New project

[GWN7]

Not for me (I'm too old start any more projects). Hauled this home for a buddy. 1945 Chevy "Maple Leaf" 3 ton. His plan is to remove the cab and install it on a more modern truck frame and add a roll back lift. He has the modern frame and engine already.

[Bill Douglas]

It seems a shame. There are so many "hot rod" trucks around, and relatively so few genuinely old trucks around - just my opinion.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

It seems a shame. There are so many "hot rod" trucks around, and relatively so few genuinely old trucks around - just my opinion.

Yea but with a roll back this will become a daily work horse which means a lot of people will see it on the road.

That has to be a good thing.

[GeorgeK]

Didn't MacGyver have one like this?

[johnco]

nice truck! I have the 1/2 ton version sitting in my shop.

[GWN7]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

It seems a shame. There are so many "hot rod" trucks around, and relatively so few genuinely old trucks around - just my opinion.

Have you ever driven any of those "genuinely old trucks" ? We had a 56 Mack at work when I started. Armstrong steering, direct drive (double clutching every shift), spring rates that were stacks of steel (Iron Ass Award). It was a workhorse though. I used to pump water at a second alarm lumber yard fire all night long and half the next day but it was a antiquated POS.

This will be a functioning, fun to drive and look way cool truck when he's finished. One that you can buy tires and rims for without putting yourself in the poorhouse. It's hard to find people who will even work on split rims anymore. He has a 59 Chevy 1/2 ton with a 80's suburban frame.

[GWN7]

Originally Posted by johnco

nice truck! I have the 1/2 ton version sitting in my shop.

Nice looking truck.

[95avblm3]

That is awesome! I'd love to own an old truck someday.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

It seems a shame. There are so many "hot rod" trucks around, and relatively so few genuinely old trucks around - just my opinion.

I understand, and I would agree if it was a pickup, but a 2-ton truck is a lot to just drive around in if you restore it. Whether living with that cab on a daily basis is practical or not would depend on how big you are. Those cabs are cramped, drafty, and noisy. I would think the novelty of its cool looks would wear off after a few days behind the wheel. I'm 6'2" and 230 and the cab of my '47 Dodge gets old after a few hours, especially in traffic. There isn't much legroom and the windshield header is so low I have to bend down and crane my neck sideways to see traffic lights.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by GWN7

Have you ever driven any of those "genuinely old trucks" ?

I have and I still have my heavy truck license. God help everyone else on the road if I ever get to drive a truck again. AND I can still double the clutch through each gear. But I agree they are very hard work to drive in the real world of other people on the road, stop and go traffic.