The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Could use some pointers for my '42 Panel - SF

HI everyone

I am the proud owner of a new, well new to me 1942 abel truck... I haven't gotten the truck yet, so if anyone has any suggestion for reliable and not outrageous shipping from S. Dekota I'm all ears.

The truck is in overall very good shape... she'll need some work on the lighting and a new engine when I get her. Sorry no chance for original engine parts as that was previously removed and replaced with a 1970's mustang engine. I plan to put in a new 350 engine and trans as I want to make this into a daily driver. I'll also be towing a '49 Curtis Wright Travel trailer from time to time as well.

As an artist, I can build some things and can make a whole lot but automotive mechanical aptitude is not really a strong suite. I'll be having the work done by a local guy who keeps the vehicles on the SF Golden Gate bridges running...in his spare time he does hot rods.

I assume he'll need to switch out the rear with a new one and perhaps the front end? Its been suggested to me that to increase the steering ability the front should be modernized and also suggested disk brakes all around.

I used to pull my travel trailer with a 2002 chevy S-10 extended cab... not a big truck by any means. It served me well, and I inherited it from my father when he passed away a few years ago. While I really liked that truck and planned to enjoy it as long as possible a fellow making a left turn into me despite my having the right ways, had different plans. He totatelled my truck hitting it square in the wheel and bending the frame.

So in needing a practical replacement I decided to do the impractical thing... get a vintage truck with my insurance money and some savings. I had promised myself I would get myself a nice old truck or car when Dad's truck was finally no more, as I have always driven what was finically practical. Thus the panel truck. With my love of antiques and all things vintage (especially Deco design and all things from the 30's and 40's) the 40's chevy design really spoke to me.

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions everyone... I am very excited to get on the road.

I've already posted in the shipping page my needs and have contacted a fella named Van. And thanks to those of you who make this site exist...I'll get some photos up when she arrives.
Cheers
Jeremy

Hi Jeremy....welocome to the " Bolt " It's great to have another Art Deco era truck joining the board. The running gear swap / modernization is pretty straightforward. For a daily driver, the 350 with an auto trans, power steering, disc brakes makes a good package, and will have no issues pulling that cool trailer. Have fun !
PS...there is a " sub-forum " here for Panels & Burbs....lots of knowledgeable people

Welcome Jeremy.
It's alway good to see some of the older trucks joining here.
Like britcon mentions there's plenty of scope for upgrading the running gear,there's a sub-forum aimed at this very subject.
What the folks here know about these old trucks is just amazing.
Help,friendship and advice is available 24/7.

Good luck on your new 'adventure'.
Jock.

Thanks I'll head over and check it out.

I've been searching for the forum or thread on this subject but I see none... SHould I just post the question in the Panel/burb section? I am sure this must have been discussed. As I am purchasing the parts and the mechanic is installing them its a bit up to me to tell him what I want... which I have no idea ? Suggestions and a push the right direction would be much appreciated.

Welcome Jeremy, just get that Ford engine out of there. You have lots of options, do what you want. Be sure to ask if you run stuck.

Leo

I've been searching for the forum or thread on this subject but I see none... SHould I just post the question in the Panel/burb section? I am sure this must have been discussed. As I am purchasing the parts and the mechanic is installing them its a bit up to me to tell him what I want... which I have no idea ? Suggestions and a push the right direction would be much appreciated.

Hey Jeremy - Welcome! And do you have the panel yet? Not clear exactly what questions you have but if they are specific to the chassis, yes...check into the "Panels & Burbs". For a non-stock engine install, try the "Engine Shop".

And we hope to see some pix soon. Best of luck with the build.

Jeremy....try the " Engine Shop " or "Hi- Performance" sub-forums, then try a search for details you are looking for - ie. motor mounts, trans mounts, rear-end selections, transmission options, boxing frame, Mustang 2 front ends, etc etc. As for parts Suppliers, try Chev's of the 40's, Jim Carter Truck parts, Bowtie Bits. Performance parts are everywhere - Summit Racing, Jegs, Edlebrock. Your Hot Rod guy should have a good handle on that stuff.

Hi Jeremy, and welcome. Looking forward to some pix. A 350 Chevy with a 350 or 700r4 tranny is a reliable choice, and you can get parts no matter where you go. (I would recommend an overdrive tranny in today's world.) Many on this site have done this swap and will be glad to help.