Junkyard rescue

[chopnchaneled]

I'm in for the ride too!

[flashed]

Im in too ,any chance you can put the other truck on this site ?

[65standard]

Besides the rusted out rockers, the worse part is the folded in left front fender.



After two rounds of metal bumping, it is slowing coming back into shape.



Test fitting the new rocker. Looks like a very nice piece.



I found a nice original seat to replace the late 80's one. I'm not sure what year it is being plaid, but it is a direct bolt-in. I'm guessing it is a 1972 seat?



I'll recover it in the original black vinyl pattern. More to come slowly.

[too much stuff]

Coming along nicely! The seat looks like a 73 and newer...

[coopdog]

man, that truck looks solid

[BruthaMan]

Too cool, what you've been able to do with this truck! From sitting in junkyard to a nice looking work truck. Well done!

[Bishops Trucks]

Just looked at your COE thread. You are a very talented man!!! Great work!

[Petie724x4]

I'm following

[special-K]

I love that faded old paint just like faded cotton. I had that seat in my '71 tow truck when I got it. It did bolt right in, but is a '73-up. The seat back is higher than an earlier seat. If you want the original seat I'm sure someone would want this one...maybe trade. It looks to be in good shape

[Heavy Evy]

Badass! I love when these trucks get saved. You and your son got a solid rig to make many memories in.

[HSRACER]

Wow, fixing that bent up fender is IMPRESSIVE!! I ne'er thought one bent up that bad could be saved by hammering. Can you give us an overview of how you did it? Thanks for sharing.

[65standard]

In two weeks she goes in the garage for a complete freshen up mechanically and cosmetically. I plan to make a great driver out of it. Then I need to go through the BS with the state inspection to upgrade its salvaged status. Everything needs to work and be perfectly safe. Stay tuned for the rapid changes coming up.

[65standard]

The mechanical rebuild has begun. I'm working on the complete braking system, exhaust, wheels and tires, and cab rust repairs right now. The plan is to fix or replace every wear item on the truck. It will be 100% working like new, yet keep all the history in the truck.







And the wheel and tire combo I'm using. Original 7.50x16 wheels and tire but with a 1999 center caps to cover up the lugs.



I hope to finish up the cab repairs this week. Then finish bumping out the dings and dents so I can polish up the finish. Stay tuned for more updates on the rescue.

[flashed]

Those center caps will be nice .

[dads longhorn]

Thank you for saving this truck. And for keeping it semi original. Good job. It does have a great story to tell, and now you are a major part in that story!

[65standard]

Finished up both sides inner/outer rockers and rear floor.













Next I will finish the large dents in the front sheet metal and re install it. Then remove the bed the replace both cab corners. Getting closer...

[134tessier]

Looks great. I really like the centers on the wheels. Great job.

[collin70k/20]

Nice Save, glad it didn't go to the scrapper! That's $600 dollars well spent.

[No8Easy2]

clean work on the inner/outer rockers and rear floor, glad to see one being saved!

[65standard]

Getting the front sheet metal ironed out and aligned.

[too much stuff]

You do nice work, looks good!

[tommys72]

Nice man, good save and great work

[65standard]

I saved the rear bumper, but couldn't save the paint.

[65standard]

All straightened.

I did repaint it with a fake patina. Just trying to make it blend in and not stand out as a bright white new bumper.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by 65standard

All straightened

IMO, that's a unique rear bumper shaped like a sport bumper with a trailer hitch.