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Figured I'd start a build thread for this truck. I'm just getting started on it and I'm in no rush, but I'll post more pics as things progress.
These first few pics are the day I brought her home. I have no idea how long this thing has been sitting, but I would guess around 30 years, most likely much more.
The last owner only had it for 5 years. He bought it with the same intentions we all have: gonna fix it up some day. Five years later he realized he's never going to get to it, so it sits pretty much the way it was when he bought it.
It's rough but complete. Flathead 226, I believe the trans is a 4-speed non-synchro, and it has the Timken rear, with 8-lug widow-makers all around.
The plan is to keep things as close to original as possible, with some concessions for safety, reliability, and driveability.
From what I've found in other threads on here, my best guess for the firewall stamp is the truck was originally silvertone gray, built in Kansas City on August 15th.
At some point someone apparently needed the front wheel bearing from this truck, which made it a fun job trying to get it on and off the flatbed, and parked in the shop. So, first thing I'm working on is rebuilding the front axle. Found a shop in Dallas that can replace the king pins and bushings. I'll most likely go with a disc brake kit utilizing 5-lug hubs which will de-rate the truck but allow for better brakes and more options regarding wheels & tires.
Pulling the front sheet metal off definitely makes accessing everything a lot easier.
I was happy to see the engine turns quite nicely. It had plenty of old oil in it but no signs of water or critters living inside other than old mud wasp nests in the air cleaner. The engine came out without putting up a fight. Cleaned it up a little with the power washer and now I'm looking for a local shop to rebuild it.
