The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Disassembly

I have this puzzle that i'm working on and I need some help. Only this one's not being put together, i'm taking it apart. I want to disassemble a 53 1/2 ton so I can begin working on it. Any advice on where to start? The trucks mechanically sound, good brakes, bad floorpan and cab corners. I'm pulling off the original bed so if anyone in the Houston area needs one come get it. I only have two weeks to start my tear down before I go play in the sandbox for a while.

heyhowyadoing,

I did it this way...hood off and into shop for bodywork and prime-out, fenders off and into shop for bodywork and prime-out, doors the same, running boards the same. You get the picture. You end up with a bare cab you can manage in the shop. The floor pan and corners will take the most work and you can carefully tip the cab on its back if needed.

When all the time consuming bodywork is done, these parts rest in a nice dry location while the greasy frame and running gear is addressed.

Then, everything this painted and assembled. Sounds easy doesn't it!

All kidding aside, THANKS for the sandbox time. Be very careful and remember that we want you back safe and sound so you can finish your truck and tell us stories!

Stuart

Be sure to use the digital camera to take plenty of pictures as you disassemble. I found myself going back to the pictures several times while reassembling mine.

Be careful over there.

Best info in the world. Take pictures. You will not beleve how many time you will look back at them and later you can make an album to keep with the truck.

Put all of the bolts from a certain area (like hood bolts, fender bolts, etc.) into ziplock bags, and be sure to label them. Even if you don't reuse them, you'll know what you need when you go to the hardware store.
Scott

For every part I take off, I put the bolts, clips and other small pieces in a zip loc bag and label it. If there's something unique about the assembly, I draw a little picture of it and put that in the bag. I have plastic boxes (used to ship small items to parts stores) that are labelled for major sections of the car (e.g., firewall) and a put the baggies in the appropriate box. As I accumulate the replacement parts, I put them in those boxes too. When I'm ready to assemble, everything is where I need it. (Well; at least that's the plan. It works most of the time.)

pound a twelve pac with a buddy and get out the tools. everything else will take care of its self

If you are looking for a great contact in your area there is a guy on this site who goes by Houston54, Jay Barrington, he is a great guy to contact and he has a great photo album site documenting his truck rebuild. You can look him up in the memeber section and contact him.

Keep your head down over there and a BIG thank you, to you and all your fellow soldiers for the sacrifice you are making for us. Gog Bless

Thanks for all the advice. I've already taken lots of pictures and i've learned a lot of what not to do. Being a guy with only a three drawer tool box (guess what I want for Christmas), i've learned how to scrounge for tools. Things like clutch head drivers are easy to find if you drive 100 miles and look through 20 scrap tool bins. I also learned to bench test a new fule tank before you drop it in, top it off and drive away to a local rally. Who thought they'd have holes from the factory in Tiawan?

I would also suggest getting a tetnus shot before starting work on your old truck. It's better to be safe than sorry.

You might also try looking in the Tech Tips and the FAQ's (See the menu at the top of the page) -- This question has at least one article written on it

Actually, the FAQ is here

The best advice, though, is before you do anything, go to motorbooks.com and order a copy of Tom Brownell's "How to restore your antique Chevrolet Pickup, 2nd Edition."

Welcome aboard, by the way

John

I too take a lot of pictures, tag and label everything. I love taking things apart! If I could have a business taking things apart I would be VERY HAPPY. You bring it to me, I'll take it apart and give you back a large pile of individual parts ;~) That will be $600 please.

On the other end of the stick is the truly GREAT GUYS that put these Bolts back together. I tip my hat to them.

Anyway, organize, photograph, catalog and be safe. And be safe in the sandbox, take a pic of the old truck with you and dream a little.

Buddy