About 12 plus years ago I bought a 49 half ton. Going to restore it, put in a SBC, radial tires, disc brakes and a fancy paint job. That was the plan.
Today I am driving that same truck almost as when I bought it. I have rebuilt the brakes, put on new shocks,seat belts and even have new bias-ply tires.
I found that if I wanted to enjoy my truck I would not want a shiny new paint job. I see too many guys with beautiful restored or hot rodded trucks that are basically garage art. Any sign of rain they stay indoors.
I don't have a need to spend my time on freeways nor do I do much mileage, averaging about 1500 per year.
I like the truck the way it is. I lean on it and put stuff in the box and if I get a scratch I don't lose sleep.
While I owned this truck I acquired the ultimate Chevy pickup which I restored. Took me a while and lots of money. Hardly drove it. Was afraid to leave it anywhere and when someone scratched it I could not sleep. I drove it two years and sold it. Living happily ever after with my 49 driver.
