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A Guide to Selecting a Project
Truck
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Continued
All Makes
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POPULAR IS EASIEST
As a rule, sticking to the more popular
trucks makes the restoration of the truck much easier. This is due to the easy
availability of aftermarket parts. The later model trucks by virtue of production length
and the large number still on the road are going to be easier to find part for. This is
not to say you should avoid other types of trucks. A good, complete, original truck of any
model makes for an excellent project.
The best way to buy any truck is to select a truck that is
complete and in the best possible condition you can afford. I would not recommend
purchasing basket cases or trucks that the owner has given up on a restoration. Unless
these trucks are dirt cheap, walk away. Usually the shear number of missing parts makes
these trucks cost prohibitive. Walk away from trucks that are just too much for you to
tackle.
The first time restorer should look for a running truck. A
non-running truck that sits around in your garage is not going to be very popular around
the house. If you can drive it while you work on it, you will enjoy your truck much more.
Of coarse, you will have to lay the truck up for short periods of time to do upgrades and
repairs. But, then your back on the road, enjoying your project.
CHEVROLET: Pre-War 1938 - 1942
These trucks are antiques in comparison to more modern
trucks. Pre-war truck design remain pretty much unchanged until shortly after W.W.II.
These trucks have very small cabs and are pretty much off shoots of the car lines. Parts
availability is fair to good. Body parts are fair. They are more rare and demand somewhat
higher prices than the later trucks. These trucks tend to be too expensive to restore and
driven on a daily bases for the first time restorer. These trucks wind up as Sunday
drivers and show trucks. Pre-War trucks present more of a challenge to restore and are a
more costly project. I don't recommend an early truck for the first restoration or if you
are on a small budget.  [more]
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