I'm new to the site and need some advice and would enjoy reading your comments.
I take delivery of a 1976 40 body-on restoration next week. The truck is 95% stock (wagon wheels, am air intake). This will be my second 40. I bought a 79' in high school (1993) but couldn't afford to keep up with the maintenance so I had to sell it in college. The day it sold I promised myself that I would own another cruiser. I'm an idiot mechanically, nor do I have enough time, to go with a project vehicle which is why I went with a cruiser that was freshly restored (original color, interior, mechanics, no rust, straight frame, everything works, etc.). I bought it from an exp. 40 restorer, not from an outrageously expensive custom shop. My plan is to keep the cruiser for as long as I'm alive and as near to stock as possible. It will be garaged and driven weekly. Hard top on in the winter, bikini & SOR top in the spring & summer. My wife and I have 2 boys 7 and 4. The boys are going to need a rear bench seat, and I would like to have a simple radio/2 speaker set-up but more than just the factory am radio (current empty radio slot). Power steering is being added for the boss.
With trying to stay stock what do you guys recommend I do about a radio, speakers, and a rear bench seat (safety is top priority)? I would love to find a confer bench seat. What do you think of SOR's metal speaker boxes that go under the front side kick vents? Should I go with a tuffy console or a shafted radio? Also, I live in Birmingham, AL does anyone have a contact at or experience dealing with Southern Off-Road in Pelham?
Thank you for reading. All comments are welcome and appreciated.
I take delivery of a 1976 40 body-on restoration next week. The truck is 95% stock (wagon wheels, am air intake). This will be my second 40. I bought a 79' in high school (1993) but couldn't afford to keep up with the maintenance so I had to sell it in college. The day it sold I promised myself that I would own another cruiser. I'm an idiot mechanically, nor do I have enough time, to go with a project vehicle which is why I went with a cruiser that was freshly restored (original color, interior, mechanics, no rust, straight frame, everything works, etc.). I bought it from an exp. 40 restorer, not from an outrageously expensive custom shop. My plan is to keep the cruiser for as long as I'm alive and as near to stock as possible. It will be garaged and driven weekly. Hard top on in the winter, bikini & SOR top in the spring & summer. My wife and I have 2 boys 7 and 4. The boys are going to need a rear bench seat, and I would like to have a simple radio/2 speaker set-up but more than just the factory am radio (current empty radio slot). Power steering is being added for the boss.
With trying to stay stock what do you guys recommend I do about a radio, speakers, and a rear bench seat (safety is top priority)? I would love to find a confer bench seat. What do you think of SOR's metal speaker boxes that go under the front side kick vents? Should I go with a tuffy console or a shafted radio? Also, I live in Birmingham, AL does anyone have a contact at or experience dealing with Southern Off-Road in Pelham?
Thank you for reading. All comments are welcome and appreciated.
I am new myself and had some of the same questions. Answers will come soon for sure. This is a great community with lots of great advice for all... Post up some pictures of your new rig... We all love to see what members have especially if they just bought one...
