I think everyone has differing degrees of mechanical ability. The previous owners were probably doing the best they could...not out to screw the next guy in line.
When you buy an old truck, it's sort of understood its a pig in a poke. You didn't buy it for the warranty, you bought it because you love working on old stuff, and if it hacked up, you will redo it, this time to your expectations.
We all have BFH's...some know when to use them, and many don't. Maybe all these atrocities were committed before there was a Stovebolt site. Pry out the hunks of Bondo...replace the rounded bolts.. swap the garden hose for heater hose and be happy you have the old girl! Merry Christmas.
Stuart
