Tailgate, the good and the bad

I bought a tailgate from a guy in Spring, TX who is making modifications to his 1953 f100. The truck was beautifully painted and well cared for. I feel like I practically stole the tailgate from him, but the price must have been right for him as well. Check out these side-by-side comparisons and you will realize just how much time and work I'm saving.

Oh, and if that weren't enough, I got him to throw in these...

while I'm at it

While tearing out the interior prepping for paint I decided to restore the heater. The heater was one of the accessories that is currently running except there was no real air flow. Fearing the worst of corse (replacement costs alot of $$) after pulling it out I noticed someone had been using the squirrel cage blower as a home. Probably mice and not a squirrel. Also the duct work made a great habitrail.
Notice the disgusting pile of bedding. The bucket is full also.

I took a quick wire brush to the box and coated with some primer and a flat charcoal paint. I'm not sure about the color, might go back with a satin black.

Small successes

A smart man told me to celebrate small successes in life. I've been fitting body panels and I'm wondering if I can get a job in Detroit. Take a look at the last post to see the before pics of the hood.

My buddy Terry has been advising me on the bodywork side of this restoration. He says "Take every bit of rust off the metal before you prime. I mean EVERY SINGLE BIT of that cancer!" as he drinks a bud light in the new vortex bottle (it's a fad). He also says "I'm getting lost in the vortex." Anyway, I hope I got the right primer, Terry.

And so it begins

Time to get serious. Beth and I spend a few nights a week out in the garage doing body work. Me on the Ford and her on herself. Beth jogs on the treadmill while I work.

Here I am taking hardware out of the cab. That green you see on the door is the original color. I'm going to change the color to a red to match the community garden theme.

Just a little eye candy.

A little fun along the way

I'm wondering if I can find the right size phone book...

I was watching today as my son Will was working the pedals and making all the appropriate noises. Room, room screeeeech. Someone must have cut him off. Must be driving in Houston. Here is a snapshot of what Will's private heaven looks like (note the keys in his hand)...

Meet the truck

So the first step in any restoration is find the subject. I love the lines of an old truck and if you know me, only a Ford would do. After nearly six months of looking Beth's eyes were tired of rolling every time I was on the computer or saying "look at this honey". It seemed to have worn her down enough where she allowed me to buy this...

It's a 1955 ford F100. I know you are probably thinking to yourself, WOW! That's so pretty I wouldn't even bother restoring it. Funny, Beth doesn't see it that way. Will loves it and I have some strong guidance from Terry, an auto body worker I know through Church, so I feel confident the whole family will grow to love it.

Some more photos...