Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT My Garage, My Truck and the Spit!

[Ford52PU]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1056397&stc=1&d=1601571981

I've been on the list for a few years now but never started a Thread before but wanted to share something I did in my Garage. I have a 52 Ford F1 pickup. I got it almost 14 years ago as a 50th Birthday present to myself. It had been parked in a garage since 1985 and was in sad shape.The PO had Painted with Rustoleum and a brush, most of the holes were filled with window screen and bondo but I loved it.
Got it home and started working on it. Got it running and drove it from 2006 until 2014 when I thought I'd fix it up a bit. Well 6 years later and I finally painted it a few weeks ago and am starting to put things back together. My painting skills are pretty bad, it has more orange peel than the state of Florida but I'm happy with and will sand and buff and try to improve it but at least I can start to use it again. The first picture of the complete truck was before I started. I did it all in my 24X24 garage.

 

[jon72vega]

Dennis,
Your truck looks good!
Good job!

 

[captain14]

The truck looks good in the photos. Did you take any more photos during the process to post?

 

[redisthefastestcolour]

Dennis,
great truck!
I can imagine the joy, driving that beauty!

 

[Ford52PU]

Thanks Jon!

Captain14 I've taken too many pictures. Maybe I'll add a few more to this thread. Thanks!

Red right now I can only imagine driving it but soon I will!

 

[Ford52PU]

Thought I'd post a few more pictures of the things I did during my Truck restoration.

I've learned that Rust is an equal oppurtunity offender. I had rust in the fenders both front and rear. The bed was in bad shape. I could not affford to replace a lot so I had to repair everything with my 110Volt gas Mig welder. I cut out a lot of metal that was bondo packed window screen that was seemingly everywhere.
I think its better now but bodywork is definitely an not my next profession.

 

[jon72vega]

Thought I'd a few more pictures of the things I did during my Truck restoration.

I've learned that Rust is an equal oppurtunity offender. I had rust in the fenders both front and rear. The bed was in bad shape. I could not affford to repalce a lot so I had to repair everything with my 110Volt gas Mig welder. I cut out a lot of metal that was bondo packed window screen that was seemingly everywhere.
I think its better now but its definitely an not my next profession.

Dennis,
I always like to see as many pictures as possible of what goes into a restoration.
It gives me a greater appreciation of the finished vehicle.
Good work!

 

[Ford52PU]

Whenever time allows I'm in the garage putting things back together. This weekend I finished the Drivers side. Got the running board mounted and the rear fender and got the front fender bolted to the running board. Those rear fenders are heavy and to get them in place and get a nut on the fender bolt without scratching anything is a job.
Also got the FORD script painted on the tailgate.

Pictures for your enjoyment or amusement.

 

[Ford52PU]

Still putting things back together. Hopefully this weekend I'll get it out on the road again.

 

[captain14]

Thanks for the update. I hope you have good weather for the drive.

 

[Iowafox]

This is looking great!! I love seeing this and I know exactly what your talking about. I have a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme not as cool as your truck but it's all mine and i'm happy. I am a shade tree and try fixing it as time allows as well. I am currently waiting for my hood to come back from a buddy who is fixing it and getting it straight. I plan over winter to redo the brake lines and change all fluids and try rebuilding the Carb. I want to get it out and drive it this coming year a few times. As long as gas prices aren't to outrages. I love old Ford trucks like this it is looking killer!! I think what would be kinda cool is make the grills "teeth" red white and blue for a more unique look.

 

[Ford52PU]

Thanks Captain.
Iowafox, I'm trying to make it as original as possible, I've seen people even add teeth to these grilles or get them chromed but I'm trying to stay as original as possible. Good luck with your Cutlass. We rented a 1980 Cutlass Supreme on our honeymoon and thats always been a car I'd like to own but never did. Good luck with your project.

 

[jon72vega]

Dennis,
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

 

[Los_Control]

Is that the original flathead 6 in there? I always loved the 51-52 fords. I had one in school, 51 ford with flattie v8. That motor would talk to ya.
I always wanted another. I ended up with a 49 dodge instead. Currently working on it. Not restoring it, just repairing it to be a daily driver ... includes paint. Original paint needed repaired
Nothing fancy, Rustoleum primer and gloss black paint from tractor supply. I am welding in patches where needed, fixed a few dents but left more then fixed for character. Hope to drive it some year soon. Been working on it 2 years now.
The flathead 6/3 on the tree works fair .... did I mention I have a 1951 239 ford flattie on the engine stand with a 4 spd transmission? decisions .. decisions.
I love your truck and has a special place in my heart.

 

[84GT350Annv]

Nice looking 52. Nothing better than the feeling of accomplishment when the plan comes together. Glad that you will be getting her back on the road.

I too love old Fords. After the whole pandemic hit I decided it was time to rebuild the front end on my 52 Ford Crestline 2dr HT. None too soon let me tell ya.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Los_Control]

The picture of when I bought mine and current. Am retired on disability and do things much slower then most people .... I find it therapeutic. Lifting, bending, stretching, thinking. Learning new things & skills.
Enjoy the process.
Oh well pics not working today?

 

[Ford52PU]

Los Control, no the engine is a 223 out of a early 60's ford of some type it was replaced long before I got the truck. I did do a 12volt upgrade to it, as the wiring was mainly lamp cord and romex. Thanks for stopping by.

 

[Ford52PU]

84GT,
It is nice to get it back together but now its put away for winter.
Thanks for stopping by.

 

[Ford52PU]

Havent had a lot of free time, cant wait to retire in December but had the truck out the other weekend. Just some ramdom pictures I took.

 

[jon72vega]

Havent had a lot of free time, cant wait to retire in December but had the truck out the other weekend. Just some ramdom pictures I took.

Dennis,
The truck is looking good!

 

[Ford52PU]

Its been a while since I posted on this, I retired in December, had my hip replaced in April so it was early June before I got back in the garage much, then we got hit with a nasty hot summer which is still happening right now but I have managed to finish my truck bed. I bought a red oak bed kit last fall, my bed is tweaked, rusted and overall should have been replaced so I did the right thing and tried to fix it. I welded in some new pieces smathered some paint on it. A lot of sanding, staining and sealing and it is what it is. It looks ok from a distance.

 

[jon72vega]

That looks great!

 

[Ford52PU]

Thanks !

 

[Jayman17]

Awesome truck that looks good to me, I love trucks from the fifties, both Ford and Chevy.
Hope you enjoy driving your truck around town!

Jay

 

[Spareparts]

Your truck looks great and I bet it is a joy to drive, it makes you feel good when you come out of a business and a
couple of people are admiring it. Just got my 65 GMC SWB on the road a couple of months ago, started on it in 2006
my retirement present to me. Wife and I went to a family dinner in Illinois, a 700 mile trip to have dinner and come back home
everything went good. You are right on the wiring on these old trucks, I did the complete harness on my truck, I think I would have
been off both time wise and $$$$ wise getting a universal wiring harness than building my own. Enjoy yout truck, I do mine, so much
I sold my Silverado and it is my daily driver.

 

[Ford52PU]

Back in March I ordered a new Truck to use with the camper. Just brought it home today, now I have a 52 and 22!

 

[captain14]

I like that color blue on the new truck. Do you have a garage for the new truck also?

Does the old bed drain water or is it just the wood bed floor?

Was that a retirement present to yourself?

I’m on almost at two months from my foot surgery. Doctor says he usually full recovery is 3-4 months, so I know the completely bored process. I told him instead of doing things, now I just add more things to the list. First thing is to strip and install new shingles on my shed.

 

[Ford52PU]

I really don’t have room for the new truck in my garage, one side has the 52 and the other side is projects I never finish!

The bedwood has no metal under it other than the support pieces that bolt to the frame and in turn you bolt the wood to them. I haven’t washed it since the bed wood is completed. Hopefully it will drain ok.

Yes, The new truck is my retirement gift to myself. I deserve it, at least that’s what I told my wife.

Good luck with your recovery!

 

[strokinhorns]

Dennis, your truck looks great. I have a few years until retirement, but my hope is to have a similar project complete by that time. I am looking for a 51 or 52 F-1 also. I'm in no hurry and something will come up at entirely the wrong time I am sure. LOL. Enjoy your retirement and your truck,

Marty

 

[LutzTD]

that wood bed looks fantastic, really makes those old trucks stand out. congrats and enjoy!

 

[jollygreengiant]

The '52 is looking really good! Oh, and the '22 is pretty sharp too.

You should get some pics of the two of them side by side. It would be neat to see the changes over 70 years.

 

[Ford52PU]

Haven’t posted much on my own thread because nothing much happens during the cold weather in my unheated garage but things might get interesting. I just made an offer on a 1966 Triumph Spitfire. It belongs to the father of an old friend. It’s has sat since 1989 and most likely will need everything. I saw it yesterday for the first time in person aired up all 4 tires but it’s froze up. I’m guessing brakes. Won’t know until May if my offer is accepted. I used to have a Triumph Stag but a Spitfire is a totally different animal. I said I would never get another British car but who knows.
Someone stop me before it’s too late!!

 

[jon72vega]

I think you will have fun with it, get it if you can!

 

[HogDude]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1056397&stc=1&d=1601571981

I've been on the list for a few years now but never started a Thread before but wanted to share something I did in my Garage. I have a 52 Ford F1 pickup. I got it almost 14 years ago as a 50th Birthday present to myself. It had been parked in a garage since 1985 and was in sad shape.The PO had Painted with Rustoleum and a brush, most of the holes were filled with window screen and bondo but I loved it.
Got it home and started working on it. Got it running and drove it from 2006 until 2014 when I thought I'd fix it up a bit. Well 6 years later and I finally painted it a few weeks ago and am starting to put things back together. My painting skills are pretty bad, it has more orange peel than the state of Florida but I'm happy with and will sand and buff and try to improve it but at least I can start to use it again. The first picture of the complete truck was before I started. I did it all in my 24X24 garage.

Love your truck and the story makes it even more interesting.
Job #1 Enjoy the truck (and the journey).

 

[jollygreengiant]

Stop you? You've come to the wrong place if you want people to talk you out of buying a car lol. Hopefully there's good news in May!

 

[Ford52PU]

Finally had Ol’ Red and Big Blue out at the same time so I got a quick picture. Had to clean the garage today as tomorrow I’m bringing home a roommate for the 52. Hopefully all goes well

 

[Ford52PU]

Yesterday I brought home my 1967 Spitfire thats been sitting since 1990 with 1988 inspection. I was told it was a 66 but title says otherwise. Got it home and today cleaned it up. I knew there had been rust repairs done and the floors were shot. The PS floor is all fiberglass mat and the DS floor is 3/4" plywood the seat tracks were held in with wood screws. I'm glad for my mig welder!! I soaked the cylinders last night with Marvel, PB blaster and ATF today I cranked the engine over and its seems fine. I'm happy and will keep progressing

 

[jon72vega]

I'm looking forward to updates on your new project.

 

[Ford52PU]

Only progress yesterday was that I got 4 new plugs and an oil filter. Bought the cheapest oil filter in Walmart which was a Fram but it won’t be there too long just don’t won’t to use the old Motorvator K20 from KMart that was in there from like 1988 or older. Got to take apart the SU HS2 carbs to clean things up. Never did them before been watching Ytube videos now I’m an expert!!

 

[Ford52PU]

After cleaning the SU HS2 carbs, getting the engine cranking after it soaked since Sunday in Mystery oil and then blowing it out and installing new plugs the spitfire fired up and ran this afternoon! I’m pretty stoked about this.