Need some thoughts on a long time/sentimental 59

[Razz11]

I’ve been through a whirlwind with my 59 Fleetside. Traded it -> inherited it back, sold it -> bought it back, bought a Camaro to swap -> changed my mind, tried to sell it -> got shut down by the wife...

I’m at a point that I think I’ve had it so long and the dream I have for it is almost too big for me to complete. In its current state it is a fine “original” driver. I can take it out for a week here and there and it does fine.

Looking for some advice...

The options I am considering now:

Sell it and buy a 67-72 stepside to mess with... (I pretty much have it sold for the price I want if I choose to)
This is the option I have been leaning towards. That pickup is my favorite by far and one I have wanted forever. This option may cause some “family groaning” which is why I haven’t done it yet.

Leave it as is and try to enjoy it a couple times a year for what it is. Find a cheap project to tinker with to keep me busy. It is starting to rust a bit in the hinge pockets and steps. I’m afraid if I do this it will rot away before I get enough $$$ to really rebuild it.

“Build” it cheaply this winter to make it a better driver that I can enjoy a little more. I would leave the body as is and just do the drivetrain for now. This way sounds great, but I only have about $5k to work with right now and I’m terribly impatient. I’m afraid I’ll get it torn apart, run out of free cash and never get it back together.

If I choose to do the drivetrain now, what does everyone think is the best way to go on a budget? I want a better ride, a V8 and auto trans, and better brakes.

Go with posies, keep the straight axle, disk brake conversion, etc. On paper this sounds like the best, but I’m afraid I’ll not be impressed and want to ifs it later? Any opinions on that?

Buy a $3k-$4k Camaro and do the front stub, rear, engine, and trans. This is appealing because finding a motor/trans for the same price is hard to do. The downfall is chopping up the frame.

Go with an aftermarket Mustang II Front. I don’t even know where to start with this one? Again, could I even do it with an engine/trans and rear end for my budget?



I’m just kind of lost with where to go from here. I can’t just let it sit as is unless I find another project. I don’t want to get so deep that it’s in pieces for years. Selling it seems like my best option. The only hang up there is that it is sentimental and I could regret it later down the line.

Anyone been in a similar situation and how did your choice work out?
Posted via Mobile Device