my48stake Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 I'm new here but have visited on occasion over the years. I've had a 48 Stake truck for a number of years. I'm trying to decide if I should restore it myself or sell to someone who'd like to have one to restore. One question I have is what's it worth Background: The truck was originally bought new by my grandfather's cousin who used it on his small farm in Michigan until 1973 (the last year it was licensed.) He then parked it in his barn where it sat until the '87 when he gave it to me and I parked it in my parent's barn until last month. Dad wanted some room so now it's at my house and my 14 year old son would like us to restore. It's in great shape with the usual farm use wear and tear plus the effects of having sat idle for some 35 years. Some slight surface rust but nothing major, passenger and driver door windows cracked and I think the clutch is frozen. I'm guessing that with relatively little effort I could get it into a running state and if I wanted to take it back closer to original it would be a very solid starter. Thoughts from those who've tackled a restoration greatly appreciated and also any insights to value range would be welcome. Quote
Reg Evans Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 What tonage rating is it ? Any photos ? Quote
my48stake Posted November 18, 2009 Author Report Posted November 18, 2009 What tonage rating is it ? Any photos ? I'm traveling so I won't be able to get any photos up until the weekend. I think it's a 1 1/2 ton but I need to confirm. Quote
oldmopar Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 If it is a chance to work with and spend some time with your son the restore it. It does not matter if it gets done the memories it will create will be worth more then the money spent. Quote
my48stake Posted November 18, 2009 Author Report Posted November 18, 2009 If it is a chance to work with and spend some time with your son the restore it.It does not matter if it gets done the memories it will create will be worth more then the money spent. Agreed. I'll definitely do a project with him so the question is really whether I do this one of something else. Since he'll be taking drivers ed within a year we may focus on a project that's more of a fun first car for him. Quote
austinsailor Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 If I had a truck like that had been in my family since new there is no way I'd part with it, end of story. Quote
my48stake Posted November 18, 2009 Author Report Posted November 18, 2009 What tonage rating is it ? Any photos ? It's a model B-1-D-126 Quote
dparksie Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 I'm in the same boat. Just started playing with a 47 sedan. My kids and I enjoy the project. Do NOT part with her she is family at this point. If it does not get done in "time" it doesn't matter the fun is in the time you spend with your son "working" on it. Quote
Merle Coggins Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 A 1 Ton stake body that's been in the family since new... I'd keep it too. Get 'er runnin', get the brakes working and safe, clean it up, and have the boy take his driving test in it. Imagine the license tester's expression when he pulls up in the 'Ol Dodge for his test. :D If he can pass in that he could drive just about anything. Merle Quote
austinsailor Posted November 18, 2009 Report Posted November 18, 2009 You mention restored. You also mention that you think with little effort you could get it into a running state. Get it into a running, driveable state, then think about it some more. Not every one of these has to be a restoration. Just make a driver out of it. I recently bought a '48 B1B that had been in a barn for 20+ years and my goal is to drive it just as it came out of the barn. At least to the casual observer. It's got new brakes, seals, hoses, brake lines, cylinders, all that. But it looks like it just came out of the barn. You might find that you get quite a bit of enjoyment out of it just as it is. And I'll be your son will for sure. Quote
my48stake Posted December 7, 2009 Author Report Posted December 7, 2009 Finally got some pic's uploaded. http://gallery.me.com/ronrath#100008 Quote
Mike Aubin Posted December 7, 2009 Report Posted December 7, 2009 That is way to nice of a truck to sell. Definately, make it a project to work on with your son. He might not fully appreciate the time quality time that you'll spend with him now but he will later in life. Quote
MBF Posted December 7, 2009 Report Posted December 7, 2009 Wow-I wouldn't give that a 2nd thought-that is a keeper and project for sure-you're starting out with something in much nicer shape than a lot of us have, and it has family roots too. Mike Quote
Young Ed Posted December 7, 2009 Report Posted December 7, 2009 For sure. Thats an easy project. You would have quite a presentable truck after just getting it running/stopping. Quote
Merle Coggins Posted December 7, 2009 Report Posted December 7, 2009 That truck is in GREAT shape. Get it running and stopping and enjoy it. Merle Quote
grey beard Posted December 8, 2009 Report Posted December 8, 2009 MY48stake, I have a good freind near Fenton. He is a great guy that you should learn to know. Please e-mail me off-foum sometime at your convenience. oldabe@copper.net Quote
my48stake Posted December 8, 2009 Author Report Posted December 8, 2009 MY48stake,I have a good freind near Fenton. He is a great guy that you should learn to know. Please e-mail me off-foum sometime at your convenience. oldabe@copper.net done Quote
greg g Posted December 8, 2009 Report Posted December 8, 2009 Whats to restore???? Just detail that puppy up and enjoy it. Some cleaning and some new material onthe seat. Truck is in great shape for its age. Quote
pflaming Posted December 18, 2009 Report Posted December 18, 2009 WOW! Chrome the wheels, put radial tires on, wide single tires on the rear and change the differential so you can cruse at 65 and ENJOY! Just my taste! Quote
coW52Dodge Posted December 18, 2009 Report Posted December 18, 2009 Restore? What restoration is necessary?? That truck is already in its work clothes - why shine it up more! Fix the seat, chase the mice out, get it to be safe and roll it around to blow the spiders out of the exhaust. It will be a fun smaller project for you and your kid. Quote
my48stake Posted December 23, 2009 Author Report Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for the encouragement. Looks like we'll work to get her running. Put in a battery and some fresh oil & gas. It turns over but no spark so I think I'll tackle that first. Quote
pflaming Posted December 24, 2009 Report Posted December 24, 2009 Be prepared to get a new fuel pump. My 20 year old pump worked for about five minutes then the "new gas" ate it up. Quote
my48stake Posted December 24, 2009 Author Report Posted December 24, 2009 Be prepared to get a new fuel pump. My 20 year old pump worked for about five minutes then the "new gas" ate it up. thanks for the tip. I'll be on the lookout for that. Quote
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