The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Another former lurker now Stovebolt newbie signed on!!

New guy here who's been lurking and reading for a while...and figured since I love reading so much, time to sign up!!

It seems that we are finally ready to spend some time restoring a late 40's truck, and found a complete frame and running gear off a '49. This was/is someone's leftovers from going to an S10 frame, and I/we, would like to see about saving it, and putting back together as a '49!!!

I have seen various parts floating around for sale in the past (hoods, cabs, fenders...etc) so figured getting a complete frame and running gear might be a good way to start. I did find a complete front end, but seems it is promised to another fella.

I would rather have found a running truck we could drive and restore, but being a a family man, I've got a budget to work in, and up here such a find would cost me a lot more than I am ready to spend right now. I am fine with that...rather be tinkering on this frame, and restore the frame while we look for a cab, vs, waiting another year or two before we start doing anything.

So...what do you think? This sound OK, or am I making a mistake??

first of all, welcome. i was a lurker too and since i joined i have been helped and have been able to help others



your plan seems fine to me, so go for it if you like.



again, welcome!

Indy

Welcome. At some point you need to make your move and get a truck. I wouldn't tinker and wait too long, get your kids to help. Get something decent, it tends to cost less in the long run.

Leo

Welcome to the Bolt!
Be sure to check out the Swap meet forums. There's plenty of parts available, even whole trucks! Hopefully you'll find something you can use. Keep us posted on your progress, and ask plenty of questions. As you know, there's plenty of good advice available here too.

Thanks guys!!

I would definitely prefer to find a complete, driving, '49, but like I said, the prices I have seen for such a truck around these parts, is higher than I am willing to pay for what is advertised.

The frame and running gear is relatively inexpensive (since they are "leftovers" of another project), and the plan would be to take that, and restore it properly right away, so that it could be ready for when a cab/body is found.

It may cost a little more doing it this way...at least if you look at it over the long term over all build, but, that is long term, and not "that" much more...and besides...I would saving this '49!!

b/4mytime, I spent over 5 years on one project and over 6 years on the last one. Pretty much for the same reasons you have mentioned.
However, the best thing to do is stay ACTIVE, here on the stovebolt and attend some car shows and cruise in's. I'm not saying all things are free but the more folks who know what your doing, and what you need, the better you are. Many many times I've see bolters "paying it forward" so you just never know where the help may come from. This is the best old truck site on the web. Visit often, and contribute, or ask questions when you need to. Make notes in a notebook, ask questions and print out the answers. You may need them sooner than you think! ....and I'm sure there are other bolters around close. Watch for them.

.....oh, WELCOME TO THE STOVEBOLT

Thanks Chipmunk!

I was just looking at the "what did you pay" thread...I may need to take a step back and think about this a little more. I really wanted a '49 to restore (not sure why a '49, just like them :), so I may dig a little deeper to see what else I might find for sale...that isn't too far that I'd have to spend another $2000 to ship home...

Welcome!
Don't feel bad - I don't even own a 'bolt but Peg and John let me stay here anyway.

lol...must be a nicer place than i thought!!

Welcome to the best site on the web. I can't thank the guys and gals on this site enough for all the help and advice they have given me. i bought a rust bucket that i dont think the scap yard would even take. but with the help i got on the Bolt i just got it back on the road this summer. still working out the kinks and still have a lot to do but i could not have done it on my own.

John

Thanks John!

Just looked at some of your pics...just the kind of project we are looking for...very cool! =)

Before,
Welcome to the Stovebolt!

Now to reiterate what everyone is saying, this is the best site for people like us who admire, appreciate, and work on these old Bow Ties. There is a little for everyone's needs. If you search through the numerous posts, you will find what you are looking for. If you do not find what you are looking for, then post your questions or situation and I sure that there will be someone who will advise or direct you for an answer.

Money is always the deciding factor for any project. I am sure you have looked that over many times over. What ever route you chose, take it.

Now, my advice; take your time. The more people you meet, something will come along.

Bread
"Patience is a virtue"
.