New Collector needs advice

[edburgess1]

I just had the good fortune to pick up a 1950 Chevy pickup in almost bone stock condition. Since I'm new to this hobby, what's the best way to become acquainted with the vehicle and its systems? I would like to restore it little by little, but want to do it in a logical manner. What are the best resource guides out there?
Thanks! I'm really excited to own this old truck!

[thump16]

you are currently a member of one of the best sources out here for these old trucks. These forums are full of family oriented knowledgeable people who have a passion for trucks. I would start in the projects and builds section to get a feel for whats involved in restoring or getting these old dinosaurs moving again. Then move on with the forum search. It's the best option since sliced bread and has saved me alot of headaches working on my trucks. Enjoy.


Sledge

[sweet70beast]

I agree, there is a lot of good information on this forum which is why I hang out here. Be careful however I have been on other forums that have all sorts of bad or wrong information on them. The best way to really learn about these trucks is to do what you already want to, "restore it little by little". When you read something about your truck go out and check it on your truck see if they are right. Everyone on here had to learn the same way you are so remember there are no dumb questions.

[mr48chev]

Welcome to the board. I'd suggest and believe that most would agree that it would be prudent to buy a copy of the factory service manual that was used in the dealerships. Reprints are available on Ebay and Amazon for around 30.00

There is also a factory "assembly" manual that is available in reprint that has measurements and details on how the various parts of the trucks body and frame go together if you have to get into the body to replace panels that are rusted or damaged.

Even though my truck is as far as you can get from "restored" I still find solid information in the factory manuals when I need to work on certain parts of it.

I'd suggest not going overboard on taking things apart and working on one part or section of the truck at a time

Usually it's brakes, suspension and steering to get it driving safely and then get the engine running just right and then move on to the next thing that needs attention.

Get out the digital camera when you take anything apart and take a series of photos as you take it apart to be able to refer to when you start putting things together. That helps with the where did this spring go or where did this bracket go.

Separate and organize the pieces so that you have them when you go to put them together. Those little plastic containers that things get brought home from the store deli section in work great for keeping small items sorted out and you can label them with a sharpie in case the project takes a few days or more.

If you run into something that you don't understand on the truck, don't be afraid to ask. Someone on here will have the answer or know where to find it.

[edburgess1]

Thanks for the suggestions! Just to get it on the road first, I'm having Austin Speed Shop look at the safety items, and do just what needs to be done to get the inspection sticker. Then it's the maiden voyage to the Sonic for a burger and fries! And maybe to the Continental Club downtown for some blues and a longneck. With Momma, of course.

[OrrieG]

Welcome! Mr48 beat me to the manual comments. Check out the link in my signature, lots of good literature on that site. Also as a collector get your head around the fact that owning and working on these for the pleasure of it is what it is about. Do NOT expect to get the money and you spend on them back as an investment. Even in small increments the cost of improvements adds up. I keep track of my expenses so I have justification for the insurance company and a gauge of what things cost. I quit tracking time years ago. I have an old Valvoline poster in my garage that says "Some people have shrinks, I have my garage." That's my take on it.

[entourageguy]

Welcome. we like pictures!
good advice on here. Manual and assembly manual are a great resource

[oldcouple]

another good resource http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/

[edburgess1]

One of these days I'll learn how to insert pictures...

[OrrieG]

Open “Manage Attachments” below the main text window.
Use the “browse” feature, you can upload up to 5 pictures.
Find the picture on your computer, it will automatically be resized or you will get an error message.
JPEG photos show up as pictures. PDF files show up as links.
Once you have the pictures selected, click “upload” it will take about 30 seconds depending on size.
Close the window, then preview your post to see if the photos are what you expected. If not you can go back into the Manage Attachments and delete them.

[edburgess1]

Here's a couple of pictures of my new ride. It's what I'd call "John Deere Green."

[72ArizonaBurb]

Welcome. Great looking truck you have there. Looks like you won't have to do much to it.

[mknittle]

Welcome, and nice truck!
stovebolt.com also has a lot of info on mostly restoration.

[11Chuck]

I like to take it completely apart and keep my bolts in one box so I don't loose them.
Posted via Mobile Device

[OrrieG]

Here are some tips I have picked up over the years. There is another thread on this but I could not find it. Sorry in advance for the novel!

1. Document everything. Photograph, more is better. I photo my disassembly. And I now print out the photos and put them in a binder in case the original format changes (got caught on that with my first two year teardown on video camcorder format). On something I make sketches in a notebook to explain the photos.
2. As you take things a part bag and tag them. It also helps to clean as you go, so when you start reassembly you can just open and assemble. I store the individual bags in coffee can by sub assembly (front clip, engine, bed, cab inside, doors, etc.). I have two big tubs, one for the uncleaned parts and one for finished stuff.
3. Keep a note book handy. Use it to document stuff you find is missing, stuff you need to buy, stuff you need to figure out.
4. Keep your receipts organized. Never know when you might need to figure out where that part came from. I have an excel spread sheet that lists the supplier, store or shop; what the part or work was; and what it cost.
5. Do NOT track your time, it will drive you crazy and get you depressed.
6. In your note book have a section on your teardown and rebuild sequence. Note critical path milestones that will cause work to stop. Break down big tasks in to workable small tasks so you do not get overwhelmed and disappointed in your progress.
7. Look at the build threads here to get a reasonable handle on how long it takes to do stuff. It ranges from guys like me that are taking years to the pros that knock out a truck in 4-6 weeks with a shop full of employees and support suppliers, fabricators, etc. In my build thread I try to list the time it takes me to do something so others will have realistic expectations.
8. Ask questions, lack of knowledge is not a bad thing. It is better to ask and do it right than have to ask how to fix the screw up. This is a very good group of guys otherwise I would not stay here; I have bailed on half a dozen car sites because of the bs and back biteing.
9. Two signs I have in my shop “If you don’t have time to do in right, how are you going to have time to do it over?” and “Some people have a shrink, I have my garage”. Both put it into perspective. I was impatient as a youth, I now know when to take a break. It is amazing how clear some things become when you just let them sit and come back later. I have multiple task lists so I do not get bogged down doing one thing. I am currently doing final body work and blocking, takes a lot of time and can be mind numbing boring. I alternate one day for body work, one day for something else.
10. Buy good tools, crappy ones just hurt your body and mess stuff up. I have the same set of Craftsman tools I bought in 1973 (actually my third set the other two were stolen). Along the way I have accumulated more. I am on my third ½” rachet under the lifetime warranty. There are lots of threads on this. Most of mine I have gotten at yard and estate sale, good tools do not wear out (my flaring tool is from the 30’s, I use my great grandfathers carpentry tools some from the 1800’s, and I got a great set of micrometers and dial indicator set from a retiring machinist in the 80’s for a song because the guy liked my attitude!). Harbor Freight has its place for tools that will not be used much. If you are going to use them a lot (die grinders, da sanders, drills, 4” grinder etc.) buy good quality. Same with expendables like drill bits and hacksaw blades.

Hope this helps and I did not offend!

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Here are some tips I have picked up over the years. There is another thread on this but I could not find it. Sorry in advance for the novel!

1. Document everything. Photograph, more is better. I photo my disassembly. And I now print out the photos and put them in a binder in case the original format changes (got caught on that with my first two year teardown on video camcorder format). On something I make sketches in a notebook to explain the photos.
2. As you take things a part bag and tag them. It also helps to clean as you go, so when you start reassembly you can just open and assemble. I store the individual bags in coffee can by sub assembly (front clip, engine, bed, cab inside, doors, etc.). I have two big tubs, one for the uncleaned parts and one for finished stuff.
3. Keep a note book handy. Use it to document stuff you find is missing, stuff you need to buy, stuff you need to figure out.
4. Keep your receipts organized. Never know when you might need to figure out where that part came from. I have an excel spread sheet that lists the supplier, store or shop; what the part or work was; and what it cost.
5. Do NOT track your time, it will drive you crazy and get you depressed.
6. In your note book have a section on your teardown and rebuild sequence. Note critical path milestones that will cause work to stop. Break down big tasks in to workable small tasks so you do not get overwhelmed and disappointed in your progress.
7. Look at the build threads here to get a reasonable handle on how long it takes to do stuff. It ranges from guys like me that are taking years to the pros that knock out a truck in 4-6 weeks with a shop full of employees and support suppliers, fabricators, etc. In my build thread I try to list the time it takes me to do something so others will have realistic expectations.
8. Ask questions, lack of knowledge is not a bad thing. It is better to ask and do it right than have to ask how to fix the screw up. This is a very good group of guys otherwise I would not stay here; I have bailed on half a dozen car sites because of the bs and back biteing.
9. Two signs I have in my shop “If you don’t have time to do in right, how are you going to have time to do it over?” and “Some people have a shrink, I have my garage”. Both put it into perspective. I was impatient as a youth, I now know when to take a break. It is amazing how clear some things become when you just let them sit and come back later. I have multiple task lists so I do not get bogged down doing one thing. I am currently doing final body work and blocking, takes a lot of time and can be mind numbing boring. I alternate one day for body work, one day for something else.
10. Buy good tools, crappy ones just hurt your body and mess stuff up. I have the same set of Craftsman tools I bought in 1973 (actually my third set the other two were stolen). Along the way I have accumulated more. I am on my third ½” rachet under the lifetime warranty. There are lots of threads on this. Most of mine I have gotten at yard and estate sale, good tools do not wear out (my flaring tool is from the 30’s, I use my great grandfathers carpentry tools some from the 1800’s, and I got a great set of micrometers and dial indicator set from a retiring machinist in the 80’s for a song because the guy liked my attitude!). Harbor Freight has its place for tools that will not be used much. If you are going to use them a lot (die grinders, da sanders, drills, 4” grinder etc.) buy good quality. Same with expendables like drill bits and hacksaw blades.

Hope this helps and I did not offend!

All good points. especialy ask guestions

[LEEVON]

1) This forum
2) Service and assembly manuals
3) Stovebolt.com

[edburgess1]

I think the first thing I'm going to do is get all the garage sale crap out of the garage and find my tools! That's a project in itself.

[mknittle]

might have to drill and blast

[jackson]

sweet truck . does anyone know where you can get that rear window chrome thats on the rubber of his truck