Welcome to the bolt' You started this conversation with a possible purchase and from what I understand that is no longer in the picture. This is a perfect opportunity for you to start down the right path and find the right truck for you. There is a wealth of information on this board and many guys that can help you along the way to purchasing the truck you desire.
First of all what is your definition of an original restored truck? This word "restored" drives many on the board crazy. We see "restored" trucks with v8s, automatics, wild paint jobs etc. My idea of an original "restored" truck is one that has no modifications from original, all oem parts, original paint scheme, original drive train, original size tires etc. These are trucks that look like they just drove out of the dealership. Most trucks that are being advertised as "restored" do not meet this criteria and you will chase down many and if you bite, in most cases you will overpay. Knowledge is the most important piece to this puzzle and patience is number two.
What is the purpose of the truck?
How original do you want it to be?
Are you looking for a 100 percent original restored truck with no modifications or upgrades?
I am sure you aware of the limitations of owning an original vintage truck, speed, noise levels, 60 year old engineering. Another thing to consider, many people don't appreciate vintage cars and trucks, they just look at them as old and show them no respect. That is why many go the modified route as I am doing. I will have some modern conveniences, such as, disc brakes, dynamat (for sound demanding) wider tires (radials) upgraded six cylinder (for power) upgraded reared (for driving speeds) I will be going with an original paint scheme and the vintage look, but many in this crowd will know the modifications immediately and would call me out if I were to call it "restored"
Properly restored trucks tend to be higher priced than the slightly modified trucks and harder to find. Dealers are the wrong place to look in most cases, to them they are all "restored" trucks, at least the ads that I have seen over the years. If you would like some help, ask the guys here, most are willing to assist in answering your questions and in some cases willing to be your"eyes' when a deal comes around and you can't see it for yourself. ...........g
BTW: The 1955 first series truck is one of the hardest to find, finding one with the Hydramatic even harder.
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