55 Fargo Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Hey all, I am sitting here looking out my front window at my 55 fargo/dodge pickup, and wondering what? This truck will be used for some work,someplay,and will be driven on this very dusty road I live on. It may even be driven at times in winter, when not salty and sloppy, probably not a lot, but once in a while. Here is what I am thinking about, do I get all mechanical in order 1st, or do the general fix-up,on body and paint. She will be getting a fast body prep, some welding,fillers, primer and enamel paint. This will be dones by Me at home,no frame restoring or anything fancy. Mechanical I need the following , shocks, exhaust, clutch job ,with flywheel machining, rear spring lowering, tie rod ends. This and a few other items. Money, the road, and few other things will deter me from a real nice resto on this truck. What would any of you more frugal Guys suggest??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 do the mechanical first, otherwise you will take a chance of damaging the outer panels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted August 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 do the mechanical first, otherwise you will take a chance of damaging the outer panels. Hi Bud, at least the brakes are all new,the more modern rear brakes make a difference too. In time all will get done to my liking,but will take care of things in a priority basis.......thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatie46 Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 If you just sit and look at it you'll lose intrest. Get it to where you can drive it and see if you like it, then go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted August 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 (edited) I am drivin it, just came back from a short drive. It runs very well, but the items I mentioned need attention, as well as body and paint...... Pics take a few minutes back, in front of my Homestead Edited August 17, 2012 by Rockwood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 It's obviously drivable at this point, so it all comes down to what your priorities are. Maybe you could get some of the body work down now before winter sets in, then get back at the mechanicals over the winter if you can work in a garage. Then finish off any other cosmetic work as it warms up again. Are any of the mechanical issues urgent? If so I would address them first. Merle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Fred..this will get you a whole bucket of bait..time to fish.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ggdad1951 Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 I"m not frugal so.... but as others have said, safety first! Brakes and things like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted August 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 It's obviously drivable at this point, so it all comes down to what your priorities are. Maybe you could get some of the body work down now before winter sets in, then get back at the mechanicals over the winter if you can work in a garage. Then finish off any other cosmetic work as it warms up again. Are any of the mechanical issues urgent? If so I would address them first. Merle Thats a good idea Merle, and yes have a heated shop, so I am fortunate... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave72dt Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Break it up into smaller projects. Do a mechanical when there's enough money for one and do things that take time but not a lot of money when it isn't. Welding doesn't cost a lot but does take time. Same with beating out dents and the better job you do of that, the less filler is needed. Don't replace the rear shocks until the rear springs are lowered. You may need a shorter shock. I'd do the suspension and steering items first since the brakes have been redone already. It'll make driving it more enjoyable. Then the clutch for reliabilty and then the exhaust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruffy49 Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 I'd drop the rear end and drive it for awhile to see if that will fit in with how you use the truck. Especially if you live on a rough road. Lowered trucks quite often ride as bad as lifted one ton 4x4s. Figure out if it will work before you get too far into any other phase, you may need to go back to stock. If you only pull a couple leaves out the stock shocks will work for the drop. So you only have to buy one set instead of a short and then stock if you need to go back. After that, whatever seems to need attention first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted August 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 I'd drop the rear end and drive it for awhile to see if that will fit in with how you use the truck. Especially if you live on a rough road. Lowered trucks quite often ride as bad as lifted one ton 4x4s. Figure out if it will work before you get too far into any other phase, you may need to go back to stock. If you only pull a couple leaves out the stock shocks will work for the drop. So you only have to buy one set instead of a short and then stock if you need to go back.After that, whatever seems to need attention first. I have 3 inch blocks in the leaf spring equation. Going to remove those, get new shocks,and keep the stock oem springs as they are. I gotta haul things once in a while, have hauled a yard of sand,and washer and dryer already..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruffy49 Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 My truck's stock springs sag so much from 25 years of cattle and firewood that to actually use it again I'll probably need overloads. Although I do have other trucks for heavy work... 69 D100 with 2000# overloads and cattle racks being the big guy right now. C60 if I really need to move something monstrous. Mine on 15s sits a lot lower than it did on 16s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knighthawk Posted August 19, 2012 Report Share Posted August 19, 2012 Fred, make a list,have it all down on paper infront of you,makes it easier to pick what comes next.....or move to a warmer climate ????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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