The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Found my dream truck - what do I need to know?

So I have gone from being a newbie to finding my dream truck in 10 seconds flat - or darm near. My dream extended cab is only a 3 hour drive from where I live here in Canada (so no border stuff to deal with). So I am looking for ANY and ALL help/suggetions.

THE FIND: "1954 (it's a 48-52 front end bassed on the pic - I know that much) body to the functionality of a 1972 (72 what?) chassis. The big 454 engine has been overhauled and the transmission is new" 6250 miles, Air Cond. Interior all redone. Does not look like any work required and that is all the info posted.

WHAT I WANT TO USE IT FOR:
1) Towing a 19 ft 2006 Airstream GVWR 4300 lbs, hitch weight 510. Approx 3000 miles/year towing.
2) May have to use occasionally in winter to get to work 20 miles round trip

WHAT I NEED HELP WITH:
1) I know the gas mileage is going to suck but other than that is this ok to tow with how I want? I'll tell hubby I'll pay the gas. What do I need to ask about the suspension?
2) I might not be able to garage it so anything else I need to consider if I need to store outside and winter drive on occasion (block heater for example, extra care or maintenance like motor oil weight change, use a cover).
3) MOST IMPORTANT What other questions should I ask?

I have spent the last month reading through and drooling over posts in this forum and want to make sure I don't just jump but consider as much as I can. I'm hoping this is a case of my lack of patience paying off again - it saved us $50K on a house and $10K on the Airstream so ??? But I need to make sure my dream can work with my needs.

You folks are awesome and thanks in advance!

yes, "72 what"? truck or car chassis? what transmission? modified suspension? how low is it? you really need to get a lot more info, and it'd be best to actually see it in person .... and yes, with a 454 you'll have plenty of power to tow - and need plenty of loonies at the pump

Bill

Thanks Red - definitely planning to see it in person and have already lined up a mechanic who does house calls to inspect thanks to one of my DeLorean friends in the area. It's a 3 hour drive so want to ask a few questions 1st to make sure it's worth the trip.

Was also going to ask who built, what other parts are "old" vs "new". And of course the big question - why is he selling.

Great to see another Albertan getting into the old pickups!

If it's been swapped onto a new chassis, it's imperative that you make sure it was done properly and safely.

Your tow capacity will not be limited by the engine (since it's a 454), but by the suspension setup under the truck, as well as the gear ratio. You need to find out what the frame was, if it was a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, etc. You will want to consider where they mounted the fuel tank as well, to make sure that it wouldn't interfere with a hitch.

We've saved a lot of money by driving all over the province dragging a trailer and coming home empty. If something seems off or there is concern about the way the truck was done, you can always go home.

Where in AB is the truck located? Make sure it is actually registered in AB too, and that it's registered as the body year and serial number, to avoid potential issues in the future.

My problems have never been pulling something as much as stopping (brakes). Insufficient brake capacity is a big issue w/pulling.

Was also thinking I should get a hot rod shop to do the inspection (if I can) rather than a regular ole garage. Any suggetions in Edmonton which is where the truck is?

Getting a hot rod shop to do the inspection will be costly, and as long as you get a mechanic that knows what he is looking for, it doesn't need to be a specialty shop. My dad is a mechanic and does this kind of thing as well as out of province inspections on custom and restored vehicles regularly, but his shop is an hour north of Edmonton. PM me if you still want his info.

Well got some info on the truck - not quite what I am after. Reliability of this one not up to what I am after and as much as I respect all the hard work and passion people put into their builds - I am willing to pay to get what I really want done by a pro. I don't want to have 2 trucks - it just doesn't make sense.

On the bright side it has helped me reconfirm what I am really after. Looks like my best route it to keep an eye out but also start building my requirements. Once I have that all figured out (1/2 way there really) I'll see who I can find to build it for me - understanding that it won't be cheap. I'm hoping to be able to do that in Canada - so far the one hot rod shop I went to and checked out at their open house in Calgary was a bit too dismissive for my liking, maybe because I'm a woman they didn't think I was serious.

I will keep perusing this awesome forum/site and pop back from time to time. Thanks for all the input - it really helped me decide.