I'm trying to figure out which way to head with the 46 1/2 ton that I recently acquired. I don't have a lot in it, so it feels like I have some head room.
Of course, a lot depends on what I want to do with it. It's got to be a driver - but more of a week-end driver. I live downtown and so there is no easy way to get anywhere without getting on the freeway. It needs to not be an obstruction to traffic. Having said that, I would prefer it to have more or less of an original look,
How much restoration work can I realistically do? That's a good question. Speaking solely in terms of capability, (as opposed to knowledge and skill), my shop is large enough and well enough equipped to dismantle the truck, but welding and finish painting would not be realistic. Small part media blasting is possible, painting primer and small part finish, most assembly work, except that which would require special machinery, are all possible.
What would it be worth IF the work turned out really well? Well,
here are some shots of (more or less original) 1946 1/2 tons that sold at auction over the last year or so. A couple had the 216 switched to a 235, and the one that sold for 32m had a fully modified drive train with a Vega gearbox and later model rear end.
My preliminary cost estimate is somewhere between 25 to 35 thousand for a full restoration, depending on how picky I am and how much of the grunt work gets done here.
What I'm lacking is the perspective and wisdom of experience. Money is not the determining factor, I know, but it is something to consider.
What would you do with it?
