My name is Clemon (friends call me "C")I am a senior at San Bernardino Valley College. I am attempting my very first restoration. A beautiful rusty beaten up 1949 1/2 ton pick-up.

I am doing EVERYTHING myself: Metalwork,Welding,Paint,engine work,electrical,doing my own fuel and brake line,Interior. everything. I am making good progress so far...

However, I have experienced a "little" difficulty in locating a "few" parts that I need to finish it.

The Most critical at the moment is a pair of front leaf springs, I have found re-pro springs that are very expensive and usually not quite correct. But, As I am attempting to do a correct restoration, just as it would have been in 1949, locating the right parts hasn't always been easy.

Any and all help would be GREATLY appreciated and I would be forever in your debt. any spare parts I have or end up with would be gladly shared with any VCCA members in the area who could use them.

Thank you kindly for your time,
C

Sometimes your locak truck repair center has a spring shop that can either rebuild them or re-arc the old springs.

Hi Chevy 1778,

I've asked local shops and they always say they either don't do springs or they quote a price way out of my budget, which is admittedly limited.

One of the members (Brewster) made a great suggestion. he mentioned that street rodder guys would be more inclined to part with some of their old parts, since they like to "update" suspensions etc. and directed me to a site. I think I'll try that and see what kind of results I get.

wish me luck everyone

Mr. Brown,
It may take some time to find a set of springs that will fit your budget. Just stick with it and things seem to have a way of working out. There are several years that will fit so be sure to measure what you need so you can match that with what is available. Many people don't know what they have so specification/measurements can often determine that their trash is your treasure. Seem to remember that from somewhere.

Hello Mr. Chipper,

I've definitely done a whole lot of measuring and re-measuring with my frequent trips to the locale salvage yards, but so far, no luck. I will definitely keep at it, thanks for the encouragement.

If I am remembering correctly, there used to be a wrecking yard in Victorville that had quite a few of these trucks. They might be worth checking out and its not too far down the road from you. I went there when I was stationed in Las Vegas for truck parts for my '55 2nd series. Watch Craigslist too. Good luck!

Thank you OLDIRON, I'll ask around about the wrecking yard in Victorville.

I've Checked out Graigslist as well as Scrimper( which compiles all the craigslist free postings) without any success, I somehow just can't figure out how to reply to postings OR no one has cared to get back to me 150 times in a row, ha ha not sure which

Clemon

I would suggest heading over to Bakersfield on April 12-14, 2012


The Horseless Carriage club is having a swap meet and they have alot of older iron. My son has found parts by making a two sided cardboard sign that he hangs over his shoulder with "Poor Student working on a 1970 Suburban" looking for parts - he had many people stopping him and offering parts (most at a discount)


I think it is great to see young members getting into the hobby - if you are willing to look - you shall find

QMAN,

Thank you for the suggestion. Your son's sign idea is brilliant. I wish I had thought that one up. it's pure Genius.

Clemon

For $35 you can JOIN THE VCCA and then you will have access to the Classified Ads reserved only for members (in the monthly G&D) -- and you might find some other members who are willing to assist with a FELLOW member.... just an observation.... or tip. :-)

--Bill B


PS. The G&D goes out to 8,000+ members. And... as a member, you get to advertise for FREE in it.

Hi
Join the vcca right away. It was the best thing I ever did for my restoration project.
I'm almost finished ,and have done almost all the work myself as well.
The help I was able to get from all these guys is nothing short of amazing.
Bill Barker, Chip, Sal , and a whole bunch of other guys will answer any questions you have about anything.
You need to be a member of the VCCA to be able to chat back and forth with everyone online. It's just great!
Good luck.
Stanman