Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Started a patch on the kick panel cover thingy, while I waiting to get all the door parts in.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

I'll throw in my two cents and say you should stay with a straight six. I have a little 283 in my '55 but if it had come with the original 235 I'd have kept it. I'm in no rush horsepower wise and EVERYONE puts a small block in these trucks. Besides, they can look so cool:

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps553816ca.jpg

By the way, since you said you have no experience with '50's vehicles, you know these trucks came with a 235 and not a 250, right? That was a later era engine. Personally if I were picking a straight six I'd pick the big sixties era 292. They can be made to run really strong and you could still dress one up as nicely.

Looking forward to seeing your progress and on a personal note, I hope your prayers are answered and you have as many children as you want. Best, Dan

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Thank you, I'm so ready to have some more kids. Yea, I have a good running 250 and a 350 sitting around the house so one will find its way in truck. I agree 350s are in everybody's truck seems like and I like being different. And sixes look so sweet.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

I think half the fun of driving an old vehicle is the way they drive. When you put a V8 and auto you lose that. But each of us has their own idea of what their truck should be and what fits them.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

nice progress on the vehicle =0)

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

I agree, I don't like them so upgraded that it's lost all of its nostalgia.

Thanks

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Been awhile...... Got the door metal replaced finally, after putting several hours in it. Still need to body work on the body line where it meets the fender but that will come when i check it all together. First try at this much metal repair not perfect, hope it fits in the opening :lol:

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Looks like a good repair.
Kim

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Thanks, got to fix couple of the hinge bolts before trying it.:hh:

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Test fitting the door I think my work might not be in vain, with some work should fit.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Looking good.
Kim

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Thanks I've been working (not because I want to) to much at work since labor day.I haven't had or made time for my projects. Took some holiday time off so trying to get something done, plus I really have to many projects.:lol::smoke:

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Found so time for the 59. Couple of my nuts were broke on bottom hinge one top hinge, so I took a approach at fixing them. Welded nuts to plate and plug weld them in truck. I realize i will lose some side to side movement but I can clearnce the hinge if need be.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Any updates on this? I just love old trucks and you don't have gas on your welder?

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Been working alot on the wife's 67, I did just recently upgraded to a gas welder.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

google cage nuts for weld on versions that allow some movement for alignment purposes. maybe not the greatest for this situation due top access but great for some other stuff. some are pretty cheap on amazon

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Cleaned out the bed today of parts so i could remove the steel plate put in by a previous owner, welded an eye hook to it and picked it up with the hoist. Found some rotten wood lol.Attachment 1862528

Attachment 1862529

Attachment 1862530

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Also got me a front crossmember so i can start the front suspension hopefully soon.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Cleaned the rest of the bed wood out while i had a mess. Kept a couple the best pieces to make a small wood project out of in the future.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Started on the front got the straight axle out.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Oh my what a fight i had with the steering wheel. I didn't know the box and all where made as a unit. So i attempted to remove the steering wheel and it would not budge, broke one of the puller bolts off in the wheel. I didn't want to destroy the wheel, i tried some heat some hammer some prying nothing worked. As bad as i hated to i got the sawsall and cut the shaft behind the wheel.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Cleaned up the unneeded brackets etc. off the frame. Some of those rivets was stuck :lol: Thank God i had an air chisel still gave me a run for my money on a few. Got to get me some steel to start boxing the frame.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Got me some boxing plates made and just a few tacks on them. Did a quick test fit of the crossmember and all looking good.

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

That is one nice crossmember!

Re: Back to the fifties with a 59 project
 

Got it from speedway, very pleased with it so far.