Ok..I THINK I might be ready...( HURLS..)

[Coffinmaker]

Well I have spent several hours reading post after post and also reading all about some of the builds you guys have done...MAN you guys are awesome..!!!! I am SO GLAD I PICKED THIS SITE...!!! I spent close to 4 hours just reading about the way the builds went....no wonder she complained about NEVER seeing me anymore...LOL...Its all good with me.
ANYWAY,after reading I am pretty sure I better ask these questions FIRST before I get ahead and forget where I am headed. I REALLY wanted to build a Ford Tudor but watching some of the pricing it seems like its is not going to happen,which is ok with me .What I did fall in love with is the older pick-up truck some of you guys built..THEY ARE SO COOL...!! So I started scanning through Evil-Bay and found a few I am interested in....
BUT I need to know a few things first..Ok...remember these are newb question so kinda bear with me in responding...My understanding is that I am ONLY after the cab to start the build..? Do I just trash whats left once the cab is separated from the frame..? Should I look to buy more rust free truck..( If thats possible...) or not to worry because I am going to be cutting most of it apart anyway..?
I also have see some trucks with split windshields..is this going to be a problem once I start chopping it..? I know theres more BUT I figure I better start with this for right now...ALSO,if someone can wander over and look at the ones I am interested in and let me know....Item # 30025260115...next is 290255029842..also..item # 270267911202..and thanks guys.

 

[Thunder1]

Coffinmaker -

Let me start off by saying welcome to the site. Good to see your so excited about building a vehicle!! You'll find everyone here to be great people and extremely helpful. You've raised some great questions worthy of honest straight forward answers. So let me say first that I'm not claiming to be an expert by any means on anything related to building a rat rod but based on my own experience which again isn't much, I'd recommend buying as complete a truck as you can to begin with. There will be plenty of things you can salvage from it in the long term. It really depends too on what your plans are for your own build. I started out with just a 51 Ford f-1 cab by itself with plans to build my truck without a bed at all. However, I've changed my mind now and want a bed and I'm gonna have to build it from scratch or find one from another truck. I should have bought the bed when I had the chance. Unfortunately It got sent to the crusher right after I bought my cab! As far as condition (rust) that again is up to you. Do you have enough experience to do the repairs if needed? Or does it really matter if you have a lot of rust issues as long as the truck is structurally sound? Alot of things are up to the individual when it comes to some of this. I would recommend buying a complete truck though. You can use the spare sheetmetal to make alot of repair panels and what you don't want or need as far as parts go you can sell off to help cover other expenses. Just my advise. I'm sure you'll hear from alot of others who are far more qualified than I am. Listen to them!! They know what their talking about!

Thunder1

 

[Coffinmaker]

Ok..I think I might be ready...

The REAL reason I chose to do a truck was...(drum roll..) the fact I saw the one dmw56 do and MAN did it just made my day.I re-read that post about 12 times so far trying to make sure what he did. A MAJOR stumbling block will be the fact I am all alone on this one....I asked around here in Michigan and really cant find someone to help me out.
I posted before that I have access to all the steel tubing I need for free but that dont mean to much when you standing all alone..LOL.I have access to a welder from work and I have always been really good at welding. I just saw a book called "Chopping Tops " but NEVER would try this on my own..!!The rust factor does really bother me so I will be patching major areas.
I am 99% sure this will be a ground up build for the simple fact that using a frame from some of these truck doesnt look too promising...LOL.Do I want to do this myself..YES...Can I without someone watching me and guiding me..NO..!!!! I know for a fact thats impossible,theres too many things to leave to chance when safety is involved.I will probaly ask around to shops to see if someone can weld the frame for me if I supply the steel for it...doubtful,but I will try.
Anthing is possible..I think...LMAO.If any of you guys are close to me...say Ohio or Indiana drop me a line and I will travel to you for some help..maybe..??SEE..??? Im willing..take care guys....off to make room in the garage

 

[dmw56]

Wow, I don't know what to say except thank you very much. You are on the right path by asking a lot of questions before you do your build and realizing that sometimes as much as we would like too we can't do everything ourselves. It's always better to rely on experts to do the jobs you are unsure about in the name of safety. When you do decide on what you want to build have a plan, a reasonable budget that you think you can stick to and it will make things that much easier. If I were closer I'd be more than happy to help any of you guys out as would a lot of other guys on this site.

Good luck and have fun.
Don

 

[Thunder1]

What a coincedence Coffinmaker!!!

DMW56's truck is my inspiration too! You couldn't pick a better person to talk to about building a cool 51 Ford! Yes, his truck just rocks!!! Tiny1 has been building a bad ass truck too similar to what we're talking about. His is a Chevy built in a very similiar style. Both of them have proven that you can make these big cabs look really nice with a descent chop and some channeling. They have really inspired me to try and build mine in that same direction. I think you'll find both of them extremely helpful in answering your questions. They've been really patient with me and my dozens of e-mails over the past few months. I really do appreciate it too DMW56 & Tiny1.

Thunder

 

[Thunder1]

The REAL reason I chose to do a truck was...(drum roll..) the fact I saw the one dmw56 do and MAN did it just made my day.I re-read that post about 12 times so far trying to make sure what he did. A MAJOR stumbling block will be the fact I am all alone on this one....I asked around here in Michigan and really cant find someone to help me out.
I posted before that I have access to all the steel tubing I need for free but that dont mean to much when you standing all alone..LOL.I have access to a welder from work and I have always been really good at welding. I just saw a book called "Chopping Tops " but NEVER would try this on my own..!!The rust factor does really bother me so I will be patching major areas.
I am 99% sure this will be a ground up build for the simple fact that using a frame from some of these truck doesnt look too promising...LOL.Do I want to do this myself..YES...Can I without someone watching me and guiding me..NO..!!!! I know for a fact thats impossible,theres too many things to leave to chance when safety is involved.I will probaly ask around to shops to see if someone can weld the frame for me if I supply the steel for it...doubtful,but I will try.
Anthing is possible..I think...LMAO.If any of you guys are close to me...say Ohio or Indiana drop me a line and I will travel to you for some help..maybe..??SEE..??? Im willing..take care guys....off to make room in the garage

I can totally relate to your situation Coffinmaker! Yours is almost the exact same scenario as mine. Don't worry, it'll happen. Ask A LOT of questions and just remember that this is the greatest place anywhere for the best advise.

Thunder1

 

[Bonehead]

Maybe you want a whole truck and maybe you don't. I built mine from two trucks, from the 39 Chevy, I used the cab. I built the frame, bed, grill, seats, steering wheel, and lots more. From the 63 Ford pickup, I used the engine, steering, rear axle parts, and a few more items. I bought a front axle, and some small parts. I looked at it like building a T-bucket car, with a truck cab on it. There are plenty of guys with plenty of cool trucks, that are still on thier own frames. As far as the above mentioned trucks, both are killer builds, and you can't go wrong by learning from those guys.

 

[Coffinmaker]

Ok..More questions....

Now..Do I first get the truck before I pick up the tubing..? Or do I just get pieces as I go along..? Are 1/2 ton 3/4 ton and 1 ton cabs all the same..? How will I know how long or short to make the frame..? Man I need someone around here to help....LOL...Hmmm...dmw56 doesnt live too far..LMAO..maybe I will just take me vacation and head on down with some tubing and money..and beer..and
..who else lives close by..?? My route for deliveries is taking to Celina Ohio where I did see a truck for sale.Check it out...EBAY..Item number 290255029842.
I think I have lead on an engine and trans,might be for free..a LONG time ago built a 1983 Camaro and put a 1963 Corvette motor in it..Just found out the car has been in the guys garage for OVER 11 years and he hasnt touched it..OK..more questions...Should I wait on picking up front end parts until I have the frame and cab all done..? Should I go see about picking up a rear end now.? Got a lead on a 10 bolt from an older S10 the kid lost interest in..and ran out of money.I know there so much more to ask but my brain is too fuzzy and I have to be up in 3 hours for work...later guys.

 

[Tripper]

Welcome!

Coffin,
Welcome to the gang!!! I like the truck u r lookin' at & that it'll make an awesome ride. I don't think it makes any diff what order u acquire stuff but gettin' the cab 1st is my fav & u can start choppin' it while u're gathering all the other stuff up. There are plenty of examples of how to proceed on here, KB & the HAMB. And there's always someone around here to answer questions. I also suggest u ck Donsrods thread of "How I'm building my t-bucket" on KB. It's an awesome thread that will start you off in the right direction and answer lots of questions & give u great ideas when u see how it's *really* done! Also do not trash any of the left over parts... sell them! Trust me... someone out there is always lookin' for something to help with their build! Good luck & keep us up to date!!!

BoB

 

[FlatBroke]

Welcome aboard....

You are getting good advice already.......

 

[Coffinmaker]

Split front windshields...

Well I looked a few more trucks to buy when I did notice some of them have split front windshields....does this present a problem when your doing a chop..?

 

[dmw56]

Well I looked a few more trucks to buy when I did notice some of them have split front windshields....does this present a problem when your doing a chop..?

No, not really. Just have to chop the center divider.