The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Running again for the first time in 26 years

Today, for the first time in over 26 years, I started my truck. It purred like a kitten. My wife brought the video camera along and we have some footage with sound, but I haven’t a clue as to how to get it in a format that is workable for the Internet as it is one large video file.

In any event, the truck fired right up the first time. John one of the technicians at the shop doing the work had the honors of being the first one to turn the key to “on” and step on the starter button. After it ran for about 10 minutes, I climbed in and shut it off and after a quick systems check, I started it again. That was really an awesome feeling! The best part is, no leaks and everything appears to be working exactly as it should. So, after some final valve adjustments and such, the engine is ready for service.

Now, we just have to locate a steering column and after that is installed the truck will be drivable. I sure wished I could share either the video or audio of our time this afternoon with you all. If I figure out how to get either media types converted to an acceptable file, I will post a link.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

All the best!

your truck looks great!

yay!

congrats.

That is a good sound and feeling... when my 'dad's '53(w/ a '57 235) fired up - that was cool - his '53 was last registered ont he road in Georgia in 1977 or so... hehe... so it was cool when it fired up and went 'vroooom'.



-W

Nice job Jim.
While following your reports on your truck's restoration you've taken us through the many steps your "restoration team" has performed. It's clear that you decided to take the role of owner here rather than wrench-bender, although it was your weilding the heavy tool ( the pen to sign the checks) that allowed this project to move forward.
Now since you have done such a through job of documenting the restoration process, I wonder if you would complete your chronicle and provide us with the costs, I'm sure you have them itemized, so that we who are scraping our knuckles can see the value in doing the labor ourselves. In addition you can provide a valuable asset in furnishing current restoration costs should someone else decide to have a shop do their restoration or even part of their restoration that they do not feel comfortable performing. You have a chance to provide coveted information for your fellow Stovebolter's.....will you finish the documentation?

4d9r,

Thanks for the nice comments. With respect to costs, the costs of living are much higher here in Orange County, CA then many parts of the country. Therefore, costs for work here will not be representative of the price "down the street" or across the country.

With that in mind, I also don't feel its appropriate for me to post such financial information on the Internet. However, I do understand your point and I am happy to share specific individual component costs of the project to anyone that cares to inquire via private e-mail.

I also understand that sweat equity is very rewarding and I am sure your “wrench-bending” will provide you will many years of proud memories regardless of the cost/savings you end up realizing and will serve as a nice reward for your hard work and dedication.

If you do have any questions regarding the costs of a particular item, like I said, just drop me a note via e-mail and I will be glad to assist you with answering your questions the best I can.