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After a year of other responsibilities in the household along with another hot summer, I finally got outside in 65 degrees yesterday and began re-installing my front clip. I'm using my old radiator supports and my old front fenders so I can blast, prep and paint my good pieces to be installed next Spring. This way, if I should run into anything over the snow and ice covered roads that will be here in another month, I'm not sacrificing my good parts. It was heartwarming to hear the 230 fire up after sitting for a couple of months (you know, just roll it in and out so you can clean up the cave ) Later today I plan to get the headlights installed and wired, then the inner fender panels on and finally the grill-then I'll get to become the road warrior after spending 10 years getting to the point of driveability-Yeah Baby!!
More to follow (including pix for Bert),
Gary

Bert

Yep, pics or it didn't happen.

Bam! More to follow....
Gary

Great job! It's starting to look like a truck again.

Are you going to make it a Marine truck? Paper clips on the front bumpers is why I asked.

Good luck with getting it all back together.

52 M-42

Thanks for the kind remarks 52M,
No, the truck is as US Army as I, both in service at Ft. Ord, CA in '77-'78. Those USMC winch bumperettes are courtesy of GeraldOM37 from 3 years ago-the ONLY affordable bumperettes I've been able to find in 5 years of searching. It pains me to tell our former Marines, but If I can't score some USA bumperettes at Topeka next June, I'll have to get my cut-off wheel working....
Gary

Hi Gary,

The truck is looking good. There is something special about hitting the starter pedal and hearing them come to life, after sitting for a while.

Keep up the good work.

Bert

Thanks Bert!

Good idea, getting it ready for winter, I am reminded that I need to do my winterization soon.
..."after spending 10 years getting to the point of drivability-Yeah Baby!! Gary I did not realize it had been that long, congrats, should make you feel proud.

Hi Carter,
Yep, July 2004, I picked it up for $600 after it pulled pipe wagons in the artichoke fields of Castroville, CA for 30 years. My biggest fear was in 2010 when I lost my job and thought I might have to sell it. Thanks to my Veronica who knew it was a member of our family, I still have it to this day, along with Veronica. I can't wait to start driving it regularly, so later today I'll be out early to finish the front clip, add the top then head down to the gas station!
Gary

Wow! Congratulation on saving this truck and your dedication to restoring it road worthy condition!

That trip to the gas station should be pleasant!

52 M-42

Almost there! Still have the rest of the grill and the hood, then the cab canvas....
Thanks!
Gary

From what I see in the weather reports you do not want to delay that work one bit Gary, Canadian cold is on the march south....hmmm, sounds like a blended whiskey.

OK friends, here we go-still need to fix the horn but should head down to the gas station tomorrow. Thanks again 52M; Carter, absolutely right-this should get me through the winter (once I install the top) Feels great to be back intact and rolling! Indeed, a proud moment! Thanks for all the support!
Gary

Your truck is looking great! It may not have gone very far geographically in the last ten years but it sure looks like it has traveled thousands of miles from the artichoke fields it came from.

Nice job and I hope you get to enjoy driving it soon.

52 M-42