The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Restoration of the Golden Phantom

It’s now been 6 months since contracting to buy my panel truck (the Golden Phantom)and 3 months since getting it home. Since that time I’ve been cleaning out 25 plus years of dirt and decay, while I’ve not found any big surprises, I’ve found plenty of things that needs attention. Fortunately most all the original parts and pieces appear to be serviceable, but in need of cleaning and lots of TLC. I’ve reserved a spot at a local restorer to repair the customary rust and to paint it. Hopefully I’ll have it rolling by that time, but that is still an issue to be resolved because shortly after acquiring the truck, I have had to deal with a major health issue.

During this time, I’ve spent many hours browsing the web researching parts availability and am frankly surprised by all the stuff that is. Two things that I’ve not found is the drivers seat and the lower striker for the rear barn doors. I’ve about given up, but if anyone has a lead on these, I would appreciate a heads up. If I can’t find these (the only parts missing) then I’ll fabricate them myself. Any photos and better yet, dimensioned drawings of them would be much appreciated.

If you look at the picture of the truck posted in the gallery, you’ll see that the truck is still in colors and badges of the Silver Top Beverages Co., who used the truck for delivering it’s soft drinks. I’ve been torn whether to restore with the colors and signage or to return it to factory original appearance. I think I am going to have it painted the forester green which is the factory color. Partly because I want something that is going to be slightly more incognito and partly because long ago, I decided that my next truck would be a dark green. Because I’m trying to restore it to as close to original as my wallet can afford, I think either approach can honestly be called original, but I would like to hear your thoughts on the issue. I don’t know if either has a serious impact on the value, but that isn’t really an issue for me.

looking good for starts. if all the parts are there to start with life is a lot easier. i wish i had that kinda wisdom 5 years ago
keep us posted
tom

I like it too! Depending on your intentions, if you plan on keeping it stock or not should determine your choice in colors. If you end up with lot's of memorabilia for this truck then I would remake it into what it once was. You will get lot's of attention no matter what you choose.

Search the old posts, there is lot's of info on these. Some of the parts are going to difficult to get, rear fenders, rear doors, rear valence etc. So if you have decent parts to begin with you will be way ahead.

Unfortunately, you just missed a NOS striker on ebay last week, There is a guy in Pennsylvania that has some of the door parts, he may sell you the piece. Check out the PARTS FOUND ON CRAIGSLIST in the swap meet section for his listing. Also, I have found many 1 ton panels for sale and have been posted in the my other posts SUBURBANS AND PANELS

What ever you choose to do, when these are fixed up they are a real attention getter. Good luck!

Hi guys..

I wasn't lucky on the memorabilia, the family has cleaned out the basement and in the process threw out everything. I found the names of two guys who bought the bottling business, but they have both expired. This was part of the reason I dropped the Idea of restoring as pictured.

I must of missed the add on craigslist for the nos striker, but as it happens, one of our fellow bolters contacted me and thinks he may have one, along with a seat that needs restoration. If he can come through, I would have everything I need for the moment.

I've put a list of rubber parts (seals, gaskets, windlaces, etc. that I need for it, all of which seems to be readily available. I just have to figure out who has the best deals or best quality. Nobody seems to stand out at the moment, but I've ordered a couple parts from differnt source, so soon I should have a better idea about which ones provide best service.

One of the reasons I bought this truck was because it was all there. Also because it spent so much time in the barn, the rust is not as bad as some of the pics I've seen on here. I probably could have negotiated more off the price had I tried, but the PO is a good friend to whom I owe more than money can buy. Even at that, the price I paid him is not bad, as I've seen a few for more money that are not as good as this one.

It's been a while since I've posted anything on my progress. Having some personal issues delayed me but I did manage to get the old truck into the bodyshop. I knew that there were some issues with rust, but it was bit more than anyone expected. Perhaps because it had set in the barn undisturbed, the normal shocks and vibrations didn't have tim to work it's evil.

At first most parts appeared solid, but it turned out there was some solid rust as well. I suppose that had the truck been put on the road, it wouldn't have been long before fenders would have been flapping in the wind.

So after new floor/toe boards, inner and outer cowls, cab supports and some generous patches to the firewall the crew started working their way back. Had some serious repairs along the bottom on the drivers side and around the rear fenders. Blasting revealed a lot of decay around the rear doors. The drivers side rear door is not salvagable, not without major surgery. Rear fenders are pretty much kaput too. Still ISO of those part, but think we may have found a donor truck (fingers crossed) for the door and fenders. But aside from that, all of the rust is repaird, dents straightened, front doors replaced, and ready for paint.

Put the first splash of color on to test it out... looks pretty darn close to orignal, so in the coming days, there is some blocking out and prepping in the interior then comes the base coeats. So soon the body will be ready to accept the newly rebuilt and upgraded engine and get all the new other stuff installed.

I've procastinated posting until I had some pics. So here are few of that I've taken along the way. Pictures

Great job!! Great pictures too. I'm just starting on my '65 Sub... It has lot's of rust too!

Iron Clad

With all the issues that you have had, I am impressed! Make sure you check the craigslist/ebay post that I just put up. There is a set of seats and a rear fender for your panel. I can't remember where they are located, but check them out.

Good progress and the firewal/inner cowl looks awesome. Looking forward to seeing more photos.

It's starting to look pretty sharp! Too bad the memorabilia was lost, I like the name 'Lovie' for the old truck, especially when it has a connection to the beverage it used to haul. Keep at it and have fun!

I don't need seats.. at least not the drivers seat, I have that. Might see what the guy would consider to part with the passenger seat though. I should know the condition of the donor truck this week, so as I said, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for the heads up and all the work you do looking this stuff that you always post.

Is it the green one ton in Statesville? That one looks like it may have the same rust issues that you have. He claims that it has a solid body and the appearance looks fair. He might have the seat you want and if the fenders and rear doors are in good shape, it might work for you.

They all "look" solid but when you take the fenders off you find out just how solid they are!!

Nice job Ned. Looking good. The rust pics remind me of what I when I started. Especially the left cowl. Look in my photobucket and you will see what I mean. Other places you mentioned were bad on mine as well.
Keep the pictures coming.

I've seen your pics, you've done a great job as well. Thanks for the encouragement.

Ned

No I don't think so. The resoration shop that I've been working with found it locally and seems to think it's not bad. From what they said, someone started a resto and never finished. They said lots of parts are missing, but pretty sure the rear fenders are good, but don't know about the back door. If I get it and there are any good parts that I don't need, I'll be letting the other panel lovers here know.

One of the bolters has/had a door, but it's just a shell, so I want to see if the one on the donor truck is better and has the latches' mine are solidly rusted. I figure if worse comes to worst, I can probably make latches, perhaps if I do, I'll make extras since it seems that other bolters are ISO them as well.

LOOKING GREAT Ned

glad to hear from you and see your progress

Nice progress. Now that I've seen what you started with I don't feel so bad. I have just as much rust but I have all the latches and doors.

UPDATE:

It's been a while since I've posted an update. In my last post I mentioned that a fellow bolter hooked me up with the rear door I needed and also with enough spare latch parts that I can get the latches working again. After getting the door ready to paint, we blasted the hinges only to find that they too were nearly rusted in half. After almost 6 months of searching I've finally located a pair, which should be here any day now. This was critical for all of the obvious reasons, plus because we can now complete the final straightening and alignment of the rear sheetmetal. I'm pretty jazzed about this because once this is done, the phantom will be ready for paint. The interior is partially painted in that all of the silver is done and ready for the brownish color that was on the doors and dash. The one part of the bodywork that still is lacking is rear fenders. The fenders I have are rusted so thin, especially the drivers side, that I'm concerned about how well they will hold up in use. I've thought about diverging from orignal and going with fiberglass as have many bolters. I might have a lead on a pair with a guy in MN, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The engine is coming along too. It turned out that while the original motor was complete, it too suffered a lot of rust in some unexpected areas, to the point that even the head is questionable. I was fortunate to find a running motor locally that we are using for parts. I am having a few tweaks done to the motor while rebuilding that include hardend valve seats, new light weight pistons w/billet rods and a custom cam that will make it run better on unleaded gas and move the power band up a few hundred RPM, which will make running at todays higher speeds a bit easier. I'm having the crank polished and balanced too which will make running at higher speeds a bit easier as well. Not that I have intentions of driving at interstate speed, but for the occasional burst I'll need to avoid being run over, it shoud work out pretty good. Everything is machined and painted and awaiting assembly. It won't really have anymore power so to speak, but it ought to rev up easier. I've located all of the parts needed to overhaul the tranny, so soon I'll be taking that on.

The one area that I've not looked at too hard are the brakes. The lines all look to be in good shape, but until we pull the drums off there are a lot of questions. There is a local company, Air Brakes and Controls, that specialize in truck brakes who are confident that they can rebuild the old huck brake wheel cylinders and think they may even have all the springs in stock. They can reline the brake shoes too, so as long as the drums are servicable, I'm thinking the brakes may not be too much heartache.

Electrical.... TBD

Thanks to the bolters how have help along the away and keep the advice coming...

Thanks

Ned

Well.. so much for air brakes and controls.. but in some respects even better news have I. I finally got the drums off and the brakes didn't look bad... but still since in my book, stopping is pretty high on my priority list, so I still want to rebuild the the old brakes. Well, none of the local places even had the most basic parts, and sorta oddly, most couldn't even turn the drums, but I did find a local machine shop up to the task. In speaking to a friend, he mentioned that he had help a friend redo the brakes on his 51 big bolt, and that there was a guy in PA who had all nos brake parts. So I called and what a surprise. His name is Elwood Dapp and this guy has a treasure trove of old brake parts; over 25,000 vintage brake shoes by his count, along with wheel cylinders, master cylinders, springs and almost everything else you might need. He even custom relined my brake shoes to fit the newley turned drums. In addition to the shoes, he provided front and rear wheel cylinders, master cylinder and hoses and clips. I was expecting a huge bill, but when he laid it on me, I was shocked. The total for everything was not much more than I would have paid at Jimmy Carters for shoes alone. If anyone is in need of brake parts, contact me and I'll give you his number.

Besides the brakes I also ended up replacing all wheel and axle bearings along with seals. The fronts weren't too bad, but the rears sounded almost as if they had sand and were sure to cause trouble soon. So my wheels and brakes are all top notch shape now.

Body work is all finished (save my ragged old rear fenders) and in the paint shop at the moment. I'm getting pretty excited about that. It's looking pretty good and if I could just find those rear fenders I need so badly, I would be in seventh heaven. Oh and I just got my rear bumber back from the "bumber boys" and it looks great.

I have the original engine back from the rebuild shop, all painted up and ready with a new clutch just waiting to be stabbled by the newly brebuilt original 4 spd. I'm hoping to have the power train reunited with the truck before christmas.

There will still be plenty to do with all the electrical and interior work, but it's a come a long way from that rusty relic I pulled out of my friend barn almost two years ago.

I've wanted to get some pics, but it's a bit crowded in the shop and I can't get an good angle. so as soon as I can I will take some pics to post. If all goes well, I'm hoping to take my fist spin sometime in earl spring. Maybe soon enough to make the Stovebolt Homecoming! Wish me luck:)

Right on for you,Ned!!! Sounds like youre moving along at a pretty good pace. Dont forget the pics.
Good Luck,
Marty

Glad to hear of your success! I've got a 1 ton as well, from AZ. She's solid but full of dents and horrid window holes in the sides. She's getting a more rod treatment because that is what was started. Fortunately, I've got decent fenders on this one. I think I'd go glass if I had to.

Hi Ned, Like your panel. I just posted a brake cylinder problem I'm having with my 54 panel. Maybe Elwood Dapp could help me?
How do I get his phone #.

Thanks.

Well... The truck and drive train have finally been reunited. It sure gives the feeling of making progress when things start going back togher. Brakes are all done, including new lines. Many minor details are done along with some paint. I've held off with painting the body in hopes of finding fenders, but I've finally decided I will have to live with fiberglass for now. I have a truck load of new parts just waiting to go, so it's getting kinda exciting now.

About the only major item that I still need to address are the gauges. I had thought about going with all electric gauges, but in reading about the various issues many have had, I think I'm gonna stick with rebuilt originals. I though about rebuilding my orignal ones, but there is so much rust, I think I'm just going to spluge on a set from Jimmy Carter.

I've been hoping that we could get the truck rolled outside for some photos, but with all the snow we've had this winter, that hasn't been an option. But soon the paint will be all completed and the weather will improve, so maybe then. But I do wish I had more in progress shots to share.

I can see your smile from here. Its always nice to see some progress. I share you feelings. After almost 3 years I finally got my panel where I can turn the wheels with the steering wheel!
Looking forward to the pics. Good job.

Turning the steering wheel is good. And I am very eager to see all my wheels turn. Hoping my first trip will be the homecoming in April, that is if all goes well.

Good news is that I've bought almost everything I can buy; the bad news is that I've had to buy almost everthing you can buy. The only major item left is wheels and tires, but I am going to save them for last as it seems there is nothing most bodyshops like to paint more than new tires and wheels.

One of the things I have not been able to find is one adjuster for the rear brakes. Since it is a one ton, it has the 14 inch Huck brakes on it and finding most of the parts has been a cake walk. So I consider myself lucky that is the least of my problems. So if anyone has one laying around, please let me know.

I've decided to splurg on the upholstery and have the seat at the trim shop being recovered in leather. I was stunned at what they want to do upholstery work these days. When I was a young man I did time in a dealers trim shop where I learned to sew seat cover and carpets and it wasn't all that hard. I reupholsterd my car with new seat covers and carpeting and cost me less than a hundred bucks. Today that wouldn't of even covered the deposite.

I'm dying to get pictures to share. I have my camera batteries charged and take it along when I check in, but as I have said before the area where most of the work has ocurred is kinda tight and make it hard to do much shooting. But again, I'm just happy to be close to finishing and will have to wait. They say good things come to those who wait.

The opportunity to take pictures continues to elude me. The Phantom has been in what essentially it's own room for most of the work, where aside from more boring pics of rust holes and such, not many angles are available for taking pics.

But good news, the truck is in for what should be it's last trip into the paint booth. Not a lot of room for pics there either, but in a few more days.. maybe. Next week I have an old school sign painter coming to do some lettering and add some garnishs to the new paint before clear coat is applied. This I should have pics for, because they're are going to roll the truck into the yard for it. I'm pretty jazzed about this stage.

Like most 1 ton owners, I have been researching the wheel and tire options. While the 7.50 17 tires are available, they are not readily avialable; something I don't to deal with on the road. Plus who wants to deal with split rims. Like many, I prefer ride on tubless radials while keeping the orignal look. I also want to maintain or improve it's truckin' ability.

I tried 16 in late model rims, but they hit the tie rod end. Looked at custom wheels, but most are just too wide for the "look" of a orignal tire. Then I read a discussion where, I think it was griggs, mentioned 8R 19.5 tires and wheels. After some reasearch I ended up going to Rickson wheel and having wheels custom made. I picked them up last week and they look great. Not the cheapest approach, but should be a definite improvement over the old bias ply when it comes to safety and durablity. And if I have tire trouble, just about any truck tire dealer can hook me up with a new goodyear. Probably won't be the softest ride you can get, but I think I can live with it.

What else?... Last post I said that I had been ISO a passenger seat. Gmoniz hooked me up with a craiglisting that ended that search. I now have and extra seat and when I got thereto pick them up, the guy had a box of other goodies for me too. Nothing I need.. right now, but who knows. Seats should be back from the trim ship this week, all buttoned up and beautiful. The rest of everything for interior is stacked in my living room.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when the painting is done, the rest of the assembly will go painless and quick. I think this project will probably never be completely done, but I do think it will be very rewarding the first time I can tool down the road; done or not.

Finally I have a couple of pictures to share. The sign painter finished up with the lettering so I was able to grab a couple pics when they rolled the truck outside while the paint dried.

They are the last two pics on the page, you can't miss them.

Now the plan is to get it prepped and back into the paint booth to finish up with a couple coats of clear.

I have a truck load of parts so hopefully there will smooth sailing from here to finish.

the ned, nice job pal. As I looked at your early photos I could feel the pain. It looked like mine did! YOu have come a long way. Congrats.

That looks mighty good.

Looking real strong. I am looking forward to seeing your panel and meeting you at the Homecoming next spring.

Progess continues with the Golden Phantom. Be it not the rate I had hoped for, but progress is progress I keep telling myself. Overall much is done, but many loose ends to tie up.

Almost all of the bodywork and painting is completed. Much of the body assembly work is done, almost all of the mechanical less actually starting the engine and the majority of the electical is complete.

Most recently new exhaust was fabbed and installed. I went with perfomance exhaust, not for the performance enhancement (though every bit of extra HP for the 216 will be apreciated) but more because I wanted alll SST and the reliability that it should bring. Mandrel bent 400 series tubing and a low restiction muffler should last a good long time, while getting the job done. It cost more, as most of you would know, but I think in the long run it will be worth it. I doubt I wil ever need to replace/repair it in my lifetime.

The new wheels I had custom made have been installed, along with the new goodyears. I had hoped for a look that would compliment the truck while maintaining a "classic" appearace. I think they are working well in that respect. Once I can get the truck where I can get a decent pic of it with the new wheels I'll post it.

I still have a few odds and ends to procure, like the driveshaft carrier bearing I posted about a couple weeks ago. But overall, it's getting close. I've updated the Pictures that I've posted should you care to take a look.

Looks great,thanks for sharing the pictures.I would like to have some stencil lettering done on my suburban,if I ever get that far.


Thanks,Tim

Looking good. Homecoming is only 5 months away. You have plenty of time. Hope to see you there.

WOW nice work tat thing was a pile

I don't have any major milestones to share with you. But progress is being made. Many small nit picky details have been completed, such as brakets for mud flaps, driveshaft resinstalled, and undercoating applied to all underside surfaces.

One item that has been completed is the mounting of the spare tire. I read a post sometime back but can't seem to relocate is about this subject. It seems that the original spare tire rack which is located at the rear of the truck didn't allow a wheel with the tire to fit. In my case this was true as well. What we found was that bolt holes already existed in the frame for this. So it was a fairly easy task (once the existing fastener were wrenched loose) to relocate the carrrier bolts and to the other holes. Once done the spare mounted right up, though it took two people to lift and hold the spare while a third put on the fastener. I would hate to try this on the side of the road.

A few more details and the final assemly of the front end sheetmetal will begin. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will go quickly and that I'll be able to make homecoming in the spring.

I'm coming into the 4th year of my effort to restore the Golden Phantom. During that time I’ve battled cancer, and so far surviving. I also had open heart surgery and managed to squeak by on that as well. I seems that I take one step forward and two steps back at times. The frustrating part is I had hoped to do most of the work my self, but in actuality I’ve done very little. However, buck by buck, work is continuing, but about the time I think I have all the major expenses taken care of something new pops up.

In my last post I talked about the details on the underside being finished up. Well, I stopped by the other day to see how things were going. During my inspection while the truck was on the lift I saw they had cleaned up the springs, which had been caked with crud and rust. It was then I noticed a slight difference in the appearance of the rear springs. It looks like the left spring has been reworked along the way. Not that it concerned me much, but upon closer inspection I could see one of the leaves was broken.

I know I could probably get by with a repair to the broken one, but from past experience, I know two things. First is, that if I only fix the broken one there is a good chance that the truck won’t sit level. Second, maybe more importantly is with a truck this old, that has been worked as hard as this one was, the springs are certainly work hardened so that they don’t spring as much as they once did. Back when I was a truck mechanic in east Texas they called this being road sprung.

After thinking on it, I decided that since I plan on long trips (coast to coast someday) and given my propensity for taking the roads less traveled, I figured I best replace them. The last thing I would want to do is to get stranded on some lonely back road in the middle of nowhere with a broken spring. Grigg pointed me in the direction of Eaton Spring who has provided springs for other bolters. So it looks like the Phantom will be getting new springs along with everything else that has been fixed or replaced.

I suppose that this thread should be in the DITY fourm, but since I am not doing the work myself I'll stay here in panels and burbs.Thanks once more for the help and support from the other bolters. Your counsel is truly appreciated.

I like it here in the Burb/Panel section! When are we going to see some pictures?

I don't have tons of pictures, but I have added a link to my signature.

Ned,,,,Youre ONE motivated dude!! This site and many more are full of people that caught a sickness and have given up on their projects,,most without even touching them. You/they will get well and start feeling better, then be wishing for "that 'ol project" to go out and work on. We're always here to help,,even if its a couple lines of b,s, malarkey,just to keep your interest. Thats what your Bolter Brothers are for. Just Holla!!
Keep up the excellent work,

Ditto what Deluxe says. YOU are an inspiration to US, Ned. Thanks for sharing and keeping us posted. Maybe, just Maybe I can get to see the Golden Phantom at the Homecoming. Nothing would be better than both of us making it! See ya around andkeep on kicking and ticking.