Project "49 No Buck$"

[65Pickup]

Great choice, looks like a vintage malt shop.

[VA72C10]

WOW!!! That is so cool!!!

[Russell Ashley]

You keep coming up with great ideas. The good thing is that you have the means to pull them off after you think them up.

[chevyrestoguy]

That truck has turned out super. I've ridden in it, and it cruises down the road so nicely. The interior is comfortable, and with all the sound deadening in it, you can carry on a conversation like normal. And the stereo RIPS! It goes up to "35" on the dial, but it starts getting painful at "15", and it's crystal clear.

I've been there every step of the way on this truck, and it's truly a low-buck deal. There's some very clever engineering that was done using very accessable, inexpensive parts. A lot of horse-trading and junkyard scouring. Brad is a lot like me....we have caviar dreams on a baloney and cheese budget, so you have to put your thinking cap on to get the results you're looking for. Many issues can be solved very simply if just think them through and not be afraid to think "outside the box".

Low-buck builds are the most rewarding, no matter what the magazines say. I would love to see a "Low-Buck" sticky where we can share our ideas with each other instead of losing them in our build threads. There are some super-talented folks on this board who have come up with some amazing results with very little cash outlay.

[solidaxel]

My bets aer on one of the truck magazines picking this truck up and doing a article on it.

Way to go Brad, B*%C^EN TRUCK !!

[kustombrad]

It could be some sort of styrene, he called it PVC. Its 1/8" thick and flexes like Lexan. I cut it with plastic holder, slide out breakaway blades. I kept the blade short so if I slipped I wouldn't lose a finger! Used a straightedge and took my time and it would cut through in 2 or 3 passes! It was fairly simple if you take your time. It drills really nice too. For the speaker holes I drew the circle with a compass and just freehand cut it.
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[panelrodder81]

Originally Posted by kustombrad

It could be some sort of styrene, he called it PVC. Its 1/8" thick and flexes like Lexan. I cut it with plastic holder, slide out breakaway blades. I kept the blade short so if I slipped I wouldn't lose a finger! Used a straightedge and took my time and it would cut through in 2 or 3 passes! It was fairly simple if you take your time. It drills really nice too. For the speaker holes I drew the circle with a compass and just freehand cut it.
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Thanks for the info. I will have to check my local sign shop for some of the material. I'm sure they will have something similar at very least. I am using some thin abs plastic panels for my panel truck's interior side panels but that was mostly because they were cheap and 4'x8' sheets. But this stuff looks like it would be great for the headliner and misc. other panels like you have used. Thanks for sharing!

-Panelrodder

[Delmo]

Love it bro. Gotta have cup holders, nice touch.

[kustombrad]

I kind of left something out on accident for those of you who decide to do the guitar knob thing. You want to find the knobs that have a set screw and don't just slide on. The hole on the back of the knob is 6mm and most of the switch shafts are too small to just tighten up to. When I was looking for my wiper delay setup out of a early-mid 80's Ford truck, I found this cool little insert to hold the factory knob in place. I looked around to find 3 more (it's only on the trucks and ONLY the wiper knob) then I cut the little top loop off and it fits perfectly onto the switches and inside the guitar knob!

[kustombrad]

My rearview mirror took a little thought. The one in it when I found the truck was cool but really ghosted/hazy and rattled. I'd kept a mirror from a vehicle I'd had forever and when I got rid of it and really wanted to use it (was late 80's stuff, but oh well!) I welded a 5/16" washer over the hole someone had drilled in the windshield center piece to space up the piece going on top I then cut out a piece of sheet metal to mimic the size of the bracket that glues to the windshield on later cars and tacked it through the hole in the back. Once that was painted and installed, the mirror slid over and I tightened it down!

[solidaxel]

I wish you would have thought of that before I had mine chromed !!!!

That would have solved my rear view mirrow problem!

[kustombrad]

Figured I'd show how my engine compartment looks all done!

[Kabwe]

Looking good as always.

[Kim57]

Looking good, I like the fins.
Kim

[Rude Dude]

Still one of my favorite builds! Great work

[ChuckDriver]

Very COOL!!

[kustombrad]

A couple guys were asking, so here's a little video I just made to show the stereo door latching to the holes in the dash. http://youtu.be/gyXH_E4U0tw The 2 outside edge nuts that hold the trim piece (on top), catch on the dash holes. I tweaked the door a bit and it works perfect

[kustombrad]

I'm pondering actually writing a book on this whole build. Using more pics that I didn't post and even having more little cheap (not related to this truck) how-to tricks in the back. Is this something anybody would be interested in? Think it would sell? I'm curious...
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[MarKist]

I'll take a copy, let me know were to send the check!
If that tells you anything..
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[Spackle100]

Originally Posted by kustombrad

I'm pondering actually writing a book on this whole build. Using more pics that I didn't post and even having more little cheap (not related to this truck) how-to tricks in the back. Is this something anybody would be interested in? Think it would sell? I'm curious...
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I'd be interested. I'm on my first build and I want all the help I can get, especially if it saves $$$.

[playinsafe44]

Put me down for a copy of this book! Especially if it has more tricks and pictures in it. Builds like this are considered True Hot Rods. Making things work, avoiding off-the-shelf parts and kits, and building them to drive. Great truck! It would be great to see you write a book, even if its something on a DVD, or electronic copy.

[fist5366]

I know I would get one I have already got some really good ideas from watchin your build.

[kustombrad]

Started laying it out last night so stay tuned!
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[Indian113]

If the book is as detailed as your build thread it will be special! I think there would be a market for it. As said before where do I send the check?

[blitz'd]

How is that exhaust paint holding up? Love this build, im stealing that dash grille idea and the engine wiring trick!