John

So you want to take this thread to 50 posts do you? First, I believe my cost quotes are reasonably accurate. The incidental items I did not include were mostly covered by the spare stocker parts I resold.

I blew my original time schedule real bad. I planned to be off the road 6 months for conversion from Chevy to Ford engine (Late 2000 completion). Then I starting visiting John.com and decided a frame-off might not be such a bad idea. New completion goal Mid-2002. Well here we are and I am running, have no brakes or steering wheel. I am half wired and there are a lot of odds and ends left that will take months. My short term goals are to lay some rubber in the presence of a 48-60 FTE'r. 'rage comes to mind off the top of my head. He lives fairly close anyway. No way I will be tidied up enough to make the 15 hour jaunt to the SuperNats, and I just know I would be spotted if I used a trailer to get there. My first real ride will probably be Dash to the Dell's next fall and hang out with Truckfarmer for a weekend. Then I will double back and try to perfect some current weaknesses of my truck. Then I dream of a flatty engined, straight axle cardboard interiored truck for the next adventure.

I agree with George, FTE is what often drives me through the hard parts. I feel bogged down and then I see some poor guy who is a year or two behind me and just as motivated as one could be about the simple things in life. A refreshing break from the military mentality that has been a part of the last 22 years. Hanging out with this diverse crowd, learning, sharing and arguing about the best IFS to use is a lot of fun.

later
'fenders

 

fatfenders

Ya, I'm having a blast, and love this truck. Actually had it for sale for a few weeks, but now it's going to be burried with me, too much blood in this truck. And I just can't stand driving other vehicles, they don't fit me. When gasoline engines are outlawed, I'm gonna fit in some huge electric motors and keep her going.

Well, I didn't read the question that well, but I rate it a 3, it does shine, and the motor runs like a charm now that I got the Holley (and yes I did get it new for that much), but there is a little over-spray on one of the seats. :-)

And to finish the sentence, "I sure am glad I bought this old truck, now my significant other hasn't said a thing but I know she likes it, (especially the closeness of the cab). She's not the type that complains, so she won't say much about it anyway.

 

OK...

Here I go on the current project...Let me just say it has been hell trying to stick to ONE at a time! I have a (good?bad?) habit of finding steals, and cant pass it up at this price cars and trucks.

Project 1955 Panel is currently thus:

Initial Layout and condition of Panel:

$2000.00 for body, frame with camaro IFS and 10 bolt rear with the camaro rear suspension, and rims, rust free except for surface rust and rotted front cab corners. No windows or driveline and front sheet metal has a few dents. Sold this frame to get it out of my garage for $250.00 so initial outlay only $1750.00. Added the myriad of parts it was loaded with to my trade/for sale stash to fund projects.

Anticpated budget after purchase :

$6000.00.(in addition to purchase is max I WANT to spend) Ok, this has to be pay as I go, when money is there, since I am competing with Hubbys project. I am trying to keep it under $6K by trading parts and using what I already have in my collection.


What I have spent and traded so far:

$53.00 -Won a 56 Cab and Frame with Volare IFS,351M & C6, caddy tilt/collapsing steering column/wheel, flip kit in rear, (and in really excellent shape according to my frame and body guy) on Ebay!!

$115.00 for a flatbed to pick it up in Oregon and deliver it to nearest truckstop to load onto one of my longhaul buddy's truck. (no rear end on frame

$20.00 and promise to return the favor to longhaul buddy...frame came home in a padded climate trailer! LOL!

$35.00 for clear red spark-plug wires NOS Mooneyes(had to have them...marketing victim!)

$600.00 to frame and body guy to change motor mounts to a 351C, measure accuracy of volare install, shave running board mounts, c-notch rear, add mounts for rear-end,move cross members to accomadate 351c/c4 combo, and mustang gas tank in rear. he even re mounted the 351c/c4 in place.

Used:
351C and C4 from my old 65 f100 parts truck (originally from 71 GT Torino before the 65)
55 custom cab grill & heater from myold pickup

Traded:
56 Cab, extra dash clusters, 2 56 doors, and some window regulators and various other parts for:

New complete wiring kit, new wiper motor, new window rubber, and some pieces for the rear doors/hinges of panel

Whew! only $823.00 so far!

Immediate plans for future:
Buy donor truck for front end sheet metal and windsheild and side windows, then replace with my old front sheetmetal, and either sell the donor or trade again!

$150.00 for radiator (just have to pay the guy...almost new!!)
$200.00 for friend to help connect brakes, and new fuel line (there are some beers and barbecue added to the agreed price LOL)

rewire the panel, finish taking it down to bare metal and then handing it over to body guy again to smooth and prime it.(hubby has to forfeit a turn at spending money on project since he dented my rear corner!)

Thats my story so far! Since I have to compete with 2 other projects I have to get creative. I'm looking at a level 3 at best, because I will always be changing my mind on what it will end up looking like. I'll save the full show resto till I retire!


IM GLAD I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK, NOW HUSBAND HAS SOMETHING TO HOLD OVER MY HEAD WHEN HE BUYS THINGS FOR HIS TRUCK!

Renee'
1955 Ford F-100 Panel
1968 Mustang GT Fastback

 

Forgot to add time frame....As long as she can make to and from Pigeon Forge next year from California on her own power dressed only in black primer, I don't care what she looks like or how long it takes to get to level 3!! Besides with Baby #1 on the way in Jan..things are gonna get a little tight!!

Renee'
1955 Ford F-100 Panel
1968 Mustang GT Fastback

 

If I understand correctly, Renee has a panel project going while pregnant. Anyone care to try to top that one? Congratulations Renee.

'fenders

 

well..... I've got a truck project going on while being stupid



she'll be over being pregnant in a few months... I'm doomed for life with my disadvantage

john

 

"well..... I've got a truck project going on while being stupid"

That's a good one John

OK then, John's contention is that it is harder to build a truck while being stupid than it is while you are pregnant. John, would you concede if she were to give birth on a tarp in the back of the panel? I think that would rank right up there with installing two or three different IFS systems but that's just my opinion.

Is anyone building an Effie right now that is BOTH stupid and pregnant?

'fenders is going to fold at this time. I know when I am beat.

 

I was just thinking that Renee is going out of her way to fit in with this crowd......adverse conditions, selling one project to pay for another, learning as she goes, can't reach things she needs to with her belly getting in the way, etc.

I just hope she isn't bald and toothless too, sitting around scratching and belching. Be careful Renee, you tend to start looking like the people you hang out with. This bunch is pretty scruffy!!

 

Don't worry Tim~
I still like my girlie stuff like makeup and perfumed lotions! LOL! Blame my hobby on Grandpa who always had the latest hot car or truck in his driveway as I was growing up. Add that to my Husband doing the same thing (learn as you go, and buy and work on what you like) ,coupled with my shopping addiction, makes for dangerous ground! LOL!

Nah! This isn't a scruffy lot! And if it is...Oh well...it would scare me more if we were all dressed up in suit and tie and frilly dresses staring at old trucks!

Now wheres that trailer...I think I spotted a donor!
Renee'

1955 Ford F-100 Panel
1968 Mustang GT Fastback

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Nov-02 AT 02:20 AM (EST)]Hey, Renee, WOW - wish we had more of you (i.e. those who can do two jobs at the same time) on here.:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

... however, isn't building a truck similar to being pregnant I plan to give birth to my orange ugly sometime next year after 18+ years. Guess this 9 month thing does not work with trucks.

...yeah, a panel is way cool. Guess would look also good next to my truck and my (uuuups, my wifes) Mustang.

All the best for you, Renee !!!

 

Renee, I know you will enjoy that panel. We bought our 56 18 years ago when my wife was pregnant with our first born. First order of business, a third bucket seat.I drove it for 3 years in stock form including the 223 and 3 speed. When she was pregnant with our daughter, I got a free Camaro subframe and bought a 351C from a 70 Torino. It proceeded to eat 2 FMX trannies with the stock rearend so a C6 and a 9" were added. Oh yeah, had to add another bucket seat for daughter. In 1990 my youngest son was born. Added a van rear bench seat (complete with seat belts). Another bucket seat would have looked like a bus especially with it's Corvette yellow paint. We then proceeded to drive the wheels off of her. This panel was seen all over the Midwest at shows. The paint and bodywork were showing there age but I could put the key in it and go anywhere I wanted. The panel was the perfect vehicle for our young family. 5 people and cooler, playpen, stroller, and half the house so the kids would be comfortable. Most people didn't recognize us if the kids weren't with us. In fact, when we went to Disney World 4 years ago, my youngest thought we were taking the panel truck. Decided that the 27 year old paint needed to be updated and found a bodyshop that would tackle my custom modification. It was 40 miles from my house but I was there every week to check on it's progress. The truck was in the shop one year when I got the call the he went out of business and had pushed my panel out in the rain. The hood and fenders were bare metal. I hooked up the trailer and brought her home. It has sat in my barn since but will soon see some action. A friend from Wisconsin is going to finish my one piece rear door in exchange for a 1950 F1. I am starting to get the itch again. I know I didn't put a dollar amount on it but I am guessing around $6000 so far. Hard to tell as I have bartered or sold off excess parts to get what I needed. That is why we moved to the Truckfarm. I have room to part out what I don't need to afford what I do need. One reason it has taken so long is because it is being built without using my regular income.

 

ive got my 49 f-1 truck for 200 off ebay.
it was from lasalle illinios.
got it with another cab and a flat v-8.
flattie was a huge mouse nest (junk).
took off good parts and got rid of the block.
the extra cab is a 51 f-3.
used a wire wheel on my frame and leafs, but the wheel doesnt have any more wire on it.
got some today though.
using a drill for the smaller sections of the leafs and have to get a new drill cause that one refuses to spin (somethin got stuck).
but im not gettin into the spending part.
gonna get a drill tomarrow , for dad for x-mas.
hehe
i get a new toy.


swanny

sorry my post was kinda late.

 

Was told I ought to put up my best guess as to what my extended cab project will set me back, well here goes.

1952 F-3 rolling chassis and cab $75
Dolly and gas to get it home $150
Trim and small dash parts $200
Clip, good doors, rest of steering and interior (and title) $500
Bed and running boards.. no idea, but hopefully under $1000 (less if I go with a flatbed)
Driveline, I have engine and tranny already, but $1000 for parts to rebuild both
Dana Full Floater for rear $150
Wiring/electrical $400
Primer and paint (and related) $500
Rubber and glass $500
new sheetmetal and tubing, $100
Shifter, gas pedal, parking brake (lokar stuff) $500
Interior... no clue, can't use any stuff from the catalogs.. gunna have to make (have made) custom... $500 at least
Radio, CD changer, speakers (factory look alike) $1000

I guess I'll be happy if I can get away under $6000 for this whole thing, I can save quite a bit and do stuff myself, so we'll see how I end up

Jon

 

re Renee and John:

"Yeah, I may be pregnant but you're stupid and I'll eventually give birth!"

*giggles*

 

Ack! Did I offend everyone???