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I own a 100% complete and untouched 1942 Civilian Chevy 1 and a half ton flatbed truck. My truck is original. The purest in me says to restore the truck to original like-new condition. The gear-head in me says toss that idea and all the old parts and set the body on a late model one ton chassis, which by the way, I have in waiting should I elect to do so. The upgraded truck would have tubeless tires, a 454 Chevy engine coupled to a turbo 400 automatic, all wheel disc-brakes, power steering and power brakes. The 454 V8 currently has all the essentials for air conditioning as well. The source vehicle is based on a P30 Chevy chassis with less than 75k on it. This is nothing I have to decide today, but this is on my mind. Thank you for any thoughtful feedback you may provide. John-

Well, the website ain't called 454-bolt...

For the truck you listed, 100% original is rare. I'd find another (maybe 50% original) one to rod. I like what you plan on doing as far as upgrades, but your purist instincts get my vote on the truck in question.

Respectfully
Brad

They are only original once. I couldn't be the one to break that cycle. I bought my street rod as a street rod. My '47 project was beyond stock restoration so it is going to be a street rod also. The '54 4100 I had was original and I kept it that way except for 12V conversion. It's your truck but I vote for restoration.

I vote for keep it original, too

Ed

mytriple, since the truck is a good original specimen I have to vote do it original. I'll admit I have two that are "modified" but I started with a piece of metal that should have been crushed. I'm hoping some day to run upon one that I can truly keep true to its origin.
but, as most all of us say here on the bolt, it is your truck and your free to do to it as you please. Think long and hard. There are basket cases out there that fit right in with what you want to do, which sounds like fun by the way!

If it's as nice as you say, I wouldn't even restore it. Clean it up and leave it as is. Then it would truly be original.

I sold my "Big Bolt",hoping to find an "Art Deco" pick-up or 1-ton. I found a '48 international KB-3,(1-ton),instead..Like Rich says,I'm leaving this one just as I found it,except for a 12-volt and brake upgrade. Two months later,I stumbled upon a '48 I.H.C. KB-5,(2-Ton). Nice body,with a Stuck Engine. The KB-5 sheet metal,is going on a '72 Travelall 4X4 frame. Engine,(345), is from a '63 "Loadstar" 1750 Ex-Fire Truck,with less than 20,000 miles on it. Got it with a Clark Direct 5th,for $500.00!Here's a video,of all 3...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUZt4bRyKT0 My '55 PAID for ALL 3 Trucks,Spare Engine,and over a Grand for Other Parts! THANKS,'"Tater"!

Thank you all for the thoughtful replies. My thinking is leaning toward not restoring the truck and keeping it in original condition. I bought it from a good friend who's father bought the truck new in Woodland California, ten miles from where the truck now rests, so no big rust issues. Even as cool as the older COE's are I think I'll look for a conventional to build. There is wisdom in finding a less than complete truck to work with. Thank you all again. John-

The vehicles that receive the most attention are ones preserved and not restored. I see this all the time at car shows. I purchased a well preserved 46' 1.5 ton from our local village of about 2,000 people. The community loves the truck as is because they can connect with it. In a year I'll be done with a complete resto very close to stock. I'm already hearing comments on why I would fix it up. If I were to do it over I would have gone through everything mechanical but not fixed and painted all the sheet metal. Also about half the cost with truck that is closer to being true to it's real age and imparts a sense of days gone by to others. My two cents.