I'll Be Riding On Air Shocks

[Jeff Balazs]

Landon;

It isn't any wonder why you fell in love with it. It has buckets of character.    Very....very cool. I love old work trucks too.

How far should you take things? I think a lot depends on how and where you plan on using it.

 

When I began bringing my 52 back to life I had a notion that I would just clean it up and rebuild things as necessary. But because I intend to use my truck as a daily driver here in a very crowded Southern California "certain realities" set in. Stuff like keeping up with the flow of traffic.....stopping on the proverbial dime........3 point seat belts...etc. You will have to be realistic and assess these sorts of considerations as you move forward too.

 

Paul's suggestions are certainly good things to consider. I took these modifications a step farther and used a later Grand Cherokee rear end to gain 12" disc's at the rear as well as a higher final gear ratio. But these decisions are based on how we think we are going to use our trucks. You will have to decide yourself whether any of this is necessary or desirable. The good news is that none of this has much of an effect on the way your truck will look.

 

Good luck with your project......it's a beauty.

Jeff

[1952B3b23]

Landon,

 

I totally agree with the guys about suggesting an updated rear axle and front disc brakes, with the way people drive now in days keeping up with traffic and being able to stop in very short notice will be essential. It is also beneficial becuase then you will be able to find replacement parts much easier than for the older pilothouse running gear. I really like the fact that you plan on keeping the patina look i think that will turn out amazing, the old girl has a story to tell so let her show her true colors  . Very cool ride and im sure she will be a real looker when all said and done. 

 

-Chris

[48Dodger]

Painting the frame does two things:

 

1. Makes you clean it up good and find the cracks (which of course leads to repair)

 

2. Gives the frame the protection its needs for the its second life.

 

When I restore anything, its BRAKES, SUSPENSION, ENGINE/TRANNY, ELECTRICAL, BODY AND PAINT.

Pretty much in that order to ensure saftey and fun.  

 

LOVE the stacks dude!

 

48D