I'm scouring the archives, but I was wondering if anyone had some "must do" or "must not" tips for the process of getting my '46 Chevy 1/2 ton looking like a truck again. He's bare bones, and I'm trying to put the interior back in the correct order to maximize the use of my (non-existent) spare time. TIA!
1946 Chevy Getting started on Bruno Follow the story in the DITY Gallery You can't buy happiness but you can buy a truck ... and that's pretty much the same thing.
Questions: Are you going to paint the truck? Did you rebuild the engine and transmission? Did you rebuild the clutch? Did you rebuild the brake system, wheels and M.C.? Did you run new brake lines? Did you run new fuel lines? Did you have the gas tank professionally cleaned? Did you install a new fuel sender unit? Did you rebuild the instrument cluster? Did you rebuild the windshield wiper motor? Do you hav a good brake light switch? Are you installing a new wiring harness? Are yiu installing turn signals? I ask all these questions to avoid you from having to do the removal and install of parts a second time. And yes I will send you a well defined assembly sheet based on my project. Harold
Having also completed the restoration of a ‘46 Chevy 1/2 ton, I think Harold has offered spot on pointers.
The list he posted, IMO, should be considered as the “to do/done” before beginning the interior.
A very wise, wish I could recall who, person opined when I initiated the restoration journey on Sparky that this is a “Journey that will take time, patience, tenacity, and money “. To that I would now add it will lead to an incredible learning experience, relationships building and sense of achievement worth all the frustrations and then the ability to help others as they tackle some of the same obstacles you endured and ultimately will overcome. Sparky took about 10 years to complete, working at least a few minutes each day on average and doing something to learn or inch forward on a task.
Harold helped me along the way, especially when it came to the wiring.
Are you going to paint the truck? No, I'm keeping it original [to me].
Did you rebuild the engine and transmission? My 216 Babbitt was seized. I purchased a 261 (235 with Captain bars).
Did you rebuild the clutch? Not sure what we're doing with that yet.
Did you rebuild the brake system, wheels and M.C.? Yes
Did you run new brake lines? Yes
Did you run new fuel lines? Not yet.
Did you have the gas tank professionally cleaned? Not yet.
Did you install a new fuel sender unit? Not yet. Did you rebuild the instrument cluster? I can't find anyone who knows anyone, aside from someone in Arkansas who was recommended (we're from Indiana). Other than the numbers disintegrating it is in pristine condition, and just needs rewired. I'm still trying to find someone local.
Did you rebuild the windshield wiper motor? That's on the bottom of my list.
Do you hav a good brake light switch? We're swapping to 12v and adding a passenger side light.
Are you installing a new wiring harness? Yes
Are you installing turn signals? Yes
I guess I should add that hubby and I are not professionals, (he was a DCC on F-15s for 20yrs, and now he repairs/installs MK99s for a local Army/Navy base, and I own a t-shirt quilt shop, and make chenille for 15 area high schools). We do not own a professional mechanics garage, we don't own a lift, and we both work 40 plus hours a week. I have always wanted a truck, fell in love with a couple 46's at a car show a couple of years ago, had a midlife crisis when our boys moved on to college and careers, and decided that I wanted to buy and restore my own truck. I got a new to me battery box, bellhousing, and turn signal for Christmas, and some other bits and bobs for my birthday, and our anniversary. We're "nickel and dining" him into restoration as we have the time and money, and I've tried extremely hard to keep everything original/NOS. Like so hard that I've been adamant that he not buy anything rand new unless absolutely necessary.
We've got the manuals and books, I've printed several things off from this group, my FIL has built cars and raced for eons (he recently helped hubby restore his high school sweetheart - 1968 Camaro) so he's helped some, and Google is my friend as well (along with this forum, and a couple of FB groups). I try to keep little things going that I can accomplish by myself, like some of the Interior, because my husband sometimes travels for work, and it helps keep me busy to pass time. I've already cleaned up the parts, done some Por-15 work, sanded until I'm cross-eyed, and everything in between. I guess I'm just getting antsy since we officially moved into the "put it back together now" category with the differential this weekend. (YAY for progress!). Thank God my husband has the patience of Job. LoL
1946 Chevy Getting started on Bruno Follow the story in the DITY Gallery You can't buy happiness but you can buy a truck ... and that's pretty much the same thing.
@ Sparky - Mine is a slow-going restoration as well. =) If only we could afford to retire, or win the lottery. LoL
1946 Chevy Getting started on Bruno Follow the story in the DITY Gallery You can't buy happiness but you can buy a truck ... and that's pretty much the same thing.
Thank you for answering the questions. As I said I only asked them to avoid you from having to do the removal and install of parts a second time. I have attached the assembly sheet I wrote as I built my truck.Others folks may have different opinions but this worked for me. You can buy new decals for the instrument cluster for less that $13. It contains decals for the odometer. Jim Carter and others sell this item.The photo is of my cluster after rebuild. Good luck and have a great new year. Harold
Harold, that looks amazing!! My glass still has perfectly legible numbers and letters on it. It's kind of crazy. The odometer numbers disintegrated, but a gentleman in my husband's car club had a spare set of "innards", and gave them to me. I'm hoping to cam parts from both to make a "new", functioning one. I printed the very detailed sheet from here on how to restore it myself, but I just don't really think it's something I want to dive into. Especially since I can't do the wiring myself anyway.
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your documents, and experiences!! I bought a binder when we started disassembly last year, and I have a section for each different part of restoration that I have been printing items like that, as well as screenshots of products or tips that have been offered to me through my 41-46 Facebook groups. We're definitely learning as we go. I really appreciate your time, and willingness to help. Thank you!
1946 Chevy Getting started on Bruno Follow the story in the DITY Gallery You can't buy happiness but you can buy a truck ... and that's pretty much the same thing.
[quote][My glass still has perfectly legible numbers and letters on it./quote] when you take your instrument cluster apart, DO NOT try to clean the inside of the glass. The white lettering will wash off. Guess how I know this! Harold
