The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Weather outside is frightful - whatcha going do over the winter?

As I've been working on some of the Gallery stories, it's been quite the stretch from heated garages, to sheds, to packin' it in til spring.

Just wondered how the rest of you all make out with the old truck once the weather is non-cooperative. Got small projects to bring into the kitchen ?

Save your pennies for the big binge in spring?

And then, I know we have those folks who don't HAVE bad weather. It's NOT that we don't want to hear from you all. Fuey, you can keep posting in the "What have you done on your Bolt today" thread!

Peg

Truck in the garage, checked the antifreeze, pulled the battery to put in heated indoor, than, TaDa, pulled both rear fenders for dent pounding inside my warm cellar.

Procrastinating on finishing stripping and straitening the tailgate. It is the last thing to do before calling the painter.
Carl

Bruce,

Golly, Big Orange's Gallery page is a wee bit out of date -- although still orange

Hmmm ... you can update your Gallery page since it's so cold out!


Peg

OK, it appears some of you mis-read the topic. It is What projects do you have planned for your truck this winter. Please post the weather discussions in Greasy Spoon.

Thanks,
Your friendly, underpaid moderator.

Just got my heater core back from a pressure test. It's good to go, will be assembling and installing it in the next few weeks. Also need to swap transmissions over Christmas when I have an extra pair of hands available.

I'm going to continue to weekend cruise the 3100 and work out the bugs as they come. The heater will run me out and the 6v lighting does a good enough job at the speeds I cruise so these cold short daylight weekends are no obstacle to my enjoyable cruises
Dave

Try and finish the 53 GMC project this winter , no heat , and it's cold. Just have the running boards and splash aprons ,and the headliner to install.Putting up a new garage in spring,than get started on the hotrod build.


Pete

Waiting till it's slightly warmer in the spring to put the new heads on my truck. No heat in the garage.

Just got my 41" Chevy truck a week and half ago. Already well into the winter list. Now thru January is welding in the new floorboard, welding up problems from the previous owner, and straightening a few issues prior to paint. February is final prep before paint and last minute issued to get resolved before letting the paint shop do their thing....

Cletis, you mean to tell me they PAY you to sit on your duff and poke a few keys on the 'puter? Talk about cushy! LOL

Every winter there is a list. First I have to replace the pinion seal. Next I will be installing an under body box on the driver's side. I have one on the passenger's side and people keep asking, "why not one on each side?". I don't have heat but the garage is insulated and attached. It doesn't get much below freezing inside when it is much colder outside.

Just doing small projects on the 37 over the winter,replaced the master cylinder and battery plus rebuilt a carter YF carb to eventually put on it. Found the rattle in the front suspension and deciding on what to do about a heater,I have a correct 37 heater but not really wanting to smell kerosene fumes for a month while restoring it so I am thinking about buying a heater that has been restored so I can just install it and go.

Guess your 37 is stock.My 38 was my 37 is not stock at all in drive line.Was your rattle a leaf spring?Took two out in front of the 37 to lower it and a rattle went away in the late 70s I had.37 is first year for 216 I think?

Its not stock but not a streetrod,the rattle was a shock bracket that was loose. About 5 years ago I went through the drivetrain and suspension and did not tighten the bracket,I first thought it was the springs making the noise since I did not put the clamps back on after installing teflon between the leaves.

Will be driving my truck through the winter which really don't exist here in California.

BIG PLANS! My '61 is up on jackstands; wheels off, entire brake system to be renewed with wheel cylinders, shoes, springs, drums, stainless lines and master cylinder. New master and slave cylinder for the hydraulic clutch, and then....a T5! IF all that's done, then it's cab rubber and make my own bed wood. Never enough hours in the day... Best of luck to all with your projects!

Greenman
'61 Apache, 235, longbed stepside

Ma'am, I'm using the Dremel wire brush to prep an original bottle jack and handle for paint in my basement. Also, some paint prep on a '57 235 stovebolt components, valve cover and such, for the planned install to my '52 'Burb project. I'm blessed that my '48 3100 is garaged on a trickle charger and I use it throughout the winter on precip free days and long after salt laden roads are cleared up. Thanks Peggy. V/R, Nick

It was in the 30s last week one day so went out and got the running boards and splash aprons done all bolted up.All that's left is the head liner.It's 5 out this mourning.


Pete

Just going to try to get as much body work done as I can... if it needs body filler, that'll be done in my basement (as long as I can carry the part). Other than that, I have an engine swap planned... bad 235, to a good 230 (even if it's just a temporary switch). As long as I have some heat to take the chill off, I'm perfectly fine working out in the barn

I have the truck up on the hoist in my warm shop. Time to swap transmissions, my son is helping me on Thursday. I just need to repair my rear transmission mount and everything can be bolted up again.

Got my 700R4 Tranny the other day and plan to put it in "sometime this winter". Depends on several things but I will get it done.....I will get it done....I will get it done, Sometime of other!!!

I'm planning to completely remove the rear axle assembly to rectify an ongoing handling issue,the bespoke 4-link is quite simply,wrong.
Just need to rustle up some much needed funds and get it done as i've got some mileage to rack up in 2014.(I hope)

im switching out my old 216 for a newly built 235,moving my gas tank out of the cab and under the bed, rebuilding my steering box,new wood in the bed.doing the bodywork and gonna get my truck painted in the spring

I plan to get the A/C working in the '56 before it gets hot.

While Cletis is working on his A/C, I'll be putting in my heater. The transmission got changed today. Also going to put in another ammeter, one that works.

Two major projects for my 1957 Chevy NAPCO:
- Fabricating front disk brakes (can't be bought - using 2000 Silverado components).
- Install a warmed over 348 (currently at the machine shop, finally got all the parts).
don

I don't care what John says about Peggy, she's alright in my book! Its very hard to manage family at the grandmom level and other important duties surrounding our ever so important stovebolt. Thanks for all you do to ALL-YA-ALL!!

My shop situation, sharing our printing business location with my restoration shop enables me to do the same thing year around. For this I am eternally grateful to God and my precious wife who share equal spots in my heart. For about one year now I have been working on a very special project. With a constant 72 degrees all year around, it makes it possible for someone with 4 titanium rods, 13 screws and 2 plates in my lower back. With electric winches of various kinds and lots of mechanical solutions, even I can proceed to make progress on....

I took a 1950 1/2 ton, blasted it all to the bare metal, frame up in every way. No stone left unturned, not even the slightest thing. No aerosol cans, all done with the best automotive paints out there. But more..

The 1950 was chosen because of its side vent on the drivers side. Its 5 window. I then wanted push button doors with VENT windows (1951 or later?). New doors, new latching and for some reason, lots of rework to accommodate the 1/4 inch larger size doors. Done and done, but then I wanted original blinkers. Enter the 1954 steering column with the original blinker assembly. Looks just like it belongs on the truck.

No stopping there, a 1959 261 engine with quieter hydraulic lifters, PCV ventilation system, Electronic Ignition, a Borg R10 Overdrive for the 3 on the tree, a 1955 1st series rear end for open driveline using an open driveshaft from a 1962 Suburban. This is to maintain a self imposed standard of mine to be as period correct as possible while maintaining a bolt up philosophy. If it doesn't bolt right up because its an extension of Chevy continuity, it doesn't belong. This gets me a comfortable 70 mph or so which works for me with this vintage.

A very secure and well engineered 3 point seat belt system for the 5 window cab for safety, which got me to thinking about the single master cylinder braking system. No, that's not a good idea when increasing its speed capability, so after much thought, a dual master cylinder upgrade (still under the floor for period correct) and front disc brake upgrade. Here is something important to think about... YOUR choices matter in the occasion of a bad accident. If you don't address the additional speed with additional braking power that is at least commensurate, you are putting others at risk.

Then, since this story is never over, 12 volts native. Gauges, heater motors, everything to NATIVE 12 volts without resistors or anything related to 'converting'. This so that I can use modern electronics, batteries, jumper cables, etc etc without thinking about it. Since I live anywhere in North America, I can start it in the coldest of weather without issue. *I know this offends purists but its MY truck!*

Then, a 1954 bed because I like the flat bed rails instead of the slanted ones. A nice specially engineered trailer hitch system that uses the frame rails for its stability while still allowing the underbed spare tire carrier to work as advertised.
I am also making a pickup bed trailer with matching paint job as sort of a novelty.

A GM tagged Unity Spotlight, Stainless trim, stainless bumpers, and ALL hardware on the entire truck is stainless. Even the grease zerks are stainless. Since the space under the bench seat is wasted for the most part, two metal drawers to put a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, jack and tool kit with 1/4 turn fasteners to secure the drawers. MP3 player connections and removable speakers in the cab corners and under the dash so I can listen to all the greats... Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, you know. *or maybe its the Stones and ACDC?

Electric wipers, electrical cutoff for security, a modern sports car Yellow paint scheme with Black accents.. very little chrome at all, more stainless. If you have imperfect parts that would normally be chrome, imagine using black as the accent instead of chrome with the yellow. Too busy if chrome is used too much. Black fenders, running boards, grille front (with yellow behind). Even those chrome baby moon hubcaps will be blasted, painted yellow with black lettering (rims black).

I started life as a total purist knowing how great these trucks were on the farm here in Kansas just as they were. But I just felt if I am going to all this trouble, what would I like to drive? Thinking about Vintage Air, but not sure yet. Right now, after one year, the frame and associated mechanicals are a few months away from completion. Its slow and very time consuming, but a person has to set a standard they want, then spend every day sticking to that standard. That's the hard part.

Who knows how this project will turn out because thanks to this forum and all of you wonderful people, I get new inspiration almost every day. Now if only you could send me some expertise!

I want to use the bed of my truck, but I don't want to destroy the paint. Building a bed liner and small job box. Will post pics!
Now off to the shop

Wayne Alderson and I are going to continue and finish the 2013 truck project that Bill started. In a couple of weeks, the 59 chassis I built will be coming back for me to assemble and make drivable. It's a 59 1 ton single wheel that we converted to a 3/4 4×4. Wayne blasted and painted the frame, suspension and axles and installed a cab and clip so I can adapt the old with the new. Should be show-ready for the big 10 year reunion this year.

And my personal project is a 1962 International panel truck that's getting a Chevy drivetrain conversion. I hope to bring it to the show too, but it's a bare shell now and I hope to build a new 3 car garage this spring so time will be an issue.

I am pulling leaf springs, removing a couple from each pack and adding spring liners to smooth out the ride. Front is done and working on the rear. Still have a small block sitting in the garage waiting to go in. Free time is being split between my pickup and our new passion, the venerable Honda CT90 trail bike. My wife wanted one to tinker with so we picked up a 1970 basket case, got it running well, then bought a 1975 and a 1968. The 75 is running well now too (after carb cleaning). The 68 is turning into a donor bike. We love these little bikes; simple and honest much like Stovebolts.

Hoping to have my pickup ready for the car shows this coming summer. Springs, motor, new seat cover, and a few other minor fixes and she will be ready!

Here in Newfoundland it's been -40C with the windchill the past week, and I got the 56 Apache running on her own power for the first time! trying to rebuild the rochester B with gloves on in a non heated shed is not very easy

You got her started when it's THAT cold!! Good on HER!! We've had a dickens of a time getting most things started here on the farm - from the Gator to the backhoe. Even this morning, the old 5-ton was giving John cold weather whoa's. And it's 34 degrees here today.

Probably everything with a battery will start balking when it hits tomorrow afternoon!

Peg

Winter project list:

Get all green glass installed in '55, replace transfer case bearing, make inside box spare tire carrier.

Get father/son '65 Dodge project running.

Making plans for '59 G.M.C. and gathering parts.

Currently working on Fifty-fifty's '49 Chevy truck as the person he bought it from botched the front and rear snubs instalation. Wheelbase is 1 inch short on drivers side, and front frame is 2 1/2 to far to left of vehicle.

Start making plans for K.C. in Sept.

Cold here but installed a furnace in shop this past summer. Works great!!!

I got inspired a couple weeks ago on this "wutcha doin" thread to reclaim my 1949 3/4 ton P/U steering wheel. Epoxy, sanding and epoxy hi-temp paint and clear coat. Talk about busy...I was waiting for the engine delivery a couple weeks ago, and I have been doing that at the same time...and still I am excited as all git out. I think next I will clean up all the bolts and nuts laying around. These Vegas winters are tough....

One week cold, one week warm. Oh that wacky weather in Houston, TX!!! I picked up a 1957 chevy 3100 back in July I believe. Since then I have sanded down the rear chassis and painted over with por 15 up to the rear cab, flushed and replaced rear end gear oil, replaced all wheel cylinders, all new brake lines, new duel master cylinder, adjusted all brakes, replaced a rear axle seal, changed both front wheel bearings, new headlights , new parking lights, new taillights, polished fender and good badges, new glass bowl fuel filter right before the carb, reassembled the bed and installed a 3/4 treated plywood bed floor, and took out busted rear window. Since the beginning of our weird winter I've taken apart the whole front of the truck scraped all the firewall insulation off the inside, taken down the heater, started some rust removal inside the cab; my main focus is cleanin the engine. It is full of gunk. Dirt, oil, grime, and whatever else 50+ years of farm use will add into the engine bay. So far I've gotten one side done, working on the other side this week. Also I have sanded down the alive cover and am working on removing the rust off it. I also rebuilt the rochester carb and currently waiting on a big shipment of hoses, gaskets, battery tray, etc from LMC so I can put her back together. I really hope it starts back up!

Going to pull the motor, again, and replace the rear main seal, again, weather permitting. NO GARAGE!
5 degrees last week. Reinstall and start. Hopefully it won't leak this time??? Then I can install my trans and front clip over my nice clean and painted frame and engine. Beats being inside with the wife. LOL! She lovingly calls her my girlfriend aka: the [censored].

This is a BIG project for a novice like me. Perfect time of year to do it because I can do it INSIDE!

T5 transmission rebuild. It will be a non-world class V8 Camaro case and V8 gears but have an S10 main shaft, S10 tail housing and lid - a custom build. I will be able to run a factory cable speedo AND I won't need to buy an adapter plate.

First gear is 2.95 and 5th is 0.73 for highway cruising with my 250ci L6.

I hope you enjoy the pics below. Visit my BLOG for more details.

Jay

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1390_zpsc0b51867.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1396_zpsbc9b43d0.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y517/lugnutztruck/T5%20stuff/T5%20rebuild/shaft1_zps9c88246f.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1574_zpsfc4319d6.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1581_zpsc483d246.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1584_zpsb469543e.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1586_zpsdf284bef.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1588_zpsa5b6dfea.jpg

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http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1597_zpsbe5c8605.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1600_zps74417032.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1613_zpsa8641ace.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1617_zpsb0ffe1a6.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1627_zpsac1305a7.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums...ff/T5%20rebuild/100_1629_zpscbe79059.jpg

Weather was NOT frightful today (40's)... went out and put a new clutch, and put a 230 in my truck!