I am nearing completion of my frame off restoration of a '37 1/2 ton. I have tried to keep it as original as possible, reusing attachment hardware as much as practical.You get real familiar with sheet metal screws, especially since one lower door panel is attached with 15 of the 8-32 screws. ( There are a total of 27 sheet metal pieces and panels that make up the interior, I didn't want to count the total number of screws).
I noticed that the original screws are tapered and threaded at the end. I found that facilitated placement when the threaded back hole is offset. When using a modern standard screw it can be nearly impossible to start the screw when the threaded hole is only slightly offset. Little things like that sure can make a difference in assembly (and no doubt in the original assembly line).
This is just one example of what you find when working on these trucks that make you smile, Kent
Last edited by Lightholder's Dad; 04/24/20192:29 AM.
Kent; are you implying you don't have enough hardware ? As a matter of fact I was/ should, in the process of throwing away many of those small nuts and bolts I had saved prior to my resurrection of the 38. Some on 3 different benches, some in the barn. gene
Hey Gene, How are you doing? Actually, I am nearing completion of my '37 project and don't need any more hardware. But don't throw any of that stuff away!! I have put about 100 miles on the rebuilt truck and it is doing pretty good.
For those of you reading this post, this is another example of the power and influence of this forum. This fine gentleman answered requests for parts as I progressed through the restoration of this truck. I went on a road trip to visit him and his wife in Colorado.He provided a very good original gas tank, excellent seat back and superb torque tube and differential. As I was leaving his place he reached down in his side yard and pulled out of the dirt an original bumper, which he gave me. It came out pretty nice after the craftsmen in a chrome shop in Tucson were done with it.
Kent, truck looks awesome!! Like the green paint as that's what mine looked like years ago. I feel the same way about guys on this forum helping with issues that everyone seems to have. I do want to thank you again for the help you have given me and may need it again as I try to finish mine by Summer. Bill
I'd love to see a photo of under the hood & the interior .
A few years ago while attending the Spring Swap Meet at Carlisle, PA .
I just walked into the swap meet a little after sun - up & lo and behold.....what do I see..... I see my dream truck on a trailer for sale for $5,800.00 .
It was a fresh barn find from north west PA .
After looking it over . I found that the engine turned over and was not stuck . The interior was complete nothing missing.
After 20 minutes of talking with the owner he said , I'll take $5,000.00 & deliver it to you over in New Jersey .
I could square shot boot myself in the rear for not buying it .
It would've driven me mad man bonkers hunting nos parts for a rebuild of that great north west PA. barn find .
George, you should have got it. If anyone could have found the needed parts it would be you!
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
George, (That is my middle name, really), you should have bought that truck. That grill looks beautiful. At your request, here are a couple more shots...
George, The illness is making something rusty crusty into something beautiful.
NOS mechanical items that I have encountered in my two frame off projects seemed to be painted with a thin lacquer that largely wore off in the box. I was satisfied with glass bead, followed by rattle can primer and finished with rattle can semi-gloss black. Infinitely superior to how it was originally done and easy to touch up, if need be. Certain items were powder coated as I don't have the equipment to media blast a frame and some things like steering column (where your feet hit it every time you get in the truck) wear better if powder coated. Your level of restoration is off the charts and I salute you!
George that 39 1 1/2 ton truck is gorgeous as is Kents 37 1/2 ton. Glad to see your making progress. Folks like you two are an inspiration to those of us who are "in process" of restoring a truck.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
