The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Panel? Got it. Now what?

Ok. I got two panel trucks in the garage, a 1951 Half-Ton Panel and a 1954 One-Ton Panel. (Both in the DITY gallery.)

And now what? Which one should I pick? And where do I start? Engine? Brakes? Body? All I want is a truck that drives reliably from A (Home) to B (Car Show or Menards) and back (at 48 mph). Looks are secondary for now. Should I get a title for them before I start?

I have rebuilt air-cooled engines before, and I know how to do brakes from end to end, my welding skills are on the level of a three-year old, and I never worked on a transmission.

Any suggestions are welcome. Any good restoration books out there?

Andy

Personally, I would get the 1 ton up and running. Just think of all the more stuff you can stash in the back! But it will be harder (and more $)to find parts for.

Perhaps you should see which one is more likely to run and start there.

I would definitely deal with the title issues first. The longer you wait the more complicated its likely to get.

As for which to work on first, I'd make that judgement more on condition than utility of the vehicles.

Which one looks like you could have it on the road first? That's the one I'd go after. And that decision does include the paperwork aspects.

As for where to start once you've chosen one, there is a school of thought that says brakes first, steering second, then drivetrain third. I like the emphasis on the safety related stuff before having the temptation to drive it.

I agree with OldSub but even before the brakes/steering/safety stuff I'd make sure it will run. I don't like putting money in brakes and stuff only to then have to let it sit for a year while doing engine work ect. I'm sure OldSub and the rest will agree with that.
Just sit in the Lazy-Boy and think about the options...then full speed ahead!1

Not to rain on your parade, but I suggest you do some homework. Start with a plan, get out the legal pad and write down what your goal is, daly driver, show & shine ect. Restore, hotrod, modify?, make a list of upgrades, parts, work that will be farmed out ect. I laughed when people told me it takes about $10,000 to put a nice vehicle on the road, and by doing all the work myself I'll bet I've got $5000 in my 53 3100 and that don't include the many hours in the garage. I've always recommend Tom Brownell's book How to Restore Your Chevvrolet Pickup.

definitely get that title work done first, without a title you have a nice yard ornament.

Ditto on the title advise. Get them transferred to your name, then registered "Non-Op" or registered and insured for driving if you get 'em safe & running soon. Brownell's book is the bible on this subject and if you don't like paying full price for books, check out Fetchbook.com, Half.com as well as eBay. I haven't payed full price for a book in many years. Plan your work, then work your plan. Tom's book will help you lay it all out to see which way to go. Good luck