You be one lucky guy! Love that truck. Maybe just wash it and tighten everything up. Does is have juice brakes? I have a 36 sedan with mechanical brakes and don't much like them - I'd consider upgrading the truck brakes if it hasn't been done..........
It has mechanical brakes. They work great. I drove the truck last week and was locking up the wheels...of course, there's NO tread on the tires, and they're hard as rocks...We'll see how they work with new rubber.
Two of the other 17" wheels were "repurposed" for use as a spreader. They mounted a banjo rear with the wheels vertical...roll it and the driveshaft spins and turns the spreader. They even put a transmission on top of the rear end so they could adjust the speed of the spreader plate. There's a hopper/feeder on top of the spreader plate. Those were in pretty bad shape, too...Not sure if the rear end of the spreader came from the truck, or if it came from something else...
So I'm thinking of using light wet sanding on the rough bits. You can see the patina on the top edge of the door in this pic. The rust is pretty rough. I think if I sand lightly and then rub that out and add a coat of something to protect, it might look good and still maintain the patina. Thoughts?
Thats a Neat truck Jeff, and it has the hard to find parts already on it. Another inspirational photo for you.....
Personally, that rust on the lower door window frame is part of it's life and I wouldn't touch it. I hang my arm out that side all the time in my 32 pickup so it may bother your bare skin some. If you do sand....go real easy.
I tell you Jeff, that truck you have is the best I have seen. Didn't get a shell or radiator with mine, also no steel toe board. Had some dents in the fenders, so I metal finished em out, that left the original look. Also you can use a scotch brite pad with dish soap and water on the top of that door. It will take the loose rust off and leave the look you're after. After you drive it for a while it will get shinny anyway. When you look at the old Dry Lakes photos, you can always find a 32,33, or 34 PU in the back ground. Some were tow trucks and some push truck. Some stock, and some with speed equipment. The direction you're headed with yours, is going to make a nice old Hot Rod. Now you have to find a belly tank to put behind it. Rich
Small hop up for the mill, heads + dual carbs and lower it in the front, remove stakes/boards, and drive it long, fare and all over. The upgrades can come later, drive it now!
Yes, yes, and yes...but I like the stakes/boards. They give it some real ranch-truck character...am I wrong?
read this thread first... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/how-to-correctly-wash-a-barn-find.809797/
What ever you do: DON'T cut those side boards! They are a piece of the family and truck history. Just remove them and store them away if you don't want them on there. AND since your asking .......... I wouldn't sand anything.... no clear coats... enjoy it or make a Hot Rod out of it.
I agree with first response. Freshen up the stock seat - new rubber and keep it just as it is. What a super neat find! It would be a shame to mess with such a complete survivor. OMHO.
Hell I am more kandy ass than that, put some brakes on it and loose the mechanicals. Oh nice starting place whatever you do with it.
Looks to me like this truck is already part of the way there with the later gauges and flathead! I'm seeing great Sleeper potential in this truck. I think it would go a long way with a hopped up flathead, dual exhaust, added gas shocks, and juice brakes. I'd be inclined to look to bootlegger cars for inspiration.
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