The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 1937 1.5 ton - My Grandfathers Fuel Rig

Good afternoon,
I'm introducing myself as an owner of a '37 ton & half. My grandfather gave me his truck for my 30th birthday 8 years ago.
History:
My great grandfather purchased the truck around '40 for a fuel truck for his logging company in CL, CA, OR, WA & NM. After his death, the truck was still used by my grandfather and my uncle as the same; fuel truck. It still has the same tank that was built by my great grandfather; 150 gallon diesel / 50 gallon gas compartments. At some point the motor was replaced with a motor out of a '41.
Around '65 the truck was parked in my grandparents back yard until '08 when I was given the truck. We loaded it up and moved it 300miles to my families property.
Intentions:
My grandfather will be 96 in June and our whole family believes the are no issues with him living to be 100 - We all think it would be a great way to celebrate his 100th birthday by giving him the opportunity to drive his old truck with his great-great-great grandchildren.
Condition:
All body panels are in tact. Windows need replaced. The flatbed has all rotten wood and will need replaced. Motor, transmission and axles are free. I pulled off the outer drive wheels and steer wheels 2 weekends ago. They were rusted on enough to warrent the need of a torch to bust the rust free. A saw-zaw and a couple BFH got the 50 year old tires off the rims. A little sand blasting and a coat of paint will allow for the new 7.00x20 steer tires and 8.25x20 traction tires. Once I get the tires mounted it will allow me the ability to get it pulled into the garage and start digging into it more.
Questions:
The truck was in drivable condition when it was parked in '65. Besides the basics of hoses, oil/filters ect. What else do I need to look out for.
I'm assuming the fuel tank is going to be an issue. Are there under seat replacements available?

Apparently I need a separate picture hosting site for pics. I will update my Flickr once I get the computer out of the garage and in the house.

Thanks for your interest and help
Andy

Andy, a big welcome to the Stovebolt. There is tons of information here and folks willing to share. The answers are here and the best way to access them is to post questions in the most appropriate forums. Paint and metal work in the Paint and Body Forum, Engine in Engine Forums and so on. You may have already notices there is a BIG BOLT Forum for trucks like yours.

Not everyone stops here in the Welcome Centre each time they sign in. Posting in the garage forums will guarantee you quicker and more responses and ideas.

Its a wonderful story and one that I'm sure Peggy will want to put in the Gallery along with a picture when you can post them.
Remember, your "moderated" now but after just 4 post you will be able to send PM's (private messages) and all that Stovebolt has to offer.
We look forward to helping you along the way and I'm sure you'll find other bolters in Co. if you just watch for them. I know they are here.

You may want to consider starting a thread in the DIY Forum which is a "sub forum" of the Welcome Centre forum. There you can make post to it, add pictures and tell us your story as you go along. We love to follow builds like yours.

Congrats to your grandfather. Do you plan to let him know your working on the truck?? ....or a surprise??

great story! Look forward to seeing pics and watching your progress. Welcome to the site. It sounds like you have a pretty good idea what to start with, everything related to stopping and going! Also, most of your wiring is probably going to be replaced to be safe, at a bare minimum, all looked over and inspected.

Welcome! I love Big Bolts and can't wait to see pictures of your truck.
There have been numerous threads posted in the various forums about starting an engine that has sat for a while. A search of the forums should turn up plenty of good advice there. As you suggested, the fuel tank would definitely be on that list. Again, a lot of info on that topic already in the forums. Plus, others will chime in with even more good advice.
Best of luck with your project and keep us posted on your progress.

My appolgies I have not got any pictures. Work is a little crazy.
New sandblaster showed up last night so I'd like to see the wheels cleaned up and ready for paint before the weekend. All depends on what the wife has planned.
I spent about 3 weeks learking around so I have a diecent idea of where to look and ask for experience.
I'll be in touch
Thanks guys (and gals)
Andy

Welcome! And like everyone else, I can't wait to see a few pix. Sounds like a really sweet old rig with a great history.

I love your story! Welcome from Fort Collins, Colorado! Looking forward to pictures as well.

Welcome! I am also looking forward to seeing some pictures. What a great story you have! Keep at the steady progress, and I don't think it will take you 'til your Grandpa's 100th B-day to get it ready.

P.S. I love the '37 big bolts. But I'm biased. ha

Good morning,
I finally had a chance to get some pictures uploaded.
37 Chevy
https://flic.kr/s/aHskAHt3A9
Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Andy

nice! That looks like a fun project! Especially with the history behind it.

That's a cool truck! Keep us posted on your progress.