The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk First Timer

So I found a 41 Chevy Al 3/4 ton pickup at my parents farm and am starting to strip it to the frame for total restoration. It is in overall good condition for being this old and not having run since the sixties. There is minimal rust and body work. I know this isn't much info but I was wondering what a typical frame off restoration runs. Also according to the shop manual a series AL is a 235 engine not a 216 were can I confirm this. Is it stamped anywhere in the vehicle

Hy Delux, Welcome, I'm not trying to evade the question, but there are way to many variables to answer that question. A lot depends on how much you can do yourself, or are willing to do. Secondly, what do you mean by restoration, back to original, or original body with upgrades to drivetrain and suspension for reliability/driveability? I'm sure you see what I'm getting at, give us a little more info as to what you would like to do and we will try and come up with an estimate, hope that helps

Quote

wondering what a typical frame off restoration runs

I agree with 3B since there is no typical restoration. Each one is different and presents different challenges. What you will find is that it more than likely will take far more time than you anticipated and cost a whole lot more. Take a look in the section Tech Tips here on the 'Bolt for some good pointers. Also, use the search function for key words related to your restoration ideas.

There's loads of discussion on the many aspects of restoring your vehicle ranging from the $50 paint job to trying to get an exact match of a painted "Thrift Master" on a valve cover.

One way to get a rough idea would be to create a spreadsheet and start entering each and every part you might need (right down to screws, bolts, decals, gromments... well you get the idea) and then start pouring over the catalogs to locate and price those parts. You will find that it requires an immense amount of time just doing the research to find the parts required and then actually locating and purchasing them. Internet, telephone, paper catalogs, eBay, forums like this one, swap meets, etc. are all resources that will be used in your quest. If you do start the database provide a column for each vendor, part number, part description, and price. After you do all of that go ahead and double your estimate as there will be new and overlooked items as you proceed with the actual restoration. You will find that the cost becomes significant both in terms of time and money and you haven't even turned a wrench yet.

In the end its up to you on how far you want to go with your dream... a 100 point show truck, something that starts and drives after a fashion, or more than likely something in between. Most importantly do what is fun for you and that is within a budget you can live with.

You have come to the right place at the right time in your adventure, welcome to the 'Bolt.

Don

You don't say how old you are but I assume young. You need to be to have that much ambition. I would suggest you get it running and take it from there. A frame off is a big job to tackle and usually takes years. Many a man has gotten discouraged and quit, selling his project to another to finish.(they are never done)

Welcome aboard, Delux! Sounds like a great project. These guys & gals here can be of a great service. Just keep your head about you & enjoy the new project. Do you have any pics you could show us?

Delux ,
Im in my expierience , dont expect to be done in a summer .
It will take time , and you have to proceed as the budget allows .
you will find like the others have said, a total redo when you start adding up all the little things it can get overwhelming but if you take your time and be patient you will love the outcome.
Welcome Aboard !!!

If possible get it running and then decide. If you take it to the chassis you need a lot of patience and a couple friends (Stovebolters) to help a long the way. It will take time to go to the chassis and start unless you have deep pockets. Part of the joy is meeting folks, learning about your type vehicle, sharing, swapping and the hunt for parts is usually as interesting as the job itself. So, get it running and perhaps work on it one thing at a time as long as its something you will not have to "mess up" to get to something else later. Good luck. You are "starting" at the right place.

welcome to the 'bolt.... it will take a long time... but depending on the depth of your pockets and the amount of time you have available will also affect your schedule...

Welcome to the BOLT, nice to see someone else working on a 41. To try and answer your questions, it costs a lot. Parts are not widely available for the 41 to 46 models. Sheet metal parts are difficult to locate in good condition and expensive. The 235 was available in 41 if my old memory serves me right it was the first year for the 235. The AL should be a 3/4 ton to verify it does the bed have three stake pockets along the side? If so it is at least a 3/4 ton if not and it only has 2 it is a 1/2 ton. The parts are out there patiences is the key. We Need Pictures !!!

Welcome to the Bolt and congrads on finding a great project truck. Those fat fendered trucks are very rare and you will be proud of your finished product. 41Chevy is right about pictures. Many folks here offer pictures of their project's process. If you will post pictures as you proceed you will help someone else as they work through their project.

Pictures, Post some pictures in the gallery. Anyway welcome aboard!!! So far I have over 7 grand into my ’41 ¾ ton and its not a frame off. Also over 700 hours. All of it fun. Best plan is to make up YOUR mind what YOU want for the Truck, then get started. No two of these restorations are the same, there are so many options for just about everything from drivers to rods to trailer queens to pure restorations,

Ditto what Down2sea posted. I bought a car to restore for my wife and though I am still in the beginning stages, I've already spent nearly as much on parts as I originally estimated (there were a couple of problems I found during tear down that I didn't see prior to purchase). I still haven't gotten into the AC system to see what I can salvage. So, I would say estimate the cost like Down2Sea says and then double it just to be safe.

Ok so heres more info. I plan to do most of the body work myself but there is some I can't. I have also assembled a shopping list of parts for about $5000. I plan to powder and paint the car using a professional but will sandblast and prime myself. I will also need chrome done. So really my question boils down to how much to chrome and paint a truck of this size. To answer your questions I'm 20 years old have a strong drive to finish this pickup and don't have deep pockets although I'm not overly stressing my budget mainly because I going into engineering know that I will be able to handle the finacial burden. And I have submitted photos to displayed so when those get up you can see them. Oh and I plan to keep it orginal no mods whatsoever except for ghost image of a wheat bundle on the doors. And I going to keep the orginal wood bed just sand down the boards I will have a wheat border burned into them though.

Delux, I bought my '50 at age 16 and had to put just a motor in it to get it on the road. Drove it in various states of disrepair for years, fixing as it needed, sometimes a little more. Did a wipe down and spray enamal paint job one year for about a $100.00. Many a year it didn't charge well and generally needed a hill to start it. Almost always operated on a pump and a half brake system. Drove it that way for a couple decades, sometimes it was down for a long while. But over those years, I found parts, learned more and more about the truck and came to love it and the people that own them.

About 4 years ago a hit and run driver took out the front fender and I decided it was time to do it. I am almost finished (within a week or two) of a complete down to the frame, every single part, nut and bolt rebuilt or replaced, some upgrades, generally stock. I have done all the work myself including body and paint, except I bought a complete rebuilt 261. My cost so far is probably realistically 15K and time is 3 1/2 years working on it when I can. But I push myself and my lovely wife is a garage widow.

Had I done it earlier I might have lost interest, but this truck is an old friend now. I agree with all that is said here in this post. The time and cost is all about what you want to do and your inclination to do it. Welcome and good luck.
Steve O

Delux,

I planned to get my truck running and do what was needed to drive it and have some fun. But I was more or less sucked into a full off frame restoration due to the poor condition. I am at about the 33rd month of what I thought was going to be a 12 month project. I will be driving it this summer...not finished mind you but driving anyway.

My point, as others have stated...take your time....decide what you want.... don't get discouraged by delays due to lack of time money or parts...just have fun.

You have picked a great project and you are in very good company...Welcome to the 'Bolt!

Here are the pics
[img]http://thumb19.webshots.net/t/60/460/6/25/64/2101625640101590459GCafQI_th.jpg[/img]

The car is another project of mine a 49 chevy. It is restored all that is left is a paint job.

I'd think REAL hard before I tore down a nice original like that. Get it running, fix the brakes, and I GUARANTEE you'll get more attention than a restored one. Wash and maybe polish the paint and see what it looks like. They're only original once.

P.S. I'd leave that cool grain box on it too.

Bob

There is no universal definition of restore, so the real question is how much are you willing to spend. Even seasoned engineers have finite money and have to think before they spend.

If that truck were mine I'd probably limit my immediate work to addressing any issues that would keep it from being a driver, and then fixing anything that was in danger of being destroyed, like rust spots. Otherwise I'd drive it as is.

Delux,
Everyone seems to be hesitant to give you some numbers, but I think if you plan to do a full restoration to factory original, you can plan to spend as much as $15,000 to $20,000 on parts, and depending on how much body work is needed and how much you can do yourself, you could spend as much as another $15,000 to $20,000 for that, then paint could cost easily $10,000 for a good job. Your total cost then could approach $50,000. That is probably at the high end, but be prepared to spend more than you ever thought doing it right. If you plan a "quick" job and to presentable, but not completely original, you could probably get by on around $10,000 to $15,000, again depending on how much you can do yourself. Good luck on your project, whatever you do and enjoy every minute of it.

Delux, first of...welcome to stovebolt! Second, that is one awesome original looking 3/4 ton. I would take brjr51's advice and just clean it up real good first and get it running reliable and safe. Before you tear it completely apart and get in over your head, look at what may need replacing and prices involved. With my 41 3/4 ton, my wallet determines my pace of work done (as I'm sure is same with most of us). I've had it a year and have put roughly $500 into mine it as my budget allows. Anyways, welcome and happy adventures with your truck!