The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Just picked up first project ('53 6400)

Indeed -- Welcome! I see the Village Elders have formed the ceremonial detail, done the Stovebolt Dance of Welcome, sacrificed a Ford, etc, etc ...

It's good to discuss a course of action before diving in. We have a wealth of experience here so check in at the Big Bolts, Engine and Driveline forums and ask lots of question about what's related/involved in going in each of the directions you are thinking about. Check out our Tech Tips, too -- lots of info there. Some of it is actually useful.

In the meantime, we always recommend that the best way to start is just to get the truck safely driveable as is -- get it running reliably, make sure the brakes work correctly, check the tires and steering -- and just have a little fun with it this summer before making any big decisions. It may sound weird, but let the truck talk to you -- it will let you know what it wants. Some trucks are perfectly happy as is and don't want to be restored. Takes a little road time and a couple of oil changes before you can understand "truck" ...

You might want to begin by checking out this Tech Tip on starting an unknown engine for the first time

Its always a treat to see a "new" truck (to the site) that has *paint* visible on the firewall, engine, interior, etc and not rust and gunk and oil grime build up Looks like you have a very solid truck there and a good basis for whatever you want to do.

Thanks for stopping in -- we're glad you're here. Now learn something, apply it and then share what you've learned with someone else.

Regards,
John