New to '40's, New to forum...what to do first?

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Sorry to revive this, but I'm about to go back up to cape cod to pick her up. Are there any suggestions for things I should bring as far as tools go? No oil ot fluid leaks, belts are solid, fluid levels are topped off, new tires too. Max speed should be slow just to be safe, I'm guessing? Thanks again for everyone's help here.
 
Here's some rust I was talking about.

ForumRunner_20130505_172526.webp
ForumRunner_20130505_172526.webp
 
that bubbly stuff is all through. it will require attention quickly or that cowl will waste away even quicker than it already is. and it looks like it's through around the seam to begin with. the door looks pretty sweaty as well.
that diamond plate is restraining demons, and they aren't the friendly kind either.
 
It looks pretty bad from the pics, but it can all be repaired. You just need to figure out your level of dedication in regards to getting it done. That's in rough shape even by my standards, but hell they reapaired Steve Austin in to the 6 Million Dollar Man which is really just pennies when talking Government spending.

Bottom line is we will be here to help. I have been around the rot block too many times to count.
 
Well, a) I can't not buy it, as I've already purchased it. And b), that is pretty terrible body rust but unless I'm mistaken, that's what it is, just the body. So I can't really run, especially when the power steering, disc brakes, transmission and all other mechanicals work great. So was this a tragic mistake?
 
So was this a tragic mistake?

That depends how much money you have to fix it. If you throw enough money at a problem, it eventually goes away.
 
Please post some photos of the frame, if you can... seems like Cape Cod cannot have been nice to that, either.
 
Go look at Toomanytoyzz's build thread. Then you will stop worrying about your rust. Every time I start feeling overwhelmed by the Clustertruck, I go catch up on his thread. It's terrifying, but he's doing an awesome job on the repair work. Anything can be fixed, and if it can't be fixed, it can be replaced. That said, depending on what's under that DP, might be more cost effective to just replace the tub.
 
alright thanks guys, I definitely appreciate the help and encouragement. I will try to attach a photo although it makes it look terrible, even though the metal is actually quite thick and its not flaking, just a ton of surface rust.

To answer, I make a moderate amount of money but I'm getting married soon, so thus project will be a long term one. I primarily want to make sure the frame and mechanicals are solid so I can drive and go off road. The body perfection will come with money and time, but that will be over the course of a few years. I want functionality right now.

ForumRunner_20130507_141244.webp
ForumRunner_20130507_141244.webp
 
I'd get after that frame rot really quickly with some wire wheels, rust mort and por 15, then save your Pennies for an Aqualu tub. That way nothing on the tub will be of concern and you can focus on saving the frame. Pay special attention to the rear spring hangers. Try to get rust mort into every crevice in the frame. When you do the Aqualu you can get the frame super clean and maybe even galvanized.
 
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thanks chamba, that is my intention. Would it be possible to restore like that without disassembling the whole truck, frame-off style?

And I heard most people prefer steel...is the aluminum as durable?
 
jamba256 said:
thanks chamba, that is my intention. Would it be possible to restore like that without disassembling the whole truck, frame-off style?

And I heard most people prefer steel...is the aluminum as durable?

I think you could get really close so long as you take off as much as you can to gain access.

In New England I reckon one could argue aluminum is more durable than steel due to its corrosion resistance.

I have a friend who has had an Aqualu tub for over ten years and it still looks as good as it did the day I helped him install it.
 
In New England I reckon one could argue aluminum is more durable than steel due to its corrosion resistance.

I have a friend who has had an Aqualu tub for over ten years and it still looks as good as it did the day I helped him install it.

Aluminum tub is an option and probably better for the northeast.

I'm having Poor Wally in VT redo my tub. I'm helping and will be posting pics. The total cost is around the same as an Aqualu tub but you don't have to pay for shipping. He normally does the interior out of 1/8" steel with 3/16" quarters. Perfect for off-road as you can drag it across a rock without much more than scratching the paint. I'm having him do 1/8" quarters as mine is going to be a resto/driver.


I'm from RI and was going to look at that truck but I found a 78 mustard yellow one that I wanted for similar money. If you want a hand assessing the truck let me know I'm up in Pawtucket.
 
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