The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1948 1/2 ton panel truck body

This is my first post. In cleaning my father's old shop and massive hoard I uncovered a 48 1/2 ton panel truck body. I found the title and the block. I remember working on the truck in the late 50s-early 60s. I fully appreciate the matching numbers concept and am now torn about whether to take on the challenge of a proper restoration or just to sell it. I'm an OLD motor head and that's probably what worries me most; I know just how much detail and effort it will take, as well as the expense. I'm not sure what to do, so I'll throw this out for some discussion. Any comments?

Welcome to stovebolt. We have all had that one vehicle with sentimental value, but to find it in dads old shop is priceless. If it were me I could never part with it for sure.

Fried, Thanks for the comment. There is indeed a lot of sentimentality, nostalgia, memories, etc. Tough to let go. I like your ride.

Once you get rid of it you can't say you own a panel anymore.... and you will forever kick your own butt for not keeeping it. At the very least make sure any further deteriation of the panel is stopped..... and later in life perhaps you will have the motivation and the finances to fix it up.

....in the end its your decision. Hoever, should you decide to get rid of it please post it here on the bolt first to give a bolter the chance of a lifetime and to save a piece of American history.

My wife still has her dad's 54 3100 shop truck. I rebuilt it and she won't sell it to anyone.
My advice is to preserve it, you will never have another one.

I've already reached that "later in life" stage, that's part of the problem. Right now I need to find a proper (i.e. knee-action shock) frame, mainly so I can move it around but secondarily so it's still stock. It's presently sitting very precariously on a trailer that took me a week to get under the body.

Yeah, I hate to give it up but I'm just not sure I'm up to a full resto.

Do not count yourself out! I had two heart attacks, a g.i. bleed out, and plauged with lower back problems. No job. What did I do?
Bought my 55 Chevy shortbox NAPCO! Had friends with projects, and we all team up. We all help each other, makes weekends fun n
can always use the extra hands n knowlege. A lil bit at a time and the projects are all coming togather! We all know what each of us need for parts so extra eyes help also! At the very least
give it a shot. Never know till ya try!
Stranger

jfink, please don't give up. Save the panel and don't try to do it all at one time. I'm now finishing up a 6 year project. It can get expensive but streeetching it out over a period of time and its not so bad.
There's few things in life to actually get excited about when you reach our "later years" so why not have something figure out while sitting in the lazy boy and something to do when you get up.
Take it in SMALL increments. I've always said 15 minutes everyday will soon add up.
Start a photobucket of what your doing, share it with us and let us know when you need help.

Gosh, I'm already looking for my next project....maybe a 1959 Apache??

Got another idea! You say your looking for stock frame. WHY? Yes I know all about KEEPING IT ORIGINAL BUT..... If you mate it to a newer frame , motor, combo...... Time and cost saving! Just a suggestion. At times ya got to walk a different road for a new view!
Stranger

While new frames are good and speedy they take something away from the feel of the old truck don't get me wrong i have done my share of sub frames but if you want a new truck buy one lol if you want the feel of the old stay with the stock frame