need opinions
 

This is a truck my dad has owned since i was a kid and I hate to see him sell it but the truck is totally rusted out literally there isn't a body panel on the truck that doesn't have cancer in it. So I am thinking of doing a rust bucket patina build. Basically just lift the body completely redo the chassis and make it lay frame and then go through the factory 283 and manual trans (column shift ) and just clean up the interior and saddle blanket the seat or something.

Just looking for opinions and suggestions
Thx
Brian

Re: need opinions
 

If it is just cosmetic and does not affect the body mounts, doors staying closed, seat ripping out of the floor, etc. I'd say go for it. Over time you can take care of the rust and match the old patina. I'd take care of the fluids, make sure it runs and stops ok and just drive it do get a feel for its personality while deciding which was to go with the chassis. I thinks it a prime candidate for a Sids lowered I -beam and flipped rear end. See the thread about cheap lowering that is currently running.

Re: need opinions
 

↑ im with orrie. If the holes in the floor aren't so bad that small dogs or children could fall through...LOL. seriuosly looks good to me what have you got to loose? I wouldn't kick it to the curb. ;)
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Re: need opinions
 

That is a great idea I'll look into the I beam . in was thinking full porterbilt but that is definitely an option, the rust is bad in one of the door pillars but I think I can repair that and keep the doors in good shape. I really want to save this truck even though it is a rust bucket, I'm thinking OL RUSTY will be the trucks name, thanks for the suggestions

Re: need opinions
 

Thanks for the encouragement man it'll be cool as long as nobody falls through the floor. Lol

Re: need opinions
 

what rust bucket? I see a bad aZZ custom big window truck in the making.

Re: need opinions
 

i agree with all of the above + its a family thing - keep it - fix it how YOU want it make it good - make it safe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[QUOTE] ''and drive da wheels off it''

Re: need opinions
 

My opinion please don't ruin another rare frame. If you have to modify it find an already goofed up frame or build one from scratch.

Re: need opinions
 

The truck looks great. Only thing I would do is remove that spare tire rack.

Re: need opinions
 

I used to think mine had rust problems until I went through some of the build threads on this board!

Re: need opinions
 

You need to take a trip to Grumpys Truck parts he is not far I-17 and Bell, there is a bulletin board at the store that customers post parts that they dont need. I have seen many parts posted very reasonable, also Grumpys sell discontiued or damage items returns like sheet metal parts at half the cost. I bought my sheet metal patches there way cheaper just needed a little massaging but even the new ones require the same. Get it running and do a lttle at a time. Look at Dan in Pasadena build he is doing a fine job a little at a time.

Re: need opinions
 

From the pics that looks like a decent start to a real nice truck.
You should be able to get replacement panels for all of it.
Kim

Re: need opinions
 

Yea I was thinking snout that it is kinda gaudy looking

Re: need opinions
 

Point taken if I decide to go the full porterbilt way I'll see of I can find a norm perfect donor frame and get this one to someone who needs a good factory frame

Re: need opinions
 

Dude take that truck and run!!!

Even with the cancer you mentioned, most of us would kill to get our hands on it. As for your plans, I like the rusty Patina, but I also like a shiney finished truck as well. It's all about your preference, your skills as a builder and money. Do what makes YOU happy and falls in line with your skill level etc.

They way I look at it, no matter what you decide you are keeping a part of your family history alive while preserving a part of Americana. Just imagine the smile that will come to you Dad's face the first time he is able to take a ride in it after you get it rolling again. It will be priceless.

Re: need opinions
 

I haven't been to GRUmpys in a long time. I usually buy most of my stuff from tom korinek but when I get going on it I'll check out grumpys

Re: need opinions
 

The truck does have a lot of cancer but I really do like the patina amend have been wanting to do a patina build so I think I am gonna fix the rust that has to be fixed but then go with it and drive the wheels off it . my dad will be blown away just to see it on the road again - he bought it from the guy who bought it originally he was my dads boss when he worked on thendfarm when he was a kid. I'm lookin forward to soon the build.

Re: need opinions
 

Thanks for all the input guys keep the ideas coming

Re: need opinions
 

it not bad, mine was at least that rusty
go for it, but i think once you blow it apart and do the frame build
you'll not want all those holes in the cab corners :D

you can add patch panels and still not completely redo the whole body

Re: need opinions
 

Hey, I resemble that remark!