grey beard Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 (edited) It's not strictly speaking, finished. Still need to do some inside trim and the headliner, plus a transmission issue, but it does go down the road, and has been to three shows so far this summer. This was a very rough truck in November of 2005, when I pulled it into my shop. The engine was shot, nobody was home any more in the brake department, and the body was, wellllll let's just say there are floor pan pieces in this cab from Montana and South Dakota. The tailgate and rear fenders were nothing any body man would ever tackle. This has been a labor or love. Enjoyed most of it, and am looking forward to getting it all finished. Thanks to everyone on the forum who has been helpful with parts, information and advice. Edited July 22, 2009 by grey beard Quote
bkahler Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 This was a very rough truck in November of 1955, when I pulled it into my shop. Dave, this could be the longest restoration project in history! 54 years for a restoration beats my 12 and counting years for my 1951 dodge B3B. Nice looking truck! Brad Quote
smallblockjunkie Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 truck looks real nice good job Quote
John-T-53 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 That sure is a beauty! Every time I see another nice truck finished in dark green like this, it makes me want to repaint mine. Quote
Jim Gaspard Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 Lone star.....didn't know you were a Cowboy fan! Quote
Allen I. Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 That is a beautiful thing. I think black bed looks the best on the green trucks. Quote
grey beard Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Posted July 22, 2009 Brad, You are right. I've attempted to edit my error. Those sleepless night posts are a little prone to grogginess, 'er whatever you call it in your neck of the woods. Sorry 'bout that. Quote
bkahler Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 Brad,You are right. I've attempted to edit my error. Those sleepless night posts are a little prone to grogginess, 'er whatever you call it in your neck of the woods. Sorry 'bout that. Heck Dave I was actually feeling good about the fact that someone was taking longer to do a restoration than I was . You actually made good time if you started in late 2005. Brad Quote
Dave72dt Posted July 27, 2009 Report Posted July 27, 2009 Mine got started way back in the early to mid 80's, don't remember exactly what year. put on hold for various reasons, ( kids, work, money, etc. ) until spring of 2008. Now working on it diligently as time, money, weather (it gets really cold here in winter) allow. I'm hoping to get the cab in color before late fall this year but with all the mods it's getting along with a full mockup, probably not going to happen. So, is mine the longest running project? Quote
Reg Evans Posted July 27, 2009 Report Posted July 27, 2009 That sure is a beauty! Every time I see another nice truck finished in dark green like this, it makes me want to repaint mine. John, Do you have any color photos you can post or your two tone 53. I like two tones. Quote
grey beard Posted July 27, 2009 Author Report Posted July 27, 2009 I hope I'm the only person on this forum to have THIS experience. During the past three and one half years this Pilothouse was being restored in my spare time, I have lost about 75 percent of my vision and nearly all the feeling in my fingers, as a result of 26+ years of diabetes. Can't even thread a nut on a bolt with both pieces in my hand anymore. Were it not for my younger brother, Paul, who would come in every other week or so from NJ to help, this project would never have been finished. I go over to his place and help him with his projects as he needs a strong back, and he comes in and helps where I can't see/feel things that need finished. Please believe me when I say that getting this thing finished and off to the Macungie, PA ATCA truck show was a dream come true for me in many ways. My future projects will need to be limited to "advice-giving" only, unless my grandkids want to do a project with my help. I've used their help many times when a small hand and fingers are needed. My seven-year-old Lukie can reach in behind a Pilothouse starter and start that inside bolt just like shazaaaaaammmmm. I'm grateful for all the help I've been given by others, both on and off this forum. The project would never have been finished otherwise. Thank You Quote
woodscavenger Posted July 27, 2009 Report Posted July 27, 2009 Can Lukie be shipped by UPS? You could fill his college fund fast. Those are buggers to start. Great looking truck. Quote
coW52Dodge Posted July 27, 2009 Report Posted July 27, 2009 Looks great! That black and green scheme is a good looking color combination. Quote
JJs 1948 Posted July 27, 2009 Report Posted July 27, 2009 Congratulations Greybeard! Beautiful truck and I have to agree too that the original factory black box paint theme has become more appealing to me also. My truck is done for now so maybe another Pilot House someday. Would be nice to see a local newspaper article and photo with you and the grandkids standing with the restored truck. The story would be inspiring for others with similar health problems and anyone else for that matter. Diabetes runs in my family too and I realate to your health issues. Your articles on the forum are some of the most imformative that I find. I had a copy with me yesterday when I changed my rear Pinion Seal. Thanks for all your help. All the best to you and your family. Nice job! Quote
Allen I. Posted July 28, 2009 Report Posted July 28, 2009 Can Lukie be shipped by UPS? You could fill his college fund fast. Those are buggers to start.Great looking truck. UPS?!?! We all know that the odd shaped/Bulky items can go be shipped on Greyhound sometimes. If we can't ship him via Grayhound, what can we ship? Quote
Bradley S. Posted July 29, 2009 Report Posted July 29, 2009 Great looking truck!!! Hope mine turns out half as good. Brad Quote
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