Hope ok to start here, did not want to post in others threads. What I decided to do is do a frame off restore on 54 GMC 150-24 truck. Wanted to get tips and ideas before I start removing parts and possibly screwing things up worse.
Is there a photo chart naming body parts of the truck so we are on the same terminology? The newer google car search is showing me whats called a scuttle (never heard of this before and on a space type frame). It's on the cab behind both fender outer corners pretty much where the e brake is at. The cab is showing some light at the corner (rust holes), floor is in great shape, doors open and close ok except have to shut it twice to close completely. Anything I should do with cab before removing so I can go thru it completely?
What I want to do is take the front clip off completely as 1 piece then the cab. Is there anything I need to do before attempting the removal? Removing doors first, etc? Going to start with removing the interior stuff to bare cab, then move to the front clip, then cab. Once cab is off frame, I'll remove the drivetrain to work on the frame.
Unsure which way to do the frame as for cleaning, either chemical rust remover or sandblast, ideas?
Still searching and getting ideas thru here and internet, just so many confusing ideas. I'd rather trust this group than online. So many questions...
Welcome, this is a great resource for a project like yours. You can look at my pictures and progress on a similar project that I have been working on for almost a year.
Before you pull the cab off the frame you need to brace the door openings. Your door hinge post looks pretty solid but verify the door fit and if okay then brace the opening to keep everything in place when you remove the cab mounts to the frame.
I had my frame blasted and painted at a local shop.
Requirements to match the dream: A person who is determined to take the truck apart, repair, paint and reassemble should be skilled in bodywork, mechanical work, welding and is good at doing research. Owns a good shop building stocked with needed tools. Has a nearby engine/transmission machine shop that has experience rebuilding classic parts. Add to that a beginning budget around $50,000 and is doggedly persistent enough to complete the project regardless of life's issues.
The worst thing you can do is to start removing parts without having a plan in place.
Parallel to your dream, consider making it a daily driver. The frame doesn't have to be painted. The truck can be painted (decent not perfect) with body parts still attached. The holes in the floorboard are common. Farmers patched them with tin and rivets. Unfortunately the bent cowl on the driver's side is a hard one to repair. Fixing the dents in the rear cab is futile. Cover it with a wooden headboard for the truck bed.
Last edited by buoymaker; 10/13/20225:59 PM.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
I've worked on my 1954 Chevrolet 3604 for the past 5 years and I learned a couple of things ,along the way : 1. Take pictures of everything before you take things apart. 2. Take pictures of each part/parts after you take things apart. 3. Document where fasteners / bolts / nuts came from , place them in labeled zip lock bags. 4. Take notes, make diagrams, take measurements where appropriate. 5. When it comes to sheet metal, use used from donor vehicle if possible. If not , ask folks on Stovebolt for recommendations as to where to buy aftermarket parts. 6. For bed parts , I recommend Mar-K. 7. For rubber parts, I recommend Steele Rubber Products 8. For questions, your already at the right place. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We all started somewhere.
Last edited by Dusty53; 10/14/202211:09 PM.
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."
