The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Help for my Momma!

I know, strange subject. Just received a phone call from my mother. My Dad's vision is getting worse (macular degeneration). They are currently in Florida doing the snow bird thing. They live in Southeastern Michigan during the warm weather, Florida when it is cold.

OK, I'll get to the point. He has a 1950 GMC pick up. Sorry, not exactly sure of the exact model. It has the original engine, heck everthing is original. It was his Uncle's truck from new, my Dad bought it about 10 years ago when his uncle passed, and hauled it from California to Michigan for a nice retirement project. He acquired replacement parts, books, tools, etc. All set for retirement.

Shortly after that, Moms father became ill (alzhiemers), and that occupied both of them for the past 5-6 years. They cared for him untill he passed last year.

Then came hurricane Charlie. The place down in Florida took a $15,000 hit. Dad did all the fixin and repairs himself last year, I helped as much as I could on short trips from MI to FL. The place is in good shape now.

All this time, Dad's eyesight was getting worse, doctors are doing what they can, but damage is done.

He no longer has the ability to restore the truck. Thats where mom comes in.

She called me this evening wanting me to write a letter to "one of those car fixin shows to see if they will fix your dad's truck". I smiled.

I tried to talk to her about the odds of this ever happening and we discussed plan B. Plan B is to have the truck restored next winter. When they leave for FL, I haul the truck to a resto shop, and they do what they gotta do, mom writes the checks, I communicate with the resto shop, and hopefully when they come back in the spring, guess what is sitting in his garage waiting for him??

So, looking for advice on how to select a shop. What to look for, what is the normal procedure, any reccomendations, etc. I really don't know where to start. I am not a total dummy to this, I do my own car wrenching, I have restored a few vintage motorcycles (american and british). I just have never looked into anything like this before.

So if anyone could help out Momma (and me), with any info you may have. I was thinking about $20,000 for budget (is that realistic?), does not have to be a showroom resto, just a nice looking "driver". Close to original in appearance. Nothing custom. Truck does not run now, but did when put in the garage 10 years ago, but engine work is least of my worries (that will be my contribution to the project). Just trying to find a descent shop in southeastern michigan.

Sorry for the long winded sob story, just trying to get a start at this. Sure would be a nice treat for the old guy, thnks for your time and hopefully information.

I’m sure a lot of us can relate to your story ( here\'s mine ). I recommend that you carefully read this tech tip , written by a Stovebolter who is also a body shop owner about the ups and downs of selecting a good body shop.

Good luck with your project, and keep us posted on its progress!

Nice article, thanks.

Is your truck a 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton? What shape is the body in now? A few pictures would help in giving an idea of the project at hand.I am just finishing a 1 ton and certain parts were more difficult to obtain for it than say a 1/2 ton or a 3/4 ton. Just my .02 cents worth

OK, just for clarification, it is not my truck. It is my fathers truck. It is a half ton, it looks like this: http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/byers_gino_1950.htm

I have not looked at it in about a year, but I can go "dig it out of the garage" and take a few pics. It is an hour away from my house.

The body is what I would call "fair". Some rust, a california vehicle it's entire road life, I think some rust thru behind the front fenders (sorry going off of memory), gas tank is swiss cheese, Dad has all the replacement patch panels, new wiring harness, window and door gaskets, gauges, and some other odds and ends. All glass is there, not broken, but the plastic inner layer of the glass is cloudy and has wrinkles in them. It is the 5 window wrap around glass?

Sorry, I will try to get more details. Thanks

Don't give up on the "car fixin shows" (Jay Leno, and Chip Foose, etc.). Seriously, I'd at least send a letter. And make sure they don't fancy it up too much. Original really looks nice.

I have owned a restoration shop for the last 30 plus years so I hope this advice carries some weight. The key word is references, references, references. Don't just go by the list the shop provides, ask for a list of ALL the jobs for the last 5 years because they're going to give you just the satisfied customers, not any unhappy ones. If they hesitate--run. Do some sleuthing, ask about them from nearby parts stores and paint supply firms. DO NOT GIVE THEM UPFRONT MONEY, if they're on such a tight budget they can't wait till a portion is done to collect--run. Since you will be strangers you can create an escrow account to prove the money is there and if that's not good with them--run. Insist on a job sheet with hours and tasks done along with photos. Furnish three or four disposible cameras when you bring in the truck so there's no excuse not to document. Study his character, listen as to whether what the truck needs is discussed more than the topic of money. Does he seem to love old cars(trucks), or is it just income. We have found, in the last few truck restos that it might take 20 to 22K to have it done RIGHT. This means RESTORING, not REFURBISHING. Restoration is not only the usual clean, straighten, sand, paint, glass and rubber but the replacing of every part that moves or can wear right down to the bearings in the trans and rearend to the bushings in the parking brake cross shaft. In other words it should be indistinguishible from brand new. Hope this "War and Peace" length tip helps and remember the most likable types are the ones that are most successful at conning, protect yourself and don't feel bad about holding the line.

All good advice. Thanks. I checked all the "vintage" truck forums before deciding to post this question. Glad I chose this one.

The truck is 45 minutes away at my mom and dads house. I said swiss cheese, but I am only going off of what my dad sid a few years ago about "lots of pin holes in the gas tank". He did check into getting it fixed/relined, but I am not sure of the out come or if anything was done.

It is buried in the garage. All the replacement parts are piled in the back bed of the truck. I need to spend a day going over there, moving some junk, and take some photos.

I know he hs a complet spare driveline, (engine tranny, driveshaft, axle). I need to inventory parts as well. The front fenders, hood, grill, front bumper are removed.

Heck, I'm not even sure what car fixin shows are out here. I don't watch them. Nothing against the shows, I just don;t watch much TV. I will certianly check out the shows that Rance has just mentioned. Are there anymore that are worth looking into? I'm gonna type up a letter this weekend.

Lastly, while a complete full to the letter resto would be nice, it is not necesary. Yes, I would love to have the truck restored to looking like it came off the showroom floor, but I know that is not in moms budget. As long as it is clean, repaired well, safe, and looks good, Dad will be happy. Plus, time will be a factor. If this is to be a surprise for my Dad, it will need to be done in about 4 months time.

Thaks again for the information, It is all being saved in the "Dad's truck" file.