Trucks Old School Project
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
On many IFS setups when the ride height changes so does the alignment (camber gain). So with bags unless you can set them to exactly the same spot each time, it could drive like a dog or wear tires like crazy! I guess the new computerized adjustment systems are supposed to correct that, but I can't see paying 3-5K for a control system to fix a driving "problem" that was created for the sole purpose of looking cool when parked... But each to their own, it's their money.
My truck's PO installed a set of air shocks on the rear for towing. That to me makes more sense than bags.
My truck's PO installed a set of air shocks on the rear for towing. That to me makes more sense than bags.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
IMO, the truck was "ok", but for the life of me, why did they put the "old school" stickers on the hood instead of the emblems like they had made for the tailgate?
Also, IMO, the cost savings in purchasing an unfinished project seem to outweigh having to buy everything outright. Usually the price is way down on the unfinished ones, which I never seem to find. Start from scratch, here.
Also, IMO, the cost savings in purchasing an unfinished project seem to outweigh having to buy everything outright. Usually the price is way down on the unfinished ones, which I never seem to find. Start from scratch, here.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 201
Likes: 3
From: Churchville, VA
I bought an original unmolested truck. Found out it was involved in an accident a long long time ago. So far, the only original parts to my 53 will be the frame, the passenger door and the glovebox door (go figure on that 
). A project would probably been the way to go.
I don't know about you guys, but the parts they "junked" looked to be pretty good to me!
). A project would probably been the way to go.I don't know about you guys, but the parts they "junked" looked to be pretty good to me!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: SE Missouri
I just wish I could afford to throw stuff away. but then again, I wouldn't be hanging around on web forums trying to figure out how to fix all my problems, or at least the ones with the trucks. lol
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
I bought my truck from a guy in Rio Linda that had been working on it for ten years. It already had a freshly rebuilt 289, c-4 with shift kit, and a volare IFS. He had also installed a 9" out of a Lincoln Versilles with disk brakes. He thru in all the new DC rubbers still in bags and a new windshield. And for good measure he let me have an AOD Tranny. All for $4400. Then, when I found out how much it was going to cost to repair the rust and dents, I sold the old fenders and bed to a guy who could weld for $600. Jag
Then, when I found out how much it was going to cost to repair the rust and dents, I sold the old fenders and bed to a guy who could weld for $600. Jag
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Yeah, it kills me to read a magazine article or watch a TV show where they start a project with a "beater". Most of the time the "beater" would be concidered almost like new around here. If some of these magazine and TV shows would work with vehicles and budgets we have to work with I think they wouldn't be so quick to show us how easy it would be to do this or that. If a body part has less than 25% rust I rebuild it. If it's dented, I hammer it out. If I can find a replacement part it's usually way out of my budget.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
True Dat!
Actually the things the PO's did weren't all that bad, most of the stuff I've changed were to my taste rather than a redo, or are finishing what hadn't been done or done poorly a long time ago.
Actually the things the PO's did weren't all that bad, most of the stuff I've changed were to my taste rather than a redo, or are finishing what hadn't been done or done poorly a long time ago.
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I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
If a body part has less than 25% rust I rebuild it. If it's dented, I hammer it out. If I can find a replacement part it's usually way out of my budget.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Queanbeyan Australia
As my name would suggest, I have bought and sold a lot of halfdone rods, trucks and bikes over the years.
As long as you know what you are looking at, it can be a good way to pickup some choice parts at a bargain price.
If you don't know what your looking at it can be a great way to get stung.
Buyer Beware
As long as you know what you are looking at, it can be a good way to pickup some choice parts at a bargain price.
If you don't know what your looking at it can be a great way to get stung.
Buyer Beware
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: Rancho Cucamonga ca.
I seen the show I liked it
The truck was a little to mild for my taste but you could tell the host's were really excited about the truck and not acting I couldnt help but just sit there and smile.
The truck was a little to mild for my taste but you could tell the host's were really excited about the truck and not acting I couldnt help but just sit there and smile.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
I hated it...maybe I am the only one. Everything was Chevy, front clip, engine, trans, rear end. Everything. When the captioning was saying how smooth it felt, he was bouncing up and down, up and down in the cab.
flat black with clear over it, perfect body work, nice bed wood, chrome everywhere...rat rod? I hate that term, but I thought those were put together with whatever pieces and parts you had on hand.
I bought a farily complete project with mine. The PO had been restoring it for nearly 8 years (never actually drove it). He did all the patch panels and the major repairs ($$$ and hours upon hours of work). If I had bought a farm truck, I never would get to drive it.
As far as Stacey David, I much preferred him being there. For those of you who don't know (thought everyone did?) he has a new show called gearz coming on ESPN2 soon.
http://www.gearztv.com/show/show.htm
flat black with clear over it, perfect body work, nice bed wood, chrome everywhere...rat rod? I hate that term, but I thought those were put together with whatever pieces and parts you had on hand.
I bought a farily complete project with mine. The PO had been restoring it for nearly 8 years (never actually drove it). He did all the patch panels and the major repairs ($$$ and hours upon hours of work). If I had bought a farm truck, I never would get to drive it.
As far as Stacey David, I much preferred him being there. For those of you who don't know (thought everyone did?) he has a new show called gearz coming on ESPN2 soon.
http://www.gearztv.com/show/show.htm
Last edited by Brian_B; Nov 28, 2006 at 02:57 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 494
Likes: 2
From: AZ
Brian_B, your comments are right on...I was particularly interested when I noticed Trucks was doing a 53 until they started out by talking about the chevy clip etc, etc already installed. I wish it would have at least been a project that included updating the front suspension themselves, as this is a common area for upgrade that most people would like to see...But then again, I don't remember them ever consulting me for advice! 
I'll keep watching because it beats most of what is on TV now-a-days.
I liked it better with Stacey David too.
I'll keep watching because it beats most of what is on TV now-a-days.
I liked it better with Stacey David too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
I like the short wheelbase F1s, most farm trucks are long wheelbase F2s, and F3s, plus they are beat to death. My brother drags one home now and again - he has 3 in his yard. One even came with factory air brakes!
I have looked at them - 17" wheels and 9' boxes. Their frames have been twisted by washboard roads so many times not a single rivet is tight. The only good thing is that they are cheap - one was free for the taking, one $50, and the best was only $200.
My 59 F100 shorty also came off a farm, but it was driven by an old man who didn't do the farm work. It was in much better shape.
I would buy someone's project - if it was cheap, had good parts, and no uncorrectable problems. I have seen some that I would not give junk price for.
Mostly people spend a ton of money on an engine and tranny that is never started and sits for several years - and they expect you to pay full list for their crate engine. They drag out a pile of receipts and want their money back, plus paid something for their time. They are dreaming. Unfinished projects are worth maybe a dime on the dollar.
I have looked at them - 17" wheels and 9' boxes. Their frames have been twisted by washboard roads so many times not a single rivet is tight. The only good thing is that they are cheap - one was free for the taking, one $50, and the best was only $200.
My 59 F100 shorty also came off a farm, but it was driven by an old man who didn't do the farm work. It was in much better shape.
I would buy someone's project - if it was cheap, had good parts, and no uncorrectable problems. I have seen some that I would not give junk price for.
Mostly people spend a ton of money on an engine and tranny that is never started and sits for several years - and they expect you to pay full list for their crate engine. They drag out a pile of receipts and want their money back, plus paid something for their time. They are dreaming. Unfinished projects are worth maybe a dime on the dollar.