The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk age old question restore OR update? NEED ADVISE GUYS.

guys, im looking at EITHER totally restoring close as poss a 1951 chevy 5 window swb truck or updating it to 12v adding good stereo and a/c, and a 235 engine insted of the 216.

i could if restored upgrade the 216 with new rods, pistons and bearings... truck will be driven on the hiways with upgraded rearend gears either way at speeds of 50-60mph thats it.

so guys... whats the opinion, would you keep it old school original as is should be and sweat alittle, listen to factory am radio, (i can change when i get to work) or upgrade everything??????? thats my problem i do love the factory look HELP......

Since you asked, I'm partial to restoration. It's a piece of history that should be preserved. At least you're not thinking of hotrodding it.

My 46 was updates from 6v to 12 v when I purchased it the rest is still as is. I am going to keep her with the 12v but want to try and go as original as possible, I don't expect to do highway driving or anything like that. I agree with Tiny preservation is much better in my opinion.

Ed

im REALLY leaning towards keeping it as orig as poss, the 216 thats in it now came froma 46 chevy truck, so ill be looking and i think i might have found a 51 216 to rebuild and put back as orig as poss, it gets awful hot herre in texas but i can switch my work hours as to get here early when its still cool and change in shorts for the drive home me and my dad use to hot rod several show cars along time ago, now im more of keeping it as it left the factory... thanks guys. any more in outs?

Since I can not afford to have multiple rigs I have to build my '52 for today's driving. I love the look of an original pickup at stock height. So I am having my truck look restored but with a modern drivetrain so I can use the truck on the highway without ticking everybody off but retaining the charm of an old truck. I am upgrading the brakes to disks on the front, 283v8, th350 transmission, open driveline, radial 16" tires. The rest will look like it did in '52. Good luck on your decision, Wayne

I had all intentions of hot rodding mine when I first bought it. After I got it home and kept looking at it I couldn't do it. I not going totally stock but close. It really boils down to what you want. If you're not pleased why bother
Dan

well i figure, "if" i get just wayy too hot, i can always convert to 12v and add vintage air?

I say upgrade it. I would much rather enjoy the comforts of A/C and FM radio. I also like the idea of having full pressure oiling and more readily available 12V components. Lets face it, this is your daily driver. Being comfortable every day is far better than having that warm fuzzy feeling of keeping the truck mostly original.

Well I am a purest I guess. I like um origional. But I don't mind when I see an almost origional vehicle. The addition of creature comforts like a/c, a c/d player and 12V is a must if you intend to drive your treasure. Updating the wipers is also a must for a dailey driver.
I am in the process of re-restoring a 41 1/2 ton. She had 1 restore (sort-of) about 15 years ago. It is my intent to put her back as origional as possible but I will keep the 12V electrics. However this truck will be a weekly driver and only for in town driving.
So it is realy about what you want. If you want to DESTROY A PERFACTLY GOOD restorable truck we dont mind, If you RIP A HUGE HOLE IN THE DASH AND INSTALL A C/D PLAYER its ok. If you want to INSTALL AN ENGINE THAT WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BE IN THE TRUCK thats ok too. I mean realy there must be at least 1000 OF THEM LEFT IN THE WORLD that can be restored KILLING ONE MORE WON'T MATTER. Have fun!!!!

Bottom line is its up to you. My 49 is not a daily driver but used very often. It is original except for a 12 volt system and a 235. It has scratches and paint blemishes. It has seen rain and snow.
No radio and I don't want one simply because driving an old vehicle with no power assists and a non-fully synchro 3 speed takes a lot of your attention.
As far as a 216 goes it seems these motors get some bad raps. I know of 2 that will run circles around my rebuilt 235. They worked then and they will work now although the driving conditions are obviously different.

You can update the 216 to modern insert bearings and lighter pistons, but that won't help you with full pressure oiling. You can add AC, 12v and power assist steering to a 216 in a way that few would notice the difference. (12v generator p/s pump combo from a car.)

Another option is to make it into a 'resto-rod'. Mothball the original engine and put a full pressure 235/261 in it it, and slap the 216 stovebolt valve cover on top.

Upgrade to 12v and upgrade the tie rod ends, shocks, wheel bearings, brakes, rear gearing, seatbelts and otherwise leave it alone and it'll be pretty close to stock as well as SAFE & RELIABLE. If you want, bolt on some sway bars on for cornering, they unbolt pretty easily.

Adding a stereo if you bolt it under the dash won't do any permanent damage, just don't cut holes in the doors for speakers!

Don't know how much you have into the truck already but to rebuild that 216 boat anchor will cost a few bucks. Even the cost to rebuild a 235 or newer 250 is more than a compariable V8. The 12V conversion is a definate though if you want to add anything electrical to the truck.

Your decision should be based on how you plan to use the truck and how much you want to throw into it which you will not get back out when you sell it. Don't base it on our suggestions as you are the one paying for it and driving it.

From your previous posts and the pics it sounds to me like it may be better to sell what you have and get a newer more complete truck. Have you sat down and figured up the cost of everything you want to do to it? The end result may be enough to justify going another way.

I am an old fan,(old fart)of street rods so I like to do them up with a modern V/8 better suspension,etc.However that is just personal taste.I also like to see them done up original.It all boils down to what you prefer,its your truck.Good luck,whichever way you decide to go.

WOW houston54.. thats a shot.... besides from the usual rust and 2 dented ft fenders, its in just as good of shape as most here on this site in the beginning.... oh well im in it for the long haul will keep the old truck and rebuild it...

Rodstorate it... get the best of both worlds.... old school looks and modern safety, power and options.

the only reasons I would completely restore a vehicle to original would be if it had some sort of historical significance, or it was so pristine that it would be a crime to change, then it wouldnt need restoration any way.

I would think that it depends on how you will use it.

Are you going to drive it every day? If yes, no question in my mind... update it to make it safer for the road, and more comfortable for the driver and occupants.

Are you going to look at it and take it out on a Sunday cruise on a nice sunny day, or park it in a museum? Restore it to stock condition.

Is money too much of an issue? Then find a running engine and tinker with what is there. Keep tinkering, and then tinker some more. Do the mechanical first and paint it last.

I hate to see them rebuilt to the point that they can't be brought back to stock. If you do change it, you might want to keep your old parts for the next owner.

Do what YOU want and believe that you are building what you want in the end.

WOW, RR just invented a new word.

No harm meant but you did ask for advice.
Having already pulled one from the proverbial grave I know what is involved to modernize one and the cost is still climbing.
It is a sobering action to put a price to everything excluding your own labor and then try to justify it to someone or even yourself, not that you have to.
The main issues are time and money. Without both it is doubtful the project will be completed and you will lose both investments. I would not want that to happen to anyone. If either are a concern then go back stock as the upgrading will eat up the resources.

THATS COOL HOUSTON, i have along time hopefully on this project the truck was bought new here in austin at cap. chevy in 51, and i buddies with a guy who owns a body shop 5 min from my house plan to tinker with it taking it apart and get it blasted then off to him to strighten and prime, have a 2nd part time job for all the parts ill need, plan to retire in 6 years, and want it to drive around dripping springs when i do,

in no hurry on it, but decided to go back all original, rebearinged 216 and all... top speed will be 55 at best if i have to drive to austin. thats it, putting around the small town of dripping, or taking the kids swimming or fishing.....

I have to agree with Dale and Rusty, Make it what you will like to drive every day. I went the Rod route and enjoy it but others like the resto route. Do what you want and forget what others say.

If you are needing a new bed I have seen one at a house just west of town there. It is about a mile from the last light and on the north side. Looks like they made a trailer out of it.

May see you next time we go through on the way to Junction or when we stop for eats at the great BBQ joint there.

Enjoy the build.

A lot of good advice here, but it really boils down to personal preference. I've got a 73 Corvette convertible that's numbers matching original and I like it that way. It comes out on the weekend for a cruise and a wash, but it's not by any means a daily driver. My 61 Fleetside Longbed, on the other hand, was a daily driver and will be again (once I get it put back together). I love the looks of the large bold hood, wrap around windshield, and smooth lines, but for a daily driver it's hard to beat power disc brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and the ability to keep from getting run over in rush hour traffic. So I guess the question is really what do you expect to use the truck for once you're done? You stay the purist approach and make a beautiful tribute to what the truck represents, go completely wild and create something one of a kind, or any where in between. Which ever way, it's still better than new.

One thing I tell people that are teetering on the restore/improve fence. Only make improvements that can be changed back. Keep all original parts and pass them on to the next care giver when the truck is sold. Because it will be sold or given to someone else eventually. The next person gets the advantage of making up his/her own mind towards originality.

You can change to 12 volt very easily and put it back if you want. There is nothing wrong with 6 volt. My 1940 is still 6 volt and runs and starts just great. The key for me was rebuilding the generator and starter to like new and it starts very easily. Bad parts usually make people think 6 volts are weak. It isn't. It is just lower volts with a higher amperage. The higher amps running into the cab of the truck is what should make people think twice about 6 volt.

A 51 already has decent brakes, but you could easily convert to disc brakes and an open drive rear end with out altering the truck from original looking.

Use the resources of this site and the vendors that are out there making it easier and easier to make a truck that is exactly the truck you want. Imagination and money can make almost anything.

Have fun.

I thought for sure this thread would turn into a real heated debate, again.

Here's my take on it. If you want a week-end cruiser that see little freeway time, go bone-stock original, if you like it that way. If you want to run with modern day traffic,on a consistant basis, go with the drivetrain upgrade which means the brakes will need to be upgraded to slow it back down properly also. Either way, there's thousands of these trucks out there and that one is yours to do as you please with,
Scott

by whose definition of "perfect"? Yours or the owners?

RR came up with another new Stovebolt word? Cool.

A Stovebolt Commentary -- Restore or Rod

It's YOUR decision.

Peg

If it ain't origional it ain't real.My 53 3100 is all orgional witha AC from that era and it ain't got a vintage air. Chop, saw, hot rod, if it ain't origional it ain't $H(T, and if it's profesional redon,it really ain't $h(T.Enjoy doing the work yourself.Do it till it's right. Learn. Car clubs take away the thrill of doingg a nice restoration job because of the I vote for you ,you vote for me thing.Wan't to see it in person? Enter a car show sponsered by D&D ROCKING RODS in the DFW area.What a disgrase by the car clubs....

My '51 is close to bone stock. I like it that way (they can go around me if they're in such a hurry) and I'll be taking it closer. But it's mine.

I'm a hacker.... err really I prefer hot rodder.

But that bit of personal preference aside, how can the average guy get to perfect originality? Some of the parts you'd need no longer exist as NOS, or if they do, not in any significant quantity.

If only 900 original parts still exist, what do we do with the other trucks? Crush them because they can't be perfect restorations?

I don't mind other guys going for original on their trucks, and I really hate to see one that is complete, original and in good shape cut up.

But I just can't agree that there is only one right answer to the restore vs update question, and if perfect is the standard, I don't think anyone will ever get there.

My own purpose is to have fun. Restoration looks too much like work and I enjoy the creativity required to turn rusty junk into customs and hot rods.

And mine are all perfect, at least in my dreams.

ure in texas cuzin - get da A/C!

Lots of opinions expressed and I enjoy seeing them. Me? I restored my '51 3/4 ton. Had the engine rebuilt even keeping the babbit bearings. THEN I started tinkering. All the tinkering I do can go back. I first swapped out the 4:57 rear for a 4:11. The ol 216 pulls me along at 55. Yes, the RPMS are high but the engine doesn't seem to mind. BTW, if it was a 235 the RPMS are just as high. to get the same speed, the engine has to run at the same speed. then I converted to 12 volts only so I could put in HEI ignition. My current project is upgrading the Huck Brakes to Bendix.

I do enjoy this discussion. I am proud that the crew on the stovebolt page have kept it a discussion and not gone into ranting and raving.

To me the perfect restoration of a truck from the 30's, 40's and 50's whould include all the stuff the original owners did to the truck to keep it going and use it during its working life. I think that would be more interesting to look at than an over restored "perfect" truck. That would do more to honor the workers and the tools they used in their daily life.

We have a french and indian/revolutionary war fort in our town. I love going over to look at how the soldiers lived and the tools they used. Seeing a perfect one allows me to appreciate how it looked when the soldier got it. But I am more interested in seeing what it looked like the way that man carried it around.

Just how I feel this morning.

Bill;
Yes! Yes, who needs another museum piece? I'll be bangin' out the dents with a big hammer and a 2x4, and using home-blended tremclad (for a colour match) to cover the rust after wire-brushing it. And the fenders will be black as all fenders should be. And I shall bygawd occasionally look for work. She is, after all, a truck. I mean, I'm talkin' about a TRUCK!

Perfect.

In the late sixties, when I was ten or eleven, I had an adventure with my grandfather and his '41 Chev 1-ton flatbed. It was mostly about the truck breaking down.

If I could get that truck back it would be restored to look the way I remember it then, with all the hillbilly repairs and bailing wire and everything. It wouldn't be as good as having grampa back, but almost.

I'd probable insist on correctng a few mechanical problems...

He sold it a few years later and couldn't believe I was mad he didn't keep it for me.

If you can't make up your mind, build one of each. Then you can have the best of both worlds.

Face it, these trucks will out last us anyway.

Do what makes you happy. At least 1/2 of us will forgive you.

hahhah thanks "builder"... ive decided on keeping it 100% factory original, 6volt 216 with updated bearing,pistons valve guides.. factory 6volt am radio, if it gets too hot and i cant stand it ill convert to 12v and run a/c thanks guys

I figure it's your truck you can do with it as you like. You don't have anyone to please except yourself. Me I like restorations, hotrods, and resto-rods. I think it should be as safe to drive as you can make it and as dependable.. If that means upgraded brakes, works for me. In 51 the 235 was an option as it was in 41, most people can't tell the diffrence. With a gear upgrade like the 3:55 from patrick's. Freeway speeds with a 216 are possible at much less rpm. But if you feel the need for speed you should also think about stopping. My 41 1/2 ton has a 63 high pressure 235, stock 4 spd tranny and torque tube with 3:55 gears will cruise the California freeways at 70 mph at 1800 rpms. Disk front and drum rear and stops on a dime. This works for me. Like I said it's your truck make yourself happy. Just m 02Cents

In my fantasy world, I have one of every kind.

Iron horse,I dont think so.Mine is fairly well satreetrooded out,and it sure gets a lot of oohs and aahs at the shows.Pretty darn good for a hack job.I like the original ones too,but I am not gonna rund down someone elses idea of pertfection.