JJ's '51 experiment

[Low84]

Here we go. Notice, I didn't name this a project because I am well aware that the condition of this truck is anything but optimal. I have every intention of saving it, but if I can't it will at the very least, be a fun learning experience, which is what matters. I absouletly love old american iron, and much is contributed to THIS truck. Yes, it was parked and abandoned in a lot of land right next to my intermediate/elementary school. I was in the 5th grade and would see this truck every day on my way to the gym, same for my 6th grade year. I always was intrigued by its shape, and the fact that it was so different from modern trucks. Long story short, I purchased it my senior year in High School, now completley emerged in the automotive scene. I got tired of seeing it get progressively worse, and now attempt to get it back in shape.

Here it is as I found it when I arrived home from college for the weekend. I will be woking on this only on weekends and holidays, so this isn't going to be quick. It had to be towed to "my" house (yes, its been abandoned for years, we live next door) as an emergency during the week. The city want it to obtain it (for lack of a better word) from where it was previously located.



My brother and I removed the bed, which was hanging on to the chassis by just one bolt. But not before we removed all the junk in the bed, which was also towed with the truck because we had minutes left on the 48 hour notice.


And here is where we started experimenting with ways to preserve the chassis while I save up the funds to buy my compressor and air tools, sandblaster, welder, cherry picker, and engine stand (the last two is because I have an lt1 I purchased this summer lying in the middle of my garage and I need to move it so I can roll the fleeline inside and place the truck where the car currently is). What we did was sand the surface rust off the chassis cross brace to see how it would work, and then give it a coat of protection. This is temporary, I will later grind it down to bare metal and do it properly.

[Low84]

Comments and especially helpful information and advice is welcome.

[Daniel U]

Looks like the first suggestion I have would be to go to your local tire shop. Have them mount what ever tires they have in the discard/junk pile that fit your rim (and will hold air) and trade them for yours. Most shops won't charge you for the used tires, but will for the mount and disposal.(Make sure you have descent valvestems that hold air in.) Once you have them on you can roll it around easier. Do you have an encolosed area to work/store it in? If so, you can always start by taking her apart to get a better look at the damage.(I had no idea the bottoms of my doors were rotted out until I took them off and set them down on the saw horses.) Good Luck!

[Daniel U]

Looks like the passenger side door was jammed into the cab. Are you keeping the vented side or shaving it? Also looks like you had a "ram bar" in front of your front bumper at one point. Was this a tow truck back in the days? Just curious.

[Low84]

Originally Posted by Daniel U

Looks like the passenger side door was jammed into the cab. Are you keeping the vented side or shaving it? Also looks like you had a "ram bar" in front of your front bumper at one point. Was this a tow truck back in the days? Just curious.

Thats what really worries me. I don't know if I will be able to fix that. I've seen patch panels but they don't extend to cover the whole are of damage. As for a place, I do have the garage all to myself. The plan as of now is to work on it on the driveway where the car currently is in. And move the car into the garage, since that one is in WAY better shape than the truck. Eventually I will put the truck inside, once I see its necessary (when I start exposing bare metal or risk further damage by having it outside).

The ram bar, is not with the truck and I've never seen what they look like. I really don't know much more about this truck. I don't recall it having anything in else in the front than what it has now. But it very well could have been a tow truck. It also has a floor shifter, which I believe is not supposed to be there since it is a '51. I thought they were supposed to be column shift, don't know if it was exchanged sometime back.

[pgf545]

I'd say go for it....but I don't have room to talk...lol. My dad's 52 has been apart for over 20 years now and we are just getting a good start on it, and my Camaro I have had since 93....but they are both in progress now and looking forward to day they get driven. It is amazing what a little wire brushing and some paint will do for that frame. Dad's 52 has the same cowl damage but on the drivers side. We have been discussing the fix..the hinges are tweaked also so we have an idea and if it works I will let you know. As with any project have fun and don't let it beat you down.

Bernie

P.S. Where is Roma???

[Low84]

Yeah, let me know how that goes. I'm all ears. I don't know much about restoring, painting, prepping, welding, etc. So every and any advice is welcome.

Like I said, I'm doing this to learn above all, have fun, and maybe even have a drivable '51 when its all said and done. I do have my '84 which is my baby and takes priority to this truck, thats pretty much the only thing that will slow this down.

Roma, Tx. Is part of the Rio Grande Valley, don't know if your familiar with it. It's deep south Texas, wer'e in the very southernmost tip of the state. Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen,etc.......South Padre Island (maybe that one will ring a bell)

[pgf545]

It will probably be a while before I get that far, but I will diffently keep you informed. I am kinda in the learn mode too, but I guess that is with any project. If I can help you out in any way let me know. I am up by the Houston area...if you ever get up this way let me know.

Bernie

[Low84]

Alright, thanks.