Posted by Dwight in S. Ft.Worth on Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 12:19PM :
In Reply to: A comment on us PW guys.... posted by Eric B. on Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 10:30AM :
To begin with, my wife walks by and notices the reference to "Us PW Guys" and wants to know if I am "PW'ed". I cant speak for everybody, I just like my truck.
I got my 49 B1 PW about three years ago. I didnt set out to do a frame-off restoration. Its just that when you start taking things off to clean them, you see something else behind the first thing that needs cleaning and painting as well. Next thing you know the truck is disassambled. So now you think - I'll just use all new stuff and make it run like new.
My first dose of cost-reality on a Power Wagon came with the purchase of all new hub bearings, races, and seals. This little endeavor was to the tune of better than $500. I only paid $1700 for the truck. Prior to this, my only big investment had been $250 to have the frame blasted. As for the cost of a restoration, this is the crest of a huge wave. At that point I had approx. $2500 tied up in a rolling frame, no brakes or other drive line included, so you can see how the cost will really add up.
Along the way you will probably want extra/better parts to go on your restoration, so throw in a half dozen parts trucks you just "Had to Have". Plan your budget for this also.
Then. . . during your restoration, your wife decides that she REALLY wants that WC. So, stop working on your truck for about 6 to 8 months, stop spending money on your "Project" and start spending it on her "Toy". Dont get me wrong, we both have had a great time with her truck since I finished it. I did not do a 'restoration' on her truck - I just cleaned it up and got it running, and painted it. Sort of a "combat" restoration, not perfect - just cleaner. Since the photos, I have put the correct wheels and markings on her truck so it looks a little more complete.
I am back on my truck now, Ive got everything but the bed, fenders, and running boards painted, and back in place. I had to back up once, because I changed my mind on the color, not too big a job, just disassemble it all - and repaint everything a different color inside and out.
Going out today and do a windshield adjustment and try to get the cab and hood lined up a little better.
Maybe next year when I show my truck off at Pat & Wanda's it wont be with just photos. (At least, that is the plan).
Dwight
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