I live in NC, and I am a ret Marine . I just went thru a divorce from hell, and after 4 years finally got my 42 back , besides being broke , and out of time and space , I would like to get back on track with the truck. it has a 235 , in it , I took out the old babit motor and put in a 57 235 if I remember, the other motor is in the back of the truck, the truck is outstanding condition no kidding, I am the 3rd owner. I would like to do an old school 235 with some HO, 3 carbs etc,, a good paint job, good gages , I have a set of gears from Patrick’s in the rear so that should help a bit. I also don’t know if it would be less cash to put in a small block Chevy motor with a 2 speed auto and a different rear-end ? I don’t know I will have time or cash to complete it , I live in Jacksonville , if anyone is close to my area and can give me a ball park x to x , please let me know. We all know times are hard , so if you have the time , and need the work and do quality stuff let me know. Thanks Clay Semper Fi ctburtts@ec.rr.com
Gunny, Retired Navy Chief here. You need to set an ultimate goal, i.e. how the truck will be used, who will be doing regular maintenance (wild combos screw up repair people), is there a look or theme you want to achieve, how much can you do yourself, how much budget, tons of questions and only you have the answers. Look at others for ideas. The base hobby shop can be a place to work if you can do your own work. Good Luck. Calvin, Clinton, SC.
Welcome from Rockmart GA. Henrietta the '38 Ford pickup and Ozelle the '55 Ford send friendly horn honks to you and your '42 (Chevy? GMC?) pickup. I'm mostly a Ford guy but like all of them, have a warm spot in my heart for all old pickup trucks. If this is your first build, you couldn't choose a better vehicle to build and learn on than an old pickup like the '41-'46 Chevys. If you've got the time and space to work on it, do as much of the work as you can yourself. Go to some shows and cruises, get to know some of the car guys in your area, you'll find some who will help you and teach you how to do things you don't know how to do. Another option is trade schools in your area where you could take welding, body/paint, upholstery. Either an inline 6 (sounds like you have a good one, I'd be inclined to keep it) or a small block V8 is a good choice. The stock 3 speed transmissions on old Chevy/GMC pickups are the one major weakness they have--they get to where they jump out of high gear. A lot of people use the T-5 5 speed out of an S-10 (I have one in my '38 Ford pickup). If you go that route, the S-10 rear end should be about the right width.
Welcome aboard Devil Dog! Let's see what we can do to get you on a constructive course... I'll send you an email.
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