The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk The joys of buying a 'totally restored' truck

Hi guys, time to blow off some steam. I've had the 41 for fifteen months now. I decided on a fully restored truck mainly so I could just drive and enjoy it and use it in my business. I thought it would be easier to let someone else do all the hard work. The truck was built as a show truck, looked a million dollars. Paint, chrome, metalwork done to a pretty high standard. The engine had been built by a local specialist who has a great reputation. A review of what I've done to the truck in the time I've had it shows;

Replace stat and radiator cap ( had 180 stat and 13lb cap when I bought it ) flush out block and radiator.

Rebuild speedo

Repair leak in gas tank. The first time I filled the tank over half full it started leaking fuel onto the exhaust pipe. Shudder to think what could have happened if I hadn't noticed that.

Repair electrical short. The truck would cut out without warning. Not pleasant in rush hour traffic.

Repair fuel guage and sender unit.

Replace okie bushing and uni-joint

Install Pertronix electronic ignition.

New kingpins and spindles

Rebuild carb

Replace wheel cylinders

Rebuild 4speed gearbox

Rebuild diff with 3.55 gearing ( original crown wheel and pinion and bearings were knackered )

Replace front and rear uni yokes which were damaged when the four wee bolts sheared off.

Still have a few jobs that I know of to do. The moral of the story is that if you do the work yourself, you at least know its been done properly. Do I regret buying the 41? No way I love this old truck. I'll never sell it.

Never could have done all this without the help of you guys and Tony Hoffman. Thanks for everything folks, really appreciate it.

Bob

On the otherhand, some of the toughest work is in the fit and finish/spit and polish which takes a lot more talent than just bolting on various bits. When I have done mine, I've done what you have done, concentrated on the driving bit. Its the paint bit that I am not great at.

Bob -

Pictures!!

Joe

Arnswine, No doubt about it mate. The 41 has a great paint job. The guy who I bought it off made the sidesteps himself. Lotta skill for sure.

Joe, I've got a few photos. Just have to check how I can post them. Also built timber storage boxes as the PO built it as a flatbed with no underbed carrier for the spare wheel.

Cheers guys

Bob

Hey MOZZ,
I want to see your Beautiful truck. If ya get tired of it, you can send it to ME here in TEXAS.
"You know TEXAS thats North Australia."


Cliff59

I'll keep that in mind Cliff. Although I think that my son would skin me alive if I ever let it go. Your welcome to come down and take it for a spin though.

Bob

I would love to bring MY son down there and drive that Bolt back home but I bet it won't float!

Cliff59

The Cubans did it.

Wow Joe!
Just followed your link to take a look at your truck. What a drop dead beauty!!!

I think if mine looked half that good I would be afraid to drive it.

Nice job!

it would be nice to have a totally restored pickp. but then what would you have to complain about? i kind of like that mine needs the occasional part and attention. it makes me feel like a great mechanic, even though chevy engineering is really what keeps mine on the road. if i had nothing to work on i wouldn't be able to spend a sunny saturday sippiing beer and wrenching on my old pickup. as for the paint, i will get there someday.

I,m sure you have all heard this. Wife asks when your going to be done with that truck? You know the answer.

Ok guys I finally worked out how to put some pics on webshots. I've only managed to do about 5000 miles on the 41 since I got it. Intend doing at least another 10000 this year.

Joe your trucks a work of art mate. Check out the 41 at http:/community.webshots.com/user/mozzie126

Cheers

Bob

I like the box on it too. Very nicely done. Great looking truck.

Thanks Irwin, It was built with furniture grade 3/4 inch Jarrah ( Aussie hardwood ).Framing is 3x2 Jarrah. All the hardware is stainless steel so it should last a lifetime. I've told my wife that I want to be buried in the big box, problem is I'd need about 10 blokes to carry the thing.

Had a drive in a 57 pickup last week. Wouldn't mind a 57-59 truck as well one day. Couldn't believe the amount of room in the cab compared to the 41.

Cheers

Bob

Hey MOZZ Lets Crate that puppy up and send it to..

1800 Se 26th ave
Mineral Wells TX USA 76067

"She's Beautiful"

Cliff59

Thanks Cliff. Don't go staying home waiting for it to be delivered to you though.

Cheers mate

Bob

as of late I have a hankering for a 41,, just to have something other then me with the same yr of birth,, hate to give away my age but....

would like to see some pix also....glad you are enjoying it,, I dont know anyone that has one that dont enjoy it,, some may even just look at em but they too enjoy them.....Fred

HEY Joker,
I know where a 41' is that might be up for sale in the near future,its a nice truck that wouldn't take much to restore back to original,mostly needs some paint and good chrome,and the handle in the dash that works the AC.anyway I posted some pics on here somewhere when it was first aquired,my cousin wants to hot rod but dont want to chop up the truck,we usually putt around in it in the evenings,its a good runn'n lil' truck,fun to drive.If you want I'll keep ya posted on IT?