I have a new truck. My wife's father has been estranged from his father for several years. I never new my grandfather in law until this summer when his health made his wife solicit the help of her step son. The first time at there place in Ennis Montana this summer I fell in love with this truck that he bought brand new in 1949. It has been kept inside it's entire life. It has a V-8 in it (I think its a 350), it is 12 volt and the bed has been lengthened. Other than this it is completely original and has not been restored.
Harley died this summer and I bought the truck at an estate auction 2 weeks ago for $400.00 and hauled it home last weekend. The best guess from the family is that it had not been started since the mid 80's, it was last liecensed in 1978.
The auctioneer got it running before the auction but it was very rough. I could not get it started to drive it on the trailer for the 400 mile trip home. After we got it home I drained the gas and put new in, it fired right up and I was driving it down the road. I ended up with a cab full of steam and coolant. After I bypassed the heater core, the truck still runs hot.
I am gong to pick up a new thermostat tomorrow. What is the best way to deal with the heater core? Is a new one available, or should I try to have the one in the truck rebuilt?
I appreciate any help. I read every page of the big bolt forum after I purchased the truck, waiting for the trip back to pick it up. I am sure I will be on this forum asking questions as I enjoy the new truck. I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but I will keep this truck in running condition with your help. I have already found a COE I want to purchase, just have to convince the wife I need two of these.
Pictures of the truck can be seen here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/560919264mpWBht?start=0
