Thread: 1951 Chev truck

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Since sgo70 asked for opinions I played devil's advocate and it got some discussion flowing. Actually a tight stock truck is unusual rather than the norm these days. The truck pictured is a survivor, all there and in running condition. There's plenty trucks of that era to be found without engines, interiors and in need of attention to get back where they belong- on the street.

I say why tear up an running stocker just to prove you can stick a crate motor some corporation built, lower it like every other one out there and scavange a pair of funky bucket seat and a cheezy console with some tilt wheel like everybody else? My statement of going radical is simply for the sake of extreme if you want something to stand out. Seriously, otherwise the truck I described in the beginning of this paragraph is the Clone Ranger of every one we see at every event.

Everybody that actually did innovative work on their trucks is what it is great. My point is if you're gonna get innovative please do so to the max. Don't build another "formula" truck a described by tearing up a nice running original.

I've gotten weary of seeing people "do what they want with their own vehicles" because what they do is too often simple cloning. Sorry but I see way too many vehicles that don't deserve a second glance because they are formulated. Use some friggin imagination instead of running with the pack.

The whole reason to build a ride used to be have something unique. In the last 10 years every twerp who stumbled off the pickle boat believes he "needs" a hot rod instead of his Honda Civic. It's just a status thing now to have a "30s-something" roadster or coupe replica that is as standard in construction as the Honda is. There's too many dorks owning these repro turdwagons that shouldn't. They haven't got any insight to the history of the custom, hotrod or what a modified cars is.

I can go to a cruise and see a dozen 32-34 Fords with 8 using the exact same uninspiring gray cloth interior all with Chevy motors painted in black, red or yellow. I mean WTF, what's the point? No one is expressing themselves anymore. They're just joining the status quo.

A lot of you lived in the 50s and 60s like me and can confirm that folks putting together rides were more varied that today's. There were trends sure but not formulas like today. The whole idea was to be different instead of conform- the message owners/builders have lost today.

It's sad. I miss the variety. Great designer/builders whether aftermarket customizers or factory men have always stood apart from the crowd and their work has illustrated that. So when sgo70 asked about the truck I say do it justice or leave it alone casue we got too many same old ones out there.

That's a lot more input than I ever expected. I really appreciate the different views and opinions, it gives me something more to think about than having one person say "do it this way", even though in the end that might be what I want. I'm pretty new to this hobby, I've been working on my own cars and trucks my whole life cause I couldn't afford to pay anyone else, I've built a couple of choppers too, but there is so much more to know when it comes to this. Some of you have brought up great suggestions that I would have never thought of, and that's why I post on this forum, friendly advise without the ridicule (sometimes).
When I first started my '27 T I was thinking to build a Rat Rod cause I didn't really know any better one way or another. I got lucky and stumbled upon this and a couple of other websites that gave me a whole new perspective of what you can do. So maybe I'm kinda sticking up for the "formula" builders that just maybe didn't know what else could be done.(I don't want this reference to offend anyone )

So for now keep it coming and I'll park it in my driveway, cover it up and finish my car.

Sean

Well I went and bought it today thanks again for all the support, and once again I hope I didn't offend anyone in that last post especially Twitch cause I think that's where I got that "formula" quote from. I think I'm gonna sit on it for a while and really plan out what I want to do, of course I'll keep running my ideas by you guys before I make any cuts. It needs a new floor and the engine and tranny work but I was told it was geared quite low. Might have to do something about the rear axle also. Here are some more pictures, the only rust was on the drivers side beltline that I'll have to fix. If you scroll down a bit there are 4 more pictures, this is from a local website run by Rod the guy I bought the truck off. Check it out:

http://www.vintagerods.ca/showthread.php?t=205

Sean