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07-27-2016, 04:32 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Visalia, CA
Posts: 15
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Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Okay here goes nothing - first post!
What I would like to ask the community is this: What do you wish you would have done differently on a task you paid someone else to do? It could be you wish you did it yourself, not at all, shopped it around more, different part, or whatever. Any experience you share will be appreciated. I've been observing this forum for a while and I think the community is fascinating. The one thing you should know is that I'm a complete rookie and way in over my head at this point, but hope to be treading water soon. Everyone has a first day - today is mine. I'm here is because I was able to inherit my Grandpa's 1949 F1. My uncle put a new engine, transmission, and some paint in it many moons ago and it's time for a full restoration so I'm just looking to gather a lot of information so I can make good decisions. |
07-27-2016, 05:24 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tinley Park Ill
Posts: 1,061
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Rule No.1 Start with the Car in the BEST possible condition you can afford. It will save you a lot of Time and Aggravation
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07-27-2016, 05:25 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North of sandy ago, CA.
Posts: 2,064
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Welcome to the Ford Barn.
I have 2 1950 F1s. First, will the engine start and run? Does the radiator hold coolant? Is there old gas in the tank? How are the tires, and brakes? Are the license tags current? Do the lights work? After sorting these out, drive it a little, see how it fells. Then you will be best judge of what it needs. I like the color. Best advise I can give you is drive it. Bruce
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Works good Lasts long time |
07-27-2016, 05:27 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: West Hammond, Illinois
Posts: 2,793
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Try and assemble a good collection of reference material that pertains to your vehicle.
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07-27-2016, 05:31 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Massillon, Ohio
Posts: 783
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
My comment at age 71 and finding it hard to work on them: "Buy it done and avoid the fun." I agree with the other posts though. A lot depends on what you can do such as body work,sanding etc. Try to find good vendors for machine shop work,electrical (generator and starter),radiator shop etc. Don't be hesitant to ask questions here.There are a lot of guys that will help answer your questions having "Been there-done that."
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07-27-2016, 05:35 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: tasmania
Posts: 221
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
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07-27-2016, 05:39 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SoCal-Redlands
Posts: 3,020
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Once you start disassembling take photos, lots of photos. Label everything you take apart even if you're sure you'll remember how it goes back together or where it came from.
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Making the simple complicated for over 30 years. |
07-27-2016, 05:47 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Shelton, WA
Posts: 3,800
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Welcome, you will find lots of ideas here. I got my first car (model A) at age 12, I am 66 now. I learned how to do mechanical and body/paint work because I couldn't afford to pay anyone to do it for me. With the internet, your learning curve today can be vastly quicker then us old guys and help and advice is quickly available. If your truck came from your area it is probably pretty rust free. If so, you are WAY ahead of the game no matter whether you do a full restoration or just make a driver out of the truck.
I look forward to reading about your plans and progress. Don't hesitate to ask when facing an issue you are unsure of. Good luck! |
07-27-2016, 05:52 PM | #9 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Visalia, CA
Posts: 15
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
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07-27-2016, 05:54 PM | #10 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Visalia, CA
Posts: 15
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
This community really is amazing - thanks to everyone who has replied so far. Some really good suggestions.
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07-27-2016, 05:57 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Kaufman, TX
Posts: 822
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Don't throw anything away until you are satisfied the job is complete!!
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Marvin Fagan 214-697-8430 |
07-27-2016, 06:25 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Little of both, I like the Ford F-Series Trucks Shop Manual.
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07-27-2016, 06:29 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,753
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
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07-27-2016, 06:45 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 756
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
I have considerable mechanical background but was new to Ford flatheads two years ago. I completely missed the mark in my estimation of cost to get my 39 PU running after sitting idle since 1973. The extra cost has required extra time.
If you have never done significant mechanical rebuild projects, you will underestimate the time required. It's nothing like TV or "Overhaulin" except you can tear it apart in a few days. My chief regret is the time I spent in the garage might have been better spent with my little girls. Its good therapy and my wife has often noted that I generally return from the garage in a much better mood than when I started but I am starting to resent the time demands. There is also the amount of the family treasure devoted to something that is somewhat selfish. I've done it cheaper than most because every component I have rebuilt myself. I have paid to have 4 things done, hot tank the engine, hot tank the radiator, cut new glass and mount the tires. I have been through the axel, suspension, trans, engine, steering, all the engine accessories, wiring and some body work including repairing a split and mashed rear fender. Its your time or money, if you are a novice double or triple the time required due to the learning curve. Also consider the tools you have available, I assume since you said you are new to this your available tooling is limited? Your profile did not indicate your age or where you are in life, I am assuming you are younger since you said you inherited the truck from your grandfather. If you are a young guy with kids, wife, and all that entails seriously consider the advice to get the truck running safely first. The cost in time, money and opportunity will be much more affordable. Last edited by SofaKing; 07-29-2016 at 11:55 AM. Reason: Nobody ever laughs, guess I'm not funny... |
07-27-2016, 07:19 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Waddell, AZ
Posts: 2,540
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
welcome to the 'Barn.....as you can see, there is lots of help here....and lots of people who have pickups similar to you that should be able to help.....what do you mean by full restoration??....body off frame and everything looking like new when done??...like it came off the showroom floor?....or are you looking for get it able to drive and have fun with it safely.....main thing is having fun....good luck....Mike
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07-27-2016, 07:26 PM | #16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hansville, WA
Posts: 776
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Quote:
Les Wiliams |
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07-27-2016, 07:34 PM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Sugar Land, TX
Posts: 4,395
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Quote:
Hardest lesson to learn IMHO is deciding what you want. If what you have is not what you want sell what you have and buy what you want, even if what you have was given to you. You will be much $$$ ahead in the long run. Why can't I follow my own advice? Took me 6 cars to figure out I wanted one restored to pretty high standards and what I bought all needed restoration! |
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07-27-2016, 09:22 PM | #18 |
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 524
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
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07-27-2016, 09:37 PM | #19 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Huntsville Al
Posts: 1,526
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
Three things I can think of right off that I learned:
1 .NEVER tell a body man or a mechanic that you are not in a hurry! They assume you might want it done next year if you do. 2 .After paying to have cars painted looking like something I could do better, I learned to paint. 3 . No one you pay will take as great a pain in getting it right as you will unless you find someone who really loves their work.
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Matt 24:36-41 |
07-27-2016, 10:26 PM | #20 |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NM
Posts: 2,438
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Re: Restoration Regrets/Learning Experiences
What I learned is that you only want to do body/paint work once. I had a good shop do what they could for the money I had at the time. Now I have more money and time, am I inclined to completely disassemble a "finished" truck to do it over? Not likely.
The workshop manual really isn't as detailed in some key areas as it could be; it assumes you are a Ford garage mechanic who has worked on older Fords already. A bug help is the 48-56 Ford F-Series Parts catalog on CD: http://www.hipoparts.com/1948-56-for...ts-catalog-cd/ Once you master Ford's part numbering scheme, it makes it a breeze to find new / used / repro parts. The illustrations are excellent. Many of the illustrations are also available here: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...gs_engines.htm But it's not as exhaustive.
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