I don't care what John says about Peggy, she's alright in my book!
Its very hard to manage family at the grandmom level and other important duties surrounding our ever so important stovebolt. Thanks for all you do to ALL-YA-ALL!!
My shop situation, sharing our printing business location with my restoration shop enables me to do the same thing year around. For this I am eternally grateful to God and my precious wife who share equal spots in my heart. For about one year now I have been working on a very special project. With a constant 72 degrees all year around, it makes it possible for someone with 4 titanium rods, 13 screws and 2 plates in my lower back. With electric winches of various kinds and lots of mechanical solutions, even I can proceed to make progress on....
I took a 1950 1/2 ton, blasted it all to the bare metal, frame up in every way. No stone left unturned, not even the slightest thing. No aerosol cans, all done with the best automotive paints out there. But more..
The 1950 was chosen because of its side vent on the drivers side. Its 5 window. I then wanted push button doors with VENT windows (1951 or later?). New doors, new latching and for some reason, lots of rework to accommodate the 1/4 inch larger size doors. Done and done, but then I wanted original blinkers. Enter the 1954 steering column with the original blinker assembly. Looks just like it belongs on the truck.
No stopping there, a 1959 261 engine with quieter hydraulic lifters, PCV ventilation system, Electronic Ignition, a Borg R10 Overdrive for the 3 on the tree, a 1955 1st series rear end for open driveline using an open driveshaft from a 1962 Suburban. This is to maintain a self imposed standard of mine to be as period correct as possible while maintaining a bolt up philosophy. If it doesn't bolt right up because its an extension of Chevy continuity, it doesn't belong. This gets me a comfortable 70 mph or so which works for me with this vintage.
A very secure and well engineered 3 point seat belt system for the 5 window cab for safety, which got me to thinking about the single master cylinder braking system. No, that's not a good idea when increasing its speed capability, so after much thought, a dual master cylinder upgrade (still under the floor for period correct) and front disc brake upgrade. Here is something important to think about... YOUR choices matter in the occasion of a bad accident. If you don't address the additional speed with additional braking power that is at least commensurate, you are putting others at risk.
Then, since this story is never over, 12 volts native. Gauges, heater motors, everything to NATIVE 12 volts without resistors or anything related to 'converting'. This so that I can use modern electronics, batteries, jumper cables, etc etc without thinking about it. Since I live anywhere in North America, I can start it in the coldest of weather without issue. *I know this offends purists but its MY truck!*
Then, a 1954 bed because I like the flat bed rails instead of the slanted ones. A nice specially engineered trailer hitch system that uses the frame rails for its stability while still allowing the underbed spare tire carrier to work as advertised.
I am also making a pickup bed trailer with matching paint job as sort of a novelty.
A GM tagged Unity Spotlight, Stainless trim, stainless bumpers, and ALL hardware on the entire truck is stainless. Even the grease zerks are stainless. Since the space under the bench seat is wasted for the most part, two metal drawers to put a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, jack and tool kit with 1/4 turn fasteners to secure the drawers. MP3 player connections and removable speakers in the cab corners and under the dash so I can listen to all the greats... Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, you know. *or maybe its the Stones and ACDC?
Electric wipers, electrical cutoff for security, a modern sports car Yellow paint scheme with Black accents.. very little chrome at all, more stainless. If you have imperfect parts that would normally be chrome, imagine using black as the accent instead of chrome with the yellow. Too busy if chrome is used too much. Black fenders, running boards, grille front (with yellow behind). Even those chrome baby moon hubcaps will be blasted, painted yellow with black lettering (rims black).
I started life as a total purist knowing how great these trucks were on the farm here in Kansas just as they were. But I just felt if I am going to all this trouble, what would I like to drive? Thinking about Vintage Air, but not sure yet. Right now, after one year, the frame and associated mechanicals are a few months away from completion. Its slow and very time consuming, but a person has to set a standard they want, then spend every day sticking to that standard. That's the hard part.
Who knows how this project will turn out because thanks to this forum and all of you wonderful people, I get new inspiration almost every day. Now if only you could send me some expertise!
