Lookin' Like a Truck

The work day ended early on Monday, so I took advantage of the extra time and decent weather to finish up the bed. Got underneath to tighten up all the hardware that holds the metal strips in place, attached the fenders and topped it off with the tailgate. As I was tightening up the new tailgate hinges, a couple that walks by the house regularly stopped to admire the truck.

Husband: "Are you going to fully restore and paint it?"

Me: "That's the plan, one of these days."

Husband: "Whoa, that's gonna look awesome."

Me: (with a smile) "I think it looks awesome right now!"




###

Almost Whole Again

Made good progress with the bed yesterday. Probably would have finished if not interrupted by rain. The bed frame is now fully secured to the truck frame, with the remaining wood, metal strips and bolts just put in place until I can get back out there to tighten them down. After that it's just a matter of the tailgate and bolting on the fenders, and the bed will be good to go!




###

Bed and Brakes

I had been holding off on putting the bed back on the truck so it would be easier to run the new brake line, but since we'll be on Steve's lift when it gets done the bed won't be in the way. So this week I've started reassembly.



I got about that far when I said to myself "You know what? that front cross member doesn't look right. Maybe I should try to find some actual instructions on how to do this." I know the experienced guys are having a good laugh right now because putting the bed back together is probably the easiest thing to do, but keep in mind I'm a total amateur who, as I always say, knows just enough to get myself in trouble. I now have a bunch of pics printed that should allow me to have the bed done this weekend, if the weather cooperates on Saturday.

The disc brakes are good to go on the front, but I'd also like to have the rears done when it goes on the lift for the new master cylinder and brake lines. The trouble is the huck brakes haven't been used on new vehicles since 1950, so I'm having no luck finding detailed instructions. I went out there with some pics and tried to get started, quickly realizing that wasn't going to cut it. Need some help. Maybe I'll go on the hunt for an old school service station with an old timer sitting out front who can do huck brakes in his sleep...


###

Chasing the Total Restoration Dream

This is the Pre-launch page for the Kickstarter project, where you can enter your email to stay updated & leave comments. The official launch date will be announced tomorrow.

Here's the way I look at it: The odds are a lot better than the lottery! And if some joker can use Kickstarter to raise over $50,000 to make potato salad, CERTAINLY we can gather enough interest among people who love classic vehicles and the idea of keeping them on the road to raise $35k to make this project happen. No money to spare? No problem. Please just share this link. The most important thing right now is to spread the word as far and wide as possible. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have. THANK YOU!


###