Hello from central Nebraska. I'm a car guy and in recent years have taken up saving what some call junk from going to the crusher.
My recent find (s) came from a small farm town a couple hours from home. I found an add for a 63 Champ pickup that intrigued me. Through messages I was told the Champ was spoken form but another car, a 49 Champion 4 door was available. Pics also intrigued me so I made an appointment to inspect and negotiate for the car. A few days later I made the trip and learned that the guy after the Champ was being flaky, the guys getting rid of the contents of the abandoned building liked me and told me I could now make an offer on the Champ. I did what every red blooded American would end up doing... yup ended up with both.
Neither are pristine by any stretch of the imagination, but worth saving. Here's some pic teasers after some cleaning up.
The Champion was last registered in 2002. 6 cylinder, w OD. Not bad. I love some of the cool features of this car including the actual glass lenses on the exterior lighting, quirky side vents and wing windows, truck latch, etc. The good- I was able to get the car running and driving within a couple of days! Clutch and brakes even worked from the get go. Unfortunately, this car was INFESTED with mice. So much so that the door sills and floor pans had considerable rust from the INSIDE. Front seat shot, major damage to engine wiring, and some other nastiness. However, I am making progress. The plan for this one is to make it a neat driver, swapped ruined front bench for buckets, replace door panels and clean her up for cruising. I can't keep everything I save, but this one might stick around for a bit as a cruiser.
The Champ was last registered in 1978. I actually found the paper registration in the truck. It's a one owner. 259, 4 speed, 3/4 ton long box. I was also able to get the truck running and driving in short order, but it needs a master cylinder and probably other brake work. It was definitely a farm/work truck but is in good condition for being 57 years old. The doors are off because floor is rotten (gone) at both cab mounts. Box is beat up, but rust free. I am working with the seller to get an updated title for truck. I'll probably get it mechanically sound and pass it on to someone interested in doing a restoration.
I have to say thank you for the info I've found just lurking. I will undoubtedly have questions and info to share as I bring these back to life.
My recent find (s) came from a small farm town a couple hours from home. I found an add for a 63 Champ pickup that intrigued me. Through messages I was told the Champ was spoken form but another car, a 49 Champion 4 door was available. Pics also intrigued me so I made an appointment to inspect and negotiate for the car. A few days later I made the trip and learned that the guy after the Champ was being flaky, the guys getting rid of the contents of the abandoned building liked me and told me I could now make an offer on the Champ. I did what every red blooded American would end up doing... yup ended up with both.
Neither are pristine by any stretch of the imagination, but worth saving. Here's some pic teasers after some cleaning up.
The Champion was last registered in 2002. 6 cylinder, w OD. Not bad. I love some of the cool features of this car including the actual glass lenses on the exterior lighting, quirky side vents and wing windows, truck latch, etc. The good- I was able to get the car running and driving within a couple of days! Clutch and brakes even worked from the get go. Unfortunately, this car was INFESTED with mice. So much so that the door sills and floor pans had considerable rust from the INSIDE. Front seat shot, major damage to engine wiring, and some other nastiness. However, I am making progress. The plan for this one is to make it a neat driver, swapped ruined front bench for buckets, replace door panels and clean her up for cruising. I can't keep everything I save, but this one might stick around for a bit as a cruiser.
The Champ was last registered in 1978. I actually found the paper registration in the truck. It's a one owner. 259, 4 speed, 3/4 ton long box. I was also able to get the truck running and driving in short order, but it needs a master cylinder and probably other brake work. It was definitely a farm/work truck but is in good condition for being 57 years old. The doors are off because floor is rotten (gone) at both cab mounts. Box is beat up, but rust free. I am working with the seller to get an updated title for truck. I'll probably get it mechanically sound and pass it on to someone interested in doing a restoration.
I have to say thank you for the info I've found just lurking. I will undoubtedly have questions and info to share as I bring these back to life.
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