinder, though I believe I'll be converting to power assist and front disc conversion. The wifey would like me to add power steering... so I've got to at least make an effort. Would taking a leaf or two out of the springs and some new shocks help soften out the ride alittle?

Other than these things, there's little stuff like adding a dome light, hidden stereo or something, wiper arm repair, and horn button relocation.

Thanks for the kind words and any answers/comments on my two questions above.

Brian

 

That's a good-lookin truck !

What is the first thing your gonna change or update on her? if anything...

Ed

 

Sweet lookin' truck there Phity! Like many others, I am soooo far from where you are, but I understand that you still have your issues and will address them as you can. Disc brakes are a good idea - something I'll be doing at some point in time.
I'm not interested in power steering myself - I want my truck to feel like an old truck, not something new from the showroom. Now if it could sound cool with a hot paint job I wouldn't have any complaints....

Fox

 

1. Seat Belts
2. Door Alignment
3. Door Window/Lift R&R
4. Suspension Bushings
5. Disc Brakes.
6. Softer/Lower Ride.

Thats about it for the near term.

Is there a recommended, must have assembly manual for the `55?

Brian

 

Yes, you need a Shop Manual. They are available from MotorHaven, one of our sponsors. It is the most valuable book you can have on these trucks.