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I think that the problem here is that the '47 and older Ford trucks are too outdated in stock form to run on modern roads. Very few people are able to put these trucks together in stock form because of lack of old parts. The only option is to use updated parts from newer trucks and cars. When they do this people on this forum run them down because they are not original. There are a lot of dreamers who never finish their project in any form. I started a thread to show shots through the windshield while traveling down the road, ha, nobody is doing that because the trucks are sitting unfinished behind buildings etc.
I will post some too. I may wish to pull over first unless I can fabricate some kind of 'through the window' selfie stick. Voice activated of course. As far as the modern upgrades, I could see a 223 inline six or even an overhead valve V8, bolt in a ford 9" and front discs if preferred. It's the 22" chrome wheels and slamming that I don't normally comment on. There is a huge disparity in amount of posts when one looks at the participants for the 'fat fenders' forum.
Ok so sorry I have been off doing other things than driving my old 41. You guys might enjoy this.
I was invited to bring the T to a Santa Kids event here in town and it turned out so well that the town may do a full on event centered around T's next year (weather dependent of coarse).
Lot's of kids, parents and passers by became a part of the celebration. The town Santa was very happy to see the T and talk to kids all morning sitting on the tool box. They even did some staged photos of Santa with the truck and a few with me inside while he was pretending to crank the old T up. The kids and the moms seemed to be as fascinated with the truck as they were with Santa.
I think a large part of it is that the '47 and older trucks just don't have the popularity of the '48 and later trucks. The F series trucks, especially the '53 and newer have always had more of a following.
I've gotten behind on my truck as well. I had 4 '46-47's at one point, but am now down to one. Between long work hours 6 days a week, going to another state every month to see my kids, and a divorce, the truck took a back seat. But my plan is to start of 2019 by getting my 351 swap done and get it back on the road.
As for the non-stock comments people make, this group isn't too bad. Go to some of the other years' forums and there is no shortage of critical comments how something isn't the right color, the definition of restoration, etc. Thankfully, the folks in this group don't do that.
I think that the problem here is that the '47 and older Ford trucks are too outdated in stock form to run on modern roads. Very few people are able to put these trucks together in stock form because of lack of old parts. The only option is to use updated parts from newer trucks and cars. When they do this people on this forum run them down because they are not original. There are a lot of dreamers who never finish their project in any form. I started a thread to show shots through the windshield while traveling down the road, ha, nobody is doing that because the trucks are sitting unfinished behind buildings etc.
I agree that this is a big part of the problem. I think a lot of people dive into a project with great enthusiasm but are soon dealt a big dose of reality in the cost of parts and body work. Also, financial pictures can change and these projects are the first to go.
In general, I wonder about the viability of the antique/classic vehicle hobby in the future. Kids today really have no direct connection with the cars and trucks that my generation held dear. Their parents more than likely drove Toyotas and Hondas and that is what they connect with if they are so inclined. Many kids today are indifferent on obtaining a drivers license. It is getting to the point that a manual transmission in a vehicle is a pretty effective anti-theft device. Oh well, maybe that 1970 Chevelle SS that I always wanted will become financially feasible for me!
I got my truck around 8 or 9 years ago. There was no body work needed, just to redo the brakes, etc. I rewired it, adding an alternator. Still haven't finished it. Gearing up to retire shortly and wondering if I should sell it rather than move it halfway across the country. I don't really fit in the cab. It was made for a much shorter man that I. Looking at some of the beauties here makes me think that I still want to finish it, but I'm not sure of the feasibility. Sure, it would be fun to tool around town with it and maybe haul a few 2X4s or something. Other than that, would I drive it? Don't think so really. I may put it up for sale, or I may not. Then again, it could become my hobby again after I'm settled. This turned out more long-winded that I thought...
I have to say that a lot of people like my old truck and I have even run into people who have had an interest in owning one like it. I make an effort whenever I go out in my old vehicles to talk to anyone who has an interest, including kids. If I am not in a hurry I will take the time to educate both at shows and when I am driving around the town. I also find that the younger adults are short on time and money and often have a family to care about. Add that up and little is left over for our hobby.
I have had mostly good luck finding parts for my old projects, I use them and enjoy them. Only downside to the big trucks I see is lack of speed. Major pain in the butt. I could make my big truck go faster but it would cost me a lot to do it. That is the major downfall for me.
respectfully,
White 66
Last edited by white 66; Dec 22, 2018 at 10:34 AM.
Reason: cant get the photos to load
Well, we are back in business here! Great T pictures. I spy my old wheels on the front! But now I gotta run to town for stocking stuffers..... See ya when I get back. Ho Ho Ho!
I drive my 42 everywhere. It gets tons of attention! I gladly updated it, but left the appearance like I received it, even kept the interior pretty much intact, although we put in a new seat. Used original steering wheel mated to modern power steering, that did a lot to keep the look inside. I added a Bluetooth amp and a pair of speakers u dear dash, but they are totally hidden.
My old Ipod doesn't have bluetooth so it's connected by a wire, but my wife got me a big ol amp/speaker setup and we roll with plenty of tunes. You did a great job on your truck to keep old and new in perspective. Hats off to ya!
l am like llcwhit. I drive mine when I can and have many people comment on it . I get a kick out of the younger kids as maybe 10 and under as whenever they see it they do a thumbs up. Mine is a 55 it is still stock looking sort of . I like them all so long as it is an old ford.
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