Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36

[1952henry]

I will enjoy following along.

[Als48]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

The school year 62-63 I worked in the afternoons at an auto repair shop. I was introduced to the Sioux valve grinder early on and became the soul operator. I don't know how many valves I resurfaced that school year but it was a lot. I would venture that most cars end up in the salvage yard before having a valve job now. 60-70 years ago many engines had 2 or 3 valve jobs before their demise.

I remember my grandad Sam's '52 pickup, which was a flathead V8 having trouble with one valve in particular on the passenger side. I think it was the No 3 intake, which was accessible with the sparkplug removed. I would use ATF down the carb once in a while to free it up, but usually required tapping it gently with a screwdriver. It would run fine for a while, but if left sitting for a week or two, it would stick again. It must have been bent a little from someone (maybe a 16 yr old, me) tapping on it with a screwdriver! Ha ha

That was a vehicle I should have kept, scrapped it for $40 in the 70's.

Al Hook

[ronzmtrwrx]

Nice score Michael. That thing looks great. Add me to the camp of leaving it unrestored and just making it mechanically sound. With your track record of impeccable restorations, it’s not like you have to prove you are capable. Lol. I’m looking forward to see what you decide to do with it, and I’ll be on the sidelines cheering you on either way.

[DavidG]

Mike,


A '36 sedan delivery showed up on an episode of "American Pickers". The pickers weren't interested in it so there was only a brief of glimpse of the back of it. That one was a dead ringer for yours. Any connection?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Mike,


A '36 sedan delivery showed up on an episode of "American Pickers". The pickers weren't interested in it so there was only a brief of glimpse of the back of it. That one was a dead ringer for yours. Any connection?

David, frankly, I do not know.
My gut tells me no but one never knows for certain.

[Karl Wescott]

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If you enjoy it, its good. The dark side is a car too good, or too bad to be enjoyed.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Karl Wescott

If you enjoy it, its good. The dark side is a car too good, or too bad to be enjoyed.

Karl, I am really on the fence with this one.
I have always enjoyed the challenge in my attempts to reach perfection. But, as you surely realize, that takes its toll on one's sanity. Well, it did on mine.
I haven't kept a tally, but it does seem as most "votes" come down on the "leave it" column.

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by Kube

Karl, I am really on the fence with this one.

I haven't kept a tally, but it does seem as most "votes" come down on the "leave it" column.

I dunno if you can overcome your perfection DNA or not Mike! I'd recommend driving the beejeepers out of it for a few months right as soon as you get it roadworthy. If ya think someone might see ya in a jalopy put on a big straw hat and the BIG smile will come naturally. If the smile and the joy lingers you have reached nirvana. If not, get all your tools and dollars out and do YOUR thing! We will all understand whichever you do LOL

[deuce5wndw]

If it matters, I'm on the side of leave it the way it is. It can always be restored later but can never go back to the way it was, kind of like virginity!

[slowforty]

In 1964 and 1965 I worked at Habich Ford in Blue Island Il. On the DO Program. Half day at School and Half Day at work. Only hated school for 4 hours a day. Any it was Slave Labor. But I noticed that many customers would rebuild the engines in their 5 or 6 year old Fords. I noticed that ususally a year or so later that they would buy a Ford. Good opportunity to get a decent used up car.

[Kube]

Guys, sorry I have been MIA. Life gets in the way at times causing the time in the shop to diminish.
I have been putzing with this project and still not certain what pat to take, restoration or leave it as it is.
I will admit I have been enjoying this one immensely.
I found the engine to have been rebuilt. I did disassemble it, clean, measure, etc. and reassemble it. I have yet to have the opportunity to fire it up but see no reason why it shouldn't.

[tubman]

When I grow up, I want to be just like you!

[TomT/Williamsburg]

I agree whole heartedly tubman! Enjoy every minute of the build - the “dark side is enlightening” !! Seriously, I do find picking a timeframe for a build helps to focus me. Not that I am a prolific builder by any means, but things do seem to come together easier, the plan solidifies, and you then “see” the result pictured in your mind. Keep it simple and you will have the time of your life with it! Keep chipping away at it!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by TomT/Williamsburg

I agree whole heartedly tubman! Enjoy every minute of the build - the “dark side is enlightening” !! Seriously, I do find picking a timeframe for a build helps to focus me. Not that I am a prolific builder by any means, but things do seem to come together easier, the plan solidifies, and you then “see” the result pictured in your mind. Keep it simple and you will have the time of your life with it! Keep chipping away at it!

Tom, I could not agree with you more.
I am nearly always very focused. My FULL restorations take me between twelve and fourteen months. There was but one that took a little longer, a station wagon.

[sugarmaker]

Michael,
Most of us have heard about your restorations and attention to details. My brain just cant go there. Takes a special talent for sure. I really like the look of this delivery truck. It has sat and waited a long time to be brought back. I would agree that the owner that had the engine rebuilt cared a lot about this vehicle! Then if he passed the folks that cared for it since 1964 respected his wishes. It did not get set out side, it did not get hot rodded, it did not get scrapped, it did not get beat with a baseball bat by the neighbor kids. Someone cared a lot about its past and its owner/s. Now you have the chance to bring it back to life.
As a newbie to this hobby I sure have flapped my jaw to a lot of folks about the ragged old 32 dump truck that we drug home 4 years ago. Three Early V8 meets completely amazed me of how many folks took an interest in it when on display right next to beautiful restored cars and trucks.
I wish you the best. I vote for keeping it as is and getting it very driveable. Which should be a piece of cake for you. Looking forward to following your progress which every direction you go. Glad to hear your having fun. Isn't that what this is really about?
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[Kube]

Originally Posted by sugarmaker

Michael,
Most of us have heard about your restorations and attention to details. My brain just cant go there. Takes a special talent for sure. I really like the look of this delivery truck. It has sat and waited a long time to be brought back. I would agree that the owner that had the engine rebuilt cared a lot about this vehicle! Then if he passed the folks that cared for it since 1964 respected his wishes. It did not get set out side, it did not get hot rodded, it did not get scrapped, it did not get beat with a baseball bat by the neighbor kids. Someone cared a lot about its past and its owner/s. Now you have the chance to bring it back to life.
As a newbie to this hobby I sure have flapped my jaw to a lot of folks about the ragged old 32 dump truck that we drug home 4 years ago. Three Early V8 meets completely amazed me of how many folks took an interest in it when on display right next to beautiful restored cars and trucks.
I wish you the best. I vote for keeping it as is and getting it very driveable. Which should be a piece of cake for you. Looking forward to following your progress which every direction you go. Glad to hear your having fun. Isn't that what this is really about?
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

Chris, I have watched your "journey" with that truck and believe I have commented on it / you a few times. That truck is COOL!

This delivery has been loved, that's for certain. I am amazed that even the top insert is flawless. Usually there are tears, etc.
I started a "poll" in a separate thread asking folks to vote yes to a restoration or to leaving it's patina.

[BlueSunoco]

It's hard to beat a Panel Delivery, very cool old cars...

I could see Moe Larry and Curley pulling up to my house in one, to do plumbing work

[mfirth]

Originally Posted by tubman

When I grow up, I want to be just like you!

Times 2 for me Mike. Denny nailed it. I love the "Barn Guys" ....!!

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Originally Posted by tubman View Post
When I grow up, I want to be just like you!

I also agree with tubman!

[Kube]

Hi ya guys. I'm back. Sorry for the long absence.
In between "life" I have done quite a bit towards getting this one back on the road. Many of you may recall I asked for a vote, "patina" or full restoration. "Patina" won by a landslide and as such, well, I asked and promised to do as you guys voted.
I will do my best to catch up with everyone as to where this project currently is.

I am having a LOT of fun NOT restoring for a change. Who'd a thunk?