1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION

Posted by CHARLES on April 24, 2002 at 15:34:03 from (129.59.252.147):

Gentlemen,

After researching the matter for over a year, I am now really confused. I have to reveal my ignorance and nievety (sp?) about the entire matter and start from scratch-I think it is best. I confess that I have gleaned little bits here and there about how to customize a vintage truck, but as these things work as systems rather than invididual components independently, I need to seek the advice of someone who understands the system as a whole much better than I do.

I need a work horse of a vehicle to haul loads of lumber fifty or so miles at 70MPH or better. Of course, a new F350 has been recommended to me time and again, but I suppose that I am trying to adapt my dreams to my situation-trying to get the best of both worlds usually leads us to fail to attain the best of either one. I am stuck on the "look" of the 1940s trucks, but is this enough to warrant the trouble?

I have wanted to acquire one of these old gems and adapt it to fit my needs. I believed that the biggest part of this would involve dropping in a new engine (350 or better-rebuilt) and a new (reblt)transmission. Of course, updating the front drum brakes to disc was one of the "smaller" tasks I had assumed would need to be done. It never occurred to me, however, that the steering components would need to be updated as well.

What would you auto-sages recommend as being the most practical course of action? Should I find a "beater" and replace the cab on the beater with the 40s look I am after, or should I find an old 40s, nearly complete vehicle and update the components as planned? I want the end result to last me either till I die or wreck it (God Forbid.)

Thank you for your tips and try not to shun me too much for being a moron-it isn't always easy.

Follow Ups:

• Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION justin IA 20:07:16 08/28/07 (0)
• Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION cdmn 10:31:58 05/12/02 (0)
• Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION Ludwig - a source! 09:40:18 04/25/02 (0)
• Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION buck 17:07:11 04/24/02 (0)
• Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION John Ne. 15:42:38 04/24/02 (1)
  • Re: Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION Dave Nighswander 19:14:06 05/31/02 (0)

Post A Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: 1940s 1 1/2 TON CUSTOMIZATION-CONFUSION Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.