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Selecting a Truck!!
The truck of my dreams is a F100 1956. I also had a 1976 International
Scout II, which has been a great Jeep. I figured if I could
have both I would be a happy camper. So that's what I did.
I read a few articles
about truck selection online and I decided to add this note before I get
started. I'm assuming your going to do your best to complete your
project.... because according to most articles.... people don’t finish a
project where the truck is not almost done and in running condition.
Most men get more out of there classics if they can drive them while
there working on the body or whatever. I didn't do that.... I slammed my
truck out in 5 weeks I was laid off at the time and worked the project
just like a job. I was in the garage at 7:00 am and took coffee
brakes etc....but I worked the truck right-out to the finish.
Got it done....now I'm
here working on this web site. My advice work it like a job and
finish it. I made sure I didn't turn into a jerk when I had to quite
working and help my wife or kids with something. I always give them
priority over my projects. When my family sees me working hard on
something they always try to....let me get it done.
I consider it a honor
to help my kids because time goes so quick...one day they'll be up and
gone so hang out with them while you can.....besides your projects will
be the talk of town with them telling there friends about it.
So....
assuming you will be completely tearing down your classic there’s no need
to spend money on a truck that's already redone. Find a truck that is
in fair condition and has most of the windows and hardware. Such as
door handles, dash components, emblems etc.
I do have a edge since
I have already rebuilt my truck once...I know how it goes
together.......you might have to get a complete truck and take it apart
just to get familiar with it. It's really not that completed once you
get into it.
Watch out for trucks
that have been painted with a brush for storage reasons. This method
covers up a lot of bad bodywork and dents. Also the chassis is not so
important since you’ll be junking it or trying to resell it. Or save it
and rebuild another one that's my plan.
If you are going for
the stock rebuild I will have information on redoing that as well.
I run mine in stock condition for a year or so. There's
really not that much to a stock rebuild.
The better shape the
body is in the less work you’ll have to do. I would also recommend
getting a parts catalog for the truck you are looking for ahead of time
to see what parts cost. You’d be surprised at what some things cost.
I paid $1800.00 for my
1956 F100 truck and rebuilt it as stock and drove it for a year or so
and then went for the change over. Getting it on the road really did not
cost too much. I did all the work my self. Including the
paint job which was my first. All in all it turned out OK..
So look for a low cost
truck that will not need to muck work. This takes time to find the
right deal. It took me two years to find my truck. It was mainly
because I wanted an 8' bed........which were on the F250 models.
The truck actually
looked ok when I got it....it sat in a barn for twelve years waiting to
be redone. : The owner finally gave up and sold it.
Here's some things look for.
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The roof drip edge around the top of the cab
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Windows and hardware, door handles, emblems etc.
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bondo or caved in roof or hood
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Special editions models (Big Back Windows F100's-Custom Cab)
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Extra parts-get everything you can from the owner
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Original Title if possible
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Manuals
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Look for badly rusted out spots
Remember that running boards on some trucks are $300.00 a set.
And fenders go as high as $500.00 for Steel. So don't be afraid to
try and deal about any extra parts no matter what kind of shape there
in.
This is what the truck looked like once I took it apart and started
sanding on it..
Here's a picture of the truck while in the
tear down.
The inside was original black. I ended up
painting it white.
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