Fumblin: My plans are pretty vague at the moment. I don't really have a vision of the "end result." I spose this is a good thing. But I've kinda thought about doing this in at least 3 phases:
Phase 1. Get it running with the original 4-cylinder motor (which turns over but needs some stuff like a coil and spark plug straps) and a fuel line...etc. Put a floorboard, seat, glass and some sorta top on it (I'll prolly just replace all the wood in the cab and install the wood for the top, since there ain't none.) Go thru the brakes and steering and rewire it with a Painless (or other wiring) kit. Get the 16" wire wheels finished up and installed with some wide whitewall tires. Add some little things like horn and wipers and turn signals so I can get it safety inspected and then drive it that way for a while...with the moss growing outta the nooks and crannies and all.
Phase 2. Drop a flathead motor into it. I have a 53 truck flattie on the line for $100. I think I can afford that.
I'll put it on an engine stand and get to it when I can. At that time, I figger I'll add some enhancements like hydraulic brakes, dropped front axle and some interior stuff. And I'll prolly do some body work and will probably end up painting it (surprise, surprise) flat black with red wheels.
Phase 3. In the final phase that I've "envisioned" (not the final phase of the truck project, just the last phase that's gelled in my mind) I'd like to add a 50's V8 motor: Caddy would be my first choice, but Buick, Olds or Pontiac would be in the running, too. I don't wanna do the all-too-common smallblock thing. I've built a lotta smallblocks and love 'em. But I'd prefer something different for this one.
Right now, I don't have any plans to chop the top or run it fenderless. I may do this eventually, but right now, I like the full-fendered, extra-tall look of the beast.
I hope that gives some idea of where I'm going with it. Where I'm NOT going is the high-dollar 90+ point restoration or chromed-up show car route. I want a driver...the kind of hotrod that was the "norm" when I was growing up in the 50s and 60s.
Now...OldSub: I got it in (of all places) Brainerd, Minnesota. There's a guy up there who has a huge collection of old cars including 50 or more Model As. His website is called
the Rufus Ranch and I found Rudy to be a real nice fella. Very friendly and appears to be very honest about what he has and what each vehicle needs. Pity, but there are no Bolts there.
The reason we ended up there (aside from seeing the original ad on eBay) was because we sold and delivered the Nova and Camaro to the buyer (same guy bought both of them) in Iowa. It wasn't all that much further to go to Minnesota. My wife and I made a vacation out of it. We had a great time and we'd love to do it again...after a week's rest or so.
I'll be going out to the salt flats in mid-October with a possible trip to western Nevada included to see the town where my mother was raised (Goldfield.) I guess we sorta like travelling.
