pflaming

Found the answer to my question: disc brakes require: a mounting kit: caliper brackets, spacers, hardware, parts list and instructions then: rotors, calipers, pads, bearings, seals, lug nuts, brake hose, banjo bolts, and cotter pins.

Looked through my notes, did not find anything on disc brake conversion. Someone had the mounting plates for sale @ $200. a while back. When all parts are added what is the estimated cost for disc brakes on a 52 BIB 1/2 ton. And what parts will I need?

Called a custom body shop for an estimate to put in a front end. He said he required $7,000 up front because it always requries something unexpeced and he wanted to be certain the customer knew that going in. I have decided to get disc brakes and keep the front original. Is his reponse typical?

I like the back black fender paint, not so sure about the front. I think I am going to paint the lip around the front fenders black but not the top, even though the tops are full rust. Great looking truck!

When a truck has been sitting for 20 years should one clean the gas line and if so how? Noted that the gas tank is spring mounted, interesting. De assembling an old truck is great exercize on all parts of the body. I am learning a lot and having a lot of fun, but I am having a hard time getting my wife involved. Any suggestions?

It is evident that the gas tank can be taken apart. Is that advisable and when done so what is required to put the two pieces back together. My tank is empty has been for nearly 20 years. Should I take mine apart or just boil it out with lye as has been suggested.

What is the easiest way to check if a guage works. I know that the oil gauge requires pressure but the others???

So tubeless tires work, just use good values. I may have mine rims sandblasted then repainted. Is that what you did? DId you have your caps chromed and how did you paint the name and circles? I removed the heater today, Model 356 (Hupp). I thought it was junk but it is fixable. The frount is badly rusted but still solid. If someone wants it let me know. The core is clean and the little motor is shiny. Will remove the old engine next, got the bolts all loose, just need a cherry picker. I like your truck, nice work. Mine is a 51/52, next generation grill but same rear fenders. Mine does NOT have the small wing windows in the doors nor the corner windows in the cab.

I was closely looking at the $19,000 truck and liked his wheels. I have a very good set of original 16" wheels and caps. Can one put good belted tires on those wheels and be safe? Does the $19,000 truck have origninal wheels or has he chosen something else? I also noted that he painted the raised edge around the grill black, it is hardly noticable along side the dark green. Very nice touch to my taste. Great truck.

Showed my wife a picture of the 08 Chevy Malibu and asked her opinion. She said it looked like our '98 Chrysler Cirrus. Told my GM friends I was going to put Mallibu markings on my car and consider it new. Mopar has often lead the industry in innovation but not always so good in quality. I like my car but did a lot of fixiing. Have 170,000 miles on it. Gonna keep it, times are goin to get tight!

That is a great looking dashboard. That is my dash also without a radio, but a cover with a rectangular window in it. I have a blank plate where you have an ashtray and cig lighter. I have the same knobs and the key in the center.

Found a 'dummy' plate which I discovered covers the holes for the radio. Someone cut it in half, end to end. In this dummy plate is a rectangular opening. Is that for an ash tray? Question: Will the A/C from a 89 +/- S 10 Blazer fit under the dash of the Pilot-house. My Blazer is going to be junked, maybe I can transfer and save a few. . .$$$$$ Question: How does one get the control cables to work smoothly again. Is it easier just to buy new ones? If so, where? How does one 'recondition' the knobs. I have all the original ones and would prefer to keep them.

It's just amazing what one learns from this forum. I'm unbolting a 53 pilot house to put in a new engine. The gas tips are invaluable as well as the electrical. I am going to clean, clean, clean the wire connections first before I get a new harness and these comment are so timely for me.

I have my answer, will go with the three speed. I thought the gears may have been divided differently and a four speed would work like a 'gear splitter'. Had a '50 Plymouth years ago, Drove it to Calif and back. Seems we drove around 65 MPH with that, 70 was ok but a bit too fast for a long time, 65 was smoother, so 65 will be OK again. I have downloaded a lot of information over the past two years and will now print that all out and make myself an "instruction manual". Been very good reading.

I have both three and a four speed trannys. I plan to put a 61-72 Ford Country Squire automatic 3.0:1 rear axel and all in. I under stand that 3rd and 4th are 1: to 1: ratios so the top end will be the same. I am told that with this differential the truck should travel nicely between 65 - 70. So then with a four speed will I get a nice 50 mph in third on the four speed? The truck will be a city driver when completed so the four speed division interests me. At this point I am going with the three speed, nostolgic and simplicity. Got the hood off, the radiator out, the fan off, and will go under next to remove drive shaft and drop the tranny. The engine is blown so I have rebuilt ready to go in. Washed , with soap, the old truck and was amazed at how much the color came back. Probably the first soap wash job in 25 years. When I finish I will have a good set of wheels with all clips and hub caps . Any one interested. I will need a '53 grill and name plates for the hood, side and front.

I am in Fresno area, wish you were closer and I would be interested. Any ideas?

Yes, have another one. Maybe it could also be a 'swap meet'. If we had a means of knowing what others need, we could do some exchanging. I got some very good ideas and information at the last one. Will definitly return. PF:)

If I had an extra $500 I might make some calls. I had a 50 plymouth with the same body and they are not easy to find. Redding is dry country so it may not have much body 'cancer'.

My dad bought me one of these in 1958, I was furious but since it as black I cooled abit. It served me well, drove it to Calif and back in 1958. My bro was with me, he asked how fast we would drive, I replied, "watch the heat gauge". We drove across the Mahove Desert in 115 heat at 30 mph but did not stop, at sundown we were back to 60 mph. Wish I had one now. Great color.

These Utes are really trick! Anyone know why Austrialia made Ute pickups and America did not! Was the Ute as much automobile as it was truck in its day? What do others think was the first USA type of ute? The El Camino, The sweptside Dodge, . . . , or did the 'business coupe' serve the same purpose in USA. Others toughts are requested.

Someone has a lot of extra money, the rod is rad alright, but it is not spectacular.

Some months back there was a thread on roll-on paint. I couldn't find it. Question: Who mfr's this paint, where do I inquire?:

You know the guy is committed when he has a bed in the garage!!!

I just got a private message from someone called Janette with a message about Buddism!!! If she broke in, she needs to get her ass kicked out and fast!!!!! This is a CAR site not a place to promote ones religious vent!!!!!

I tried to pull up Leno's site, it took so long I canceled it, besides I would rather see a poorly restored old Plymouth by a crippled ageing old man than a $50,000 car BOUGHT by someone who has more money than he knows what to do with it. I enjoy this forum, it is good reading and I learn a great deal. I really liked the looks:) of that 52 (?) plymouth hardtop that was chopped, neat.