Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
- Thread starter marzbar
- Start date
Dick Webber
Senior Member
Nice looking truck.
I am 78 and have done amateur restorations on various levels since I got out of high school. Including a Model A, Model T 49 Mercury (2), 54 Corvette, 54 Buick,49 F-1, and a 1947 Gordon Smith Model A based air compressor (currently). I still own most of them, and all are running and driving regularly.
I am a student of automotive history, meaning that I appreciate what these vehicles represented when they were made. And yes, they do not go fast or stop fast. Model T barely stops at all. So you make allowances, choose routes, and plan accordingly, and do just fine. But I am driving and enjoying that particular chapter in automotive history, whether it be the 1923 T, the 49 Mercury (like the one I started with), the 49 F-1 (6) or the unrestored 74 Pinto. With exception of radial tires they are bone stock the way Henry made them.
From my perspective , get this truck running and learn about it. Experience what grandpa loved about it. After you know it well then decide what needs to be changed to suit your needs. Understand that a restoration is a huge commitment of time, money, space, patience and talent. Too many get taken apart and never finished because the hill got too steep to climb.
My 49 F-1 start and runs very well, stops adequately, is strong enough to pull trailers, and keeps up with traffic. It will not run all day on the interstate at 75, but 55 seems to work.
I'm glad you got the truck. Enjoy.
I am 78 and have done amateur restorations on various levels since I got out of high school. Including a Model A, Model T 49 Mercury (2), 54 Corvette, 54 Buick,49 F-1, and a 1947 Gordon Smith Model A based air compressor (currently). I still own most of them, and all are running and driving regularly.
I am a student of automotive history, meaning that I appreciate what these vehicles represented when they were made. And yes, they do not go fast or stop fast. Model T barely stops at all. So you make allowances, choose routes, and plan accordingly, and do just fine. But I am driving and enjoying that particular chapter in automotive history, whether it be the 1923 T, the 49 Mercury (like the one I started with), the 49 F-1 (6) or the unrestored 74 Pinto. With exception of radial tires they are bone stock the way Henry made them.
From my perspective , get this truck running and learn about it. Experience what grandpa loved about it. After you know it well then decide what needs to be changed to suit your needs. Understand that a restoration is a huge commitment of time, money, space, patience and talent. Too many get taken apart and never finished because the hill got too steep to climb.
My 49 F-1 start and runs very well, stops adequately, is strong enough to pull trailers, and keeps up with traffic. It will not run all day on the interstate at 75, but 55 seems to work.
I'm glad you got the truck. Enjoy.
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marzbar
Junior Member
The avatar is the truck. I have more pictures and I'll post them ASAP. The engine is a small block Chevy put in by my uncle 20+ years ago.
marzbar
Junior Member
Great looking truck! Thanks for the advice - that is exactly what I am looking forward to and definitely trying to have a great understanding before even starting because I'm committed not to waking up one day a realizing the hill was too steep.
40fordpu
Well-known member
GREAT POST! THIS IS ALL GREAT ADVICE. The Barn should take note and have everyone read this before starting a restoration LOL.
I am in my mid 30's and wish I would have had some of this solid advice. I wasn't mechanically inclined at the time (started 8 years ago, my son is now 4 and I hope to have it done by time he is 16 haha) but have learned a lot. I have actually taken some college classes and with some old time teachers who taught a lot of valuable lessons. I am married with two small kids and haven't touched my 40 pickup in years (except to move it to my new house) SAD. My wife always complains that money goes out but nothing every comes in. HA HA.
Best advice is to not be in a rush. Take your time. I have spent about three hours of research for every hour of actual hands on work. Take tons of pictures, ask a ton of questions (some guys on here are tight lipped but there are a ton of guys who will offer the world to teach the younger generations). There are some good vendors out there and some crap vendors out there. Just ask and find the vendors who love it for what it is not the money. Love the comment about spending about 2 to 3 times the money you think it will cost. It is all true.
You have a piece of family history it sounds like. That in itself is valuable. Just remember if you go to sell, nobody will pay for your labor. Most of us work in the garage because we love it, not because it will make us money. We want to feel like we did something. Good luck on the build and please if you have questions ask.
I am in my mid 30's and wish I would have had some of this solid advice. I wasn't mechanically inclined at the time (started 8 years ago, my son is now 4 and I hope to have it done by time he is 16 haha) but have learned a lot. I have actually taken some college classes and with some old time teachers who taught a lot of valuable lessons. I am married with two small kids and haven't touched my 40 pickup in years (except to move it to my new house) SAD. My wife always complains that money goes out but nothing every comes in. HA HA.
Best advice is to not be in a rush. Take your time. I have spent about three hours of research for every hour of actual hands on work. Take tons of pictures, ask a ton of questions (some guys on here are tight lipped but there are a ton of guys who will offer the world to teach the younger generations). There are some good vendors out there and some crap vendors out there. Just ask and find the vendors who love it for what it is not the money. Love the comment about spending about 2 to 3 times the money you think it will cost. It is all true.
You have a piece of family history it sounds like. That in itself is valuable. Just remember if you go to sell, nobody will pay for your labor. Most of us work in the garage because we love it, not because it will make us money. We want to feel like we did something. Good luck on the build and please if you have questions ask.
marzbar
Junior Member
The response to this post was more than I could ever ask. I hope it helps out someone in the future as much as it has helped me. Thanks for the additional advice - believe me, I'm not in it for the money (that is what the day job is for!). I'm just looking forward to the day I can take a nice long drive in it, hopefully in the not too distant future.
fordor41
Well-known member
Also when labeling removed parts label the parts as to D.S/P.S, which is up or down. Also keep a log as to what goes on first so you don't get out of sequence. It's easy to get "burned out" so do a bit every day, if possible. It's amazing the progress that will be made
without realizing it.
without realizing it.
Kurt in NJ
Well-known member
Before painting fit all the sheetmetal parts together so you know you can get proper alignment without cutting or bending
ford38v8
Well-known member
All good advice. Here's some more... Consider doing the mechanical only, leaving the body/paint as is, with a good waxing. You'll be surprised how many people appreciate a well taken care of older vehicle more than a newly restored/painted vehicle. The term "it's only original once" is very true, even if it only applies to the exterior of your truck. Create a sleeper and put a smile on everyone's face.
As for the mechanical, the non-original parts must be well documented for future repair/replacement needs. And about that, consider the future availability of parts you intend to use, and go for Made In America parts, as nothing made overseas is worth a crap.
As for the mechanical, the non-original parts must be well documented for future repair/replacement needs. And about that, consider the future availability of parts you intend to use, and go for Made In America parts, as nothing made overseas is worth a crap.
marzbar
Junior Member
Alan - great tip. Do you know of any good software solution out there to keep track of parts and their documentation?
This was your list;
Definitely looking to get it safely driven on the highway; not looking for a show car. If I had to make a list:
- Disc brakes
- New engine
- New transmission
- electrical (12v upgraded already)
After that, the aesthetics:
- paint
- upholstery
- dash
My Thoughts;
Your truck looks so good I would do a light buff and wax. It would look great!
Disk Brakes can be added easily later.
Rebuild the brake system you have, wheel cylinders and master won't cost to much.
Which transmission is behind that small block? Does it still have the original rear end?
You could find a donor chevy for a good running engine and trans, the right donor and possibly the rear end too.
The rest of your list as you drive it, only being down a short while at a time.
That truck will be a family heirloom for a long time, have fun with it!
Get a spiral notebook and keep it by the truck and write everything down to go with lots of pictures.
Definitely looking to get it safely driven on the highway; not looking for a show car. If I had to make a list:
- Disc brakes
- New engine
- New transmission
- electrical (12v upgraded already)
After that, the aesthetics:
- paint
- upholstery
- dash
My Thoughts;
Your truck looks so good I would do a light buff and wax. It would look great!
Disk Brakes can be added easily later.
Rebuild the brake system you have, wheel cylinders and master won't cost to much.
Which transmission is behind that small block? Does it still have the original rear end?
You could find a donor chevy for a good running engine and trans, the right donor and possibly the rear end too.
The rest of your list as you drive it, only being down a short while at a time.
That truck will be a family heirloom for a long time, have fun with it!
Get a spiral notebook and keep it by the truck and write everything down to go with lots of pictures.
corvette8n
Well-known member
I not Alan, but I've used a simple spreadsheet to track everything.
ford38v8
Well-known member
I'm pretty much old school, the only software I use is Word For Mac. I don't think anything can beat an old fashioned binder with clear plastic sleeves to keep pictures, receipts, notes. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, and is not a new idea by a long shot. Guys have been keeping diarys on their car builds for longer than I can remember. The important thing is to keep a record of exactly what you have installed for future diagnostic/repair needs.