The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Restoration basics?

I am about to receive what is either a 1950 or 1951 chevy pickup truck which has been stored in my father in-laws barn for 35 plus years. I am not mechanically inclined but am eager to take this on. Any advice on where to start?
-PW

Here is the best advise I can give you.

Buy as many books and shop manuals as you can. The best tool in the tool box in knowledge, so educate yourself in all aspects including paint and body work. You may want to tackle this yourself. Always were protective eye ware and hearing protection when using power tools.

If you have tools, great.

Last and but not least,ask your questions and concerns no matter how stupid you may think they are. There are a lot of experienced people here that can give you great advise and provide you with many "why didn't I think of that" scenarios... AND DON'T FORGET...POST THOSE PIX... I love to see the progress. Good luck.

Dave

Oh , sorry I forgot to mention...Welcome to the bolt...

See you are already on the right track...LOL

Dave

Welcome to Stovebolt and to the hobby.

As Dave said, "The best tool in the tool box in knowledge,..." and this site is one of the best resources for knowledge of old Chevy trucks.. Chances are the question has already been answered in detail. Read through the tech tips. Use the search feature in the forums. Educate yourself before grabbing a wrench. It will make the job go so much smoother.

In the links section you'll find lists of vendors for parts. A requirement if you will be doing your own wrenching is a reprint of the Factory Shop Manual.

Good luck on your project.

• How to restore your Chevrolet Pickup by Tom Brownell
• Chevy Truck Shop Manual
• Chevy Truck Factory Assembly Manual
• The Glove Box Operating Manual
• Bed Restoration Manual for Early Chevrolet and GMC Pickup Trucks
Here is a good link: http://www.themotorbookstore.com/1947chevytruck.html

One addition to all the above is to take care of all the mechanical needs FIRST before you start on the cosmetic stuff. Nothing will pi$$ you off more than scratching the new paint job while working in the engine compartment.

Use a mask when removing Mouse Turds and nests as dust from that stuff can kill you. After 35 years, you are bound to have a few critter issues to contend with.

Mechanical stuff trumps cosmetic stuff as Tiny said. Plus a pretty paint job does no good if the vehicle doesnt go or stop.

Use the search feature to scan the forums for your question. Most likely someone else has Been There - Done That before. After that, ask as many questions as you need.

And Welcome to the 'bolt.

Scott

I think they have about covered it in previous posts.

My Father (a wise old Gentleman) told me to ALWAYS make it "whoa" before you make it "go".

Good luck on your project.

Thruwurkin

Welcome- have fun, take your time and stop for the day when it starts to feel like work.

Welcome to the Bolt! I hope you have a camera you can get pictures into your computer with! Not just for us, but mostly for yourself. How it was put together before you take it apart will sure help putting it back together! Ed

Welcome. Juat another thought. Get lots of Zip Lock bags to put parts, nuts and washers in even though you plan to replace them with new ones. At least you'll know what type and what thread and length. Then WRITE on the bags little notes along with notes in a notebook as you take stuff apart. Write it in language you can understand as to what piece goes first.....
I also made it a habit to put a little tag on some parts so I would know what it is and which end goes where!

And, as everyone mentions, be safe, be cautious and be sure it'll stop!!

Like Fredoly said take pictures of everything. If you don't have a digital camera get one. I only wish they were available when I started my project so so many years ago. Take photos of everything before you even think about removing it. Create folders by categories to store the photos. Also, like Achipmunk mentioned use Zip-Lock bags--heavy duty freezer type with the area on them for writing something about the parts.

Good luck, have fun, and welcome to the 'Bolt.

Don

Welcome to the bolt! Four things...digital camera, ziplock bags, sharpie pen and the website. Keep everything, even if you don't plan on reusing some parts (for comparison). Also, when working on these old trucks, it should be therapy, not work!

Have fun, and don't forget to post some pictures!

another thing is motivation and how to stay on track.. There is a thread on that recently posted and how different folks stay on track and get the job done. Some keep a log of hours and dollars spent. As Chas said look up the threads. You'll be surprised of the ideas you will get from different folks who have been there and done that. It will leave you with the feeling of 'why didn't I think of that.

Dave