So Let's Build a Truck

What I Bought

Having never taken on a full restoration of a rust-bucket, I think we have a suitable challenge. I had a few extra parts to a 1936 Ford Pick-up that I finished up for my brother (Dan) in 1977. He was at least about 85% there, so I cannot really claim to have ever set something up from the ground up. Most of the body work was there, the paint was on, basically just finish the assembly, get the motor running, put some gauges in the unit and wire it up. I did another one for my brother (Bob) in 1979. This was a little more substantial. It was a 1937 truck that I put a 36 grill/shell onto to make it look like a 36, but still, the drivetrain was already put together before I got to the project. This current job is a little more involved.

My restoration done in 1977. I still have this truck for a pattern

I Googled and E-Bay'ed for about the last 2 years before I found a project truck where the seller wasn't wanting a couple of grand for a hulk of some dented up sheet metal. It is crazy what folks are wanting for this stuff these days. I found this unit about 400 miles away from home (just on the edge of my limit of travel for one). It is roached and will take a lot to get it back into some semblence of shape. I might as well test my limits, eh? We'll see if I can keep this German noggin from getting too frazzled in the process.

The Goal for the new truck

The ultimate goal is to produce something similar to what you see to the right. Hopefully, by placing this website online, I will be able to stay focused and get this project completed from start to finish. I will be virtually shut down during the winter months as the shop is not heated. I originally hoped to get this into a rolling chassis and store it in the shop to have my son (Danny) get involved with this as he grows up. Now I am of the opinion that I should complete this truck on my own and keep my other 36 ready for him to de-construct and restore when he is ready. This new 36 will be mine and I will turn my old 36 over to Danny when he turns 18. Mommy has already mandated seat belts. Dad agrees and I plan to put them in mine too.