Hello all!
This is a kind of a late intro but here I am with a little of me to share.
My name is Mario (Bread) and I have a 1939 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup -- "condition" -- in pieces It has a 1954 235[ (rebuilt already), T5 w/hurst shifter, 55 bell housing, flywheel, and starter.
All from Total Cost Involved -- Mustang II front end, disk brakes, rank and pinion, and air bag suspension kit. Currie rear end (325 ratio), 4 link, disk brakes, and air bag suspension kit. Power break assembly minus plumbing
I have been a member for a while and have been reading a lot of tech tips, other people's builds, their stumps and what was used to remedy the situation. I have really enjoyed looking at all the pictures of the endless trucks. I have also have been able to get some parts and tips from fellow Bolters.
I am slowly starting to post more than I am use to and it has lead me to post on the DITY.
Prior to coming back to the states from Japan in '07, I purchased my truck from a post on eBay. The truck was located in El Paso, TX and the gentlemen was kind enough to hold it. He even had it titled in my name (with a special power of attorney). When I pick up the truck, he handed me a Texas title. Of course, the VIN number was not the original one but nonetheless, the truck is mine.
I had to rent a moving truck and car carrier from El Paso to bring it back to the small town of Sheffield, TX where my ever so loving wife and children were waiting for me to return. After a week or two of visiting, we packed up and headed NC. Drove across the states to our new home.
Once settle in NC, I looked up a good friend of mine so I could ask him to rebuild my engine. I knew he was well knowledge on the old trucks and cars and I knew I was in good hands with him. Believe it or not but my wife helped me pull my engine and trans from the truck and it was taken to my friends house so he could rebuild it while I was in Iraq.
Once I returned, I didn't know what route to take with the truck. I knew that I wanted to keep the Inline 6 but wanted a dependable daily driver and in no way was my truck close to running. I spent countless hours on a creeper under the truck and came to the conclusion that it was best to strip it down. I came across an article in a magazine and from there, I found direction.
Before I went on my next adventure, I bought a front and rear suspension from TCI. While I was gone, my wife told me that about 15 boxes were delivered and the delivery man was kind enough to help her put them in the garage.
Boy, am I thankful my wife loves me!
Once I got back, there was an early Christmas waiting for me. Once again, I called on my old friend for some help and guidance. He helped me, taught me, and we put the suspension together just in time before I had to relocate to AZ. But most of all, I was able to spend time with a great man.
For about a year and a half, there have been some trying times and the truck was for sale at one point but I was able to hold on.
I stripped everything to the frame, had the frame sand blasted, acquired a T5, bell housing, fly wheel, and thankfully the gentlemen added the starter. I also purchased a brake kit form TCI. I received thumbs up from the Strans Shop and so now I'm going to put the engine and trans together, set the engine w/trans, then I can get the measurements for the driveshaft. Well, it all sounds good when I say it out loud but I act as if I know what I am doing.
Well, here is my story and I'll soon add my children to ever so dream of driving, riding, and working on is old truck.
Bread
