new years wish

[dan-pa]

happy nwe years to all ya old mother truckeers:

[Mr_Mac]

And a Happy New Year's wish to you as well! :D

[Rich-Md]

Happy New Years Dan. I'm getting ready to order my new IFS from Chasis Engineering this week. I have to get rid of the staight axel. I also came up with a 75 Nova rearend for Free with 3.08 gears. Lots of work ahead in the coming months.

[romeske1950]

Little late, but HAPPY NEW YEARS anyway. Its a good year for me, graduating high school and all in may, woohoo years fly, i got my truck almost 3 years ago with NOTHING right and/or working, the only good i had was that the body was mostly solid and i had alot of parts, and the frame rolled well. The truck had been in an accident with the passenger side frame broke in two and a bent crank. Ive put all my earned money flippin burgers and changin tires into it and ALOT of my best craftsmanship rebuilding everything myself with NO help except advice from here and grandfathers and teachers, etc. I got a new engine (used 216) for $10, yes $10 with a 1967 3speed, which are both in my truck with a 198* camero 3.08:1 rear end and drives and runs like new almost. I rebuilt the breaks myself (had to rebuild the master cylinder with a new piston) and had to COMPLETELY redo the floor, as someone had cut out the entire center portion, and the passenger side was rusted threw. I built my own gas pedal mount in my machine shop at school and did all the body (floor, cowls, corners, etc) and frame welding at school and accually looks good for a 16 year old job (18 now, but 16 when i did all that). I was forced by my parents to relocate the gastank from behind the seat, so i bought a 16 gal 1969 mustang tank and made some strong mounts out of a custom bumper and some iron chisles from homedepot and it holds strong. Took the original gas sending unit and used triganomatry (law of sine) to cut the hight and length to fit the new gastank correctly. WORKS BEAUTIFULLY! I just made a gas cap holder to go over the gas tank so i can use a gas cap instead of aluminium foil and a tie wrap, haha. My mother wanted me to add antisway bars, so i did, easy. Made my own mounts and installed 3 point belts in the the cab, and got a radio and wired up everything i had electrical. Threw turn signals on there and great lighting. I replaced all my glass myself, a TOTAL BITCH to do the front and rear windows. but i got them and no leaks. Seat mounts were cut out when i got it so i took 1955 seat mounts and fitted tehm to my original seat, making 1 in risers for them and slides well and everything. got my door components replaced and such, only the ones that needed it. The bed was something else. I fixed up all the rust holes and cracked spots and mounted it with only 4 bolts, strong though and level. I got 5/16 in plywood, cut it to size, and threw it in as my wood. I got the electric wipers due to the only other crappy option (vacuume). I Have only started to paint my truck, but its solid mechanically. Still got the straight axel in the front and all drums around. Still got the 216 and manual steering. ALL that and i still love to drive it.

I went through a year of driving places and signing papers and apprasals to get my truck leagle. LOST TITLES ARE NOT LOST CAUSES! i got the title today in teh mail and i was so happy because this truck had NO known owner, NO known title and NO history at the texas DOT. I got it vinned off the engine, and then they gave me a real vin number i stammped myself on the door post, went to get inspection and passed easy.

ill tell you, one of the best feelings a kid my age can have is putting so much work and time into this and being able to wrap my hands around the outcome and put my foot down on that gas pedal. Going through all the disappointments of parts breaking and parts needed and custom parts needed to be designed is one of the best things ive experianced.

My truck is not done yet either. I still need to paint, beautify, and eventually update the drive train, but for now, im and in total satisfaction :)

It only seems like yesterday i got that rolling chassis in my front yard. Thank you all for all the help ive got.

[Mr_Mac]

i got the title today in teh mail and i was so happy because this truck had NO known owner, NO known title and NO history at the texas DOT. I got it vinned off the engine, and then they gave me a real vin number i stammped myself on the door post, went to get inspection and passed easy.

It must be a Texas thing! My title actually had the license plate number as the VIN and when I went to get that fixed all they could tell me was that there was no record of the truck ever in Texas. It took a little bit of work but I did finally convince them that the original owner bought it in April of 52 and it was a mistake made when the first title was issued. Seems that government agencies don't like to admit mistakes no matter how old!

At any rate, good for you and post some pics!

[dan-pa]

hi there Rich.Glad too here your doing well.I see your going too a newer front end.Great move.now you can do 120mph in your pu and will be able to stop on a dime.I know it hard to get ride of the dropped front axel.But saftey first and a safer ride in the long ride.Keep us up on the progress .As ya know I used a 79 camaro clip for $50 from the bone yard.The mustang cost,Ya know around (900. from a shop .no more said .good luck,dan