The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts "Thor'" 2.0 (update)

So it's been a little more than a year now that I have had "Thor". Victor (VFW) had "Thor" for about 11 years and amassed 350 miles during that time, I have added just over 150 miles to that in the past year.

"Thor" has gone through some changes over the past 12 months. I replaced the fuel tank with one I had from my '59 3100, all new fuel lines and fuel pump. I replaced the 20" split rims with 19.5" drop center wheels, new tires all around. I replaced the original 6.17 rear end with a 4.88 from a motorhome, the new axel came with disc brakes. Made a custom driveshaft and carrier bearing mount. I replaced the water pump and had the radiator re-cored, now a 4 row. I changed the front drum brakes over to disc, still fine tuning that project. Replaced the original front wheel bearings with new tapered roller style. Added a Hydro-booster and dual master cylinder and all new brake lines. Changed the generator out for an alternator, added a power steering pump (for the Hydro-booster). Cleaned up the wiring harness and added a Tach. There are other small projects such as rebuilding the seat, replacing the inside visor., adding a 2 ton crane to the bed.

Plans for the future are adding an NV4500 overdrive transmission, a rebuilt 261

All of this is leading up to being able to use "Thor" more as a daily and driving longer distances without the added worry. I really want to have the ability to just get in it and go .

More pictures

Nice looking work. The hoist on the back would be mighty handy.

What kind of power steering you using, Craig?

JW51, Morning . I 'm not adding power steering, the truck turns easily, even while stopped. The power steering pump is to provide hydraulic pressure to the Hydro-booster for the brakes. I may add power steering later, but for now I'm happy with it.

TUTS 59, Ah…now I remember you saying that. Getting old and forgetful.

Craig, when you get ready to rebuild that 261, get in touch with me. 261 is good- - - -300-ish with a 3/8 inch longer stroke is better!
Jerry

Jerry I'm gathering parts now. I found a Melling CCS1 cam, an extra "848" head and have an actual HEI.

Super news all around Craig and awesome effort and results! Looking forward to seeing more.

Love the rear end swap. Good work my friend.

I thought I would update Y'all on the current status of "Thor". I have completed the front disc brake upgrade, added a power Steering Pump and Hydrobooster, this thing stops like NOW.

I added a small cap HEI, the plugs are now gapped at 0.045 and burn clean. The truck starts every time on the first try and runs smooth. I also added a PCV system.

I am in the middle of transmission swap to an NV4500 Overdrive. I'm rebuilding the Transmission and am waiting on parts. The Transmission swap was an idea hatched between the late Ed Pruss and myself, I hope to see this through to completion soon. (Rest In Peace Ed) No doubt I will need to make several modifications to get the transmission installed and working.

The current project is a complete rewire of the Truck. The original wiring is just so brittle, every time I touch it it cracks or crumbles. I picked up a 14 circuit wiring harness at the last Moultrie Swap meet for $85.00. I have the front harness mostly complete, I will have park lights and turn signals in the grill like original. I'm keeping the fender mounted turns signals as well. I'm still working out the placement of the rear lights, I want to move them up to just under the lip of the bed. The dash is apart at the moment and being rewired. I'm adding Cab Lights too.

I need to replace a couple of the switches, the wiper motor switch just crumbled in my hand, the heater blower motor switch came out in pieces. I also want to change out the Amp meter for a Volt Meter in the gauge cluster.

For the "While I'm in Here Department", I am adding seat belts and replacing the seat. Thor's seat was stuffed with old pillows and flannel shirts along with who knows what else. The seat from Linda's 1960 is in much better shape and it won't be getting used in her truck. I am going to recover the seat with a factory style cover from LMC, I may add a little extra padding as well.

Everything is a work in progress at the moment. I have a goal of taking Thor to the Trucks at the Farm show in Columbia SC on November 1st, the clock is ticking.


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Great work Craig! I’m so happy Thor went to the right person.

I won't say the "right" person.. but do love working on him..

I agree with VEW! You’re sure showing “Thor” some love! Great job!

A little more progress today, I'm working on rewiring the Truck at the moment. I came up with a Tail Light layout and mount. It brings the lights up higher and still keeps them under the lip of the bed. The aluminum is 5/16 inch diamond plate I had, I left it oxidized as it seems to fit Thor's look. I think it really cleaned up the back of the Truck.

It’s a beautiful thing!

I remember transferring that bed from my trailer to Thor’s frame by myself. It went much better than I expected.
Then I went to Shade Equipment (mudflats were already on the bed) to get the hardware to hold it in place.

I get alot of comments about the Mud Flaps. I have thought about changing them out, but I like the look of the old ones.