Posted by Cliff Cole on Sunday, February 09, 2003 at 1:19PM :
Total of 7 questions:
I recently purchased a 1952 Civilian Flat Fender and am planning a frame off restoration. I have the B-3 series shop manual and the owners manual.
1) What are the manuals that you would recommend? I would consider myself an amateur with some restoration experience - typically I have been restoring tractors - Ford 8Ns, 600s, and a Farmall Super C. I do it in a 24 x24 garage that I built about 8 years ago. Nothing fancy but it keeps everything out of the weather.
With my truck I have a lot of spare parts (some sitting outside) stripped off a truck of the same year (engine - inside garage, tranny, cab, frame, etc.). I will be starting the restoration in earnest this spring. Up until this point it has been all about research. I have a lot of digital photos of my truck that I have imported into PowerPoint - and was hoping to post this somewhere for any of you that may be interested.
2) Who knows where on the net I could place photo archive file for all of you to access? It is best viewed the way it is (.ppt) as it integrates text and side by side comparisons with newly rebuilt units. If I have to pull it out of PPT I can. I am trying to set targets if you know what I mean.
I have only found a couple of sites that show a full restoration (the one on this site (Joe's truck?) and Ken and Linda's page. Both of these are excellent resources but I am looking for even more detail on the engine and transmission. Maybe these are not documented as most have this done professionally. There are many good sites on engine rebuilds but not specifically on the Dodge Power Wagon 230cuin engine (at least I could not find one).
3)Are there sites you can point me to that go through the engine and transmission rebuilds? At least the engine - I have done enough transmission work to deal with it but could use some life story on the engine.
4) Who are the recommended sources for a new rebuilt engine (core exchange) as this may be easier? 5) Who are some of the suppliers of engine rebuild kits? 6)How about some of the more obscure parts like cab headliners? Basically - what I'm trying to do is build a comprehensive list of resources that I will need throughout the restoration process.
7) Lastly - what do you all consider as being the hardest parts to come by? I am not a stickler on complete originality - but will try to keep it close where it makes sense.
My wife and kids have supported me through tractor restorations - and my oldest son wishes to drive the PW when I am done (he is 10 now and thinks if I don't get going he will be off to college before he gets a chance to drive it :) )
It really boils down to time and money. It always does. Anxious to get started.
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