1942 Chevrolet Flatbed that ate My Brain

[docrock]

A lot of these parts have been installed together. I used all the good parts on the green 42. The brass headlight trim is factory in late 42. Steel was going to the war effort. This truck came from Alaska where it worked most of its life

[docrock]

I am trying to post everytime I work on it so I can keep track of it. So whats left to do...
I need to bleed the brakes, attach the shift arm to the transmission, put a reservoir on the power steering pump, install a radiator overflow, replace the broken accelerator pedal block, install the gauges, mount the fuse box, mount the relays, mount a seat, install a grommet at the battery cable hole, check for loose fuel lines and wires under the truck, finish installing the grill and modify floor cover to fit around transmission. That is so I can drive it out of the building. It wont have a park brake or bed. No time to do the windshield, although I have a new frame and glass. It will move to storage while finish the 49 Olds wagon next to it. I have been working on it for 14 years and it is almost done.
Then I can move the 47 Desoto in to put an LS in it. I might do a build thread over in the other projects area. I also have a 39 Ford wagon and a 49 Mercury wagon, I need to finish.
Thanks for reading through this or following along.

[Rickysnickers]

Thank you for updating your progress. You should be finished soon

[docrock]

Done enough to drive it. There is so much rust in the doors and cab, that it would take a few more years. I just want to drive it.
Started working on gauges

[docrock]

Finished wiring all the different gauges and installed it. Looks great. I wasn't sure about the turned aluminum, but I recently saw a pic of a 40s era plane dash and looks good. Following the bomber look.

[docrock]

Once I had the gauge cluster installed it was exciting to see the gauges light up and the high beam bulb light up. I turned the key on and the gauges moved a little and my check engine and alternator light lit. Turned the key to start and cranked it and cranked it and it would not start. Hmm, maybe out of gas? put some more in and the gas gauge shows gas. Cool. Still no start. Maybe it is a fuse. Pulled the fuses out while I was working on the dash wiring and didnt finish putting the all back in. Turned the key and I could hear the pump. Fired right off. Hit the cooling fan switch and everything looked great. About 60 pounds oil pressure, volts were at 13, gas showed quarter tank, water temp moved a little but I didnt let it get to the operating temp. With the cold and rain I didnt wont to leave the garage door open that long. I have not worked on the directionals yet, but they are wired. The directionals in the column are not moving so I need to take it apart and see whats up.

[docrock]

Found some taillights in the shed that I think I bought for the trailer. Now they are installed. Made some brackets to hold them...done. Worked on finishing up the turn signal switch, stock 54 GMC column, and wires, and it works. Even the little lights on the dash blink. Touched the two brake light wire together and they work and with the taillights on. Awesome. Anyone who has ever wired a car from scratch knows this is a big deal to get things working. Worked on the American Shifter install. Cut the rod and put the heims on. The little arm that bolts to the trans was too tight so it needed to be clearanced. Next bleed the brakes, figure out the brake switch location and wire that up. Bolt the rest of the parts on and I am taking it outside for a little drive. Getting close to drive, but by no means is it finished

[docrock]

tail light

[docrock]

Taillights working