1947 M5 truck

[papajoe]

Finally finished my 9 year restoration project. My dad bought this truck in 1956. Im sure he's smiling down right now.

[BRUCESTUDE]

Look great!! Congrats on finishing too!

[19502R16A]

Finally finished my 9 year restoration project. My dad bought this truck in 1956. Im sure he's smiling down right now.

Congratulations papajoe,
Oh he's definitely smiling down right now. that is a beauty!
You will have a lot of fun with it

[Cus63]

That's fantastic! great job. Preserved for many years to come

[BobWaitz]

Wow! I better see that up close in June!!!

[papajoe]

I'll be there at the fairgrounds June 6 & 7 with it and the Mini M5 pedal truck

[61LaRk4dr]

Nice work! Great looking truck you have there. All original running gear? You have a picture of the interior? Again nice work, your Dad would be proud!

[papajoe]

I removed the 170 /3 speed and installed the 259 V8 manual 3 speed with OD out of my grandfathers 1960 Lark . I the rebuilt motor , rebuilt tranny , turned into a top shifter. Rebuilt the 4.82 original rear end and drum brakes. I replaced front drum brakes with Turner disc system. Installed all new 4 Eaton leaf springs and replaced lever shocks with tube style shocks. Tires are Auburn radials. I added a couple special crossmembers to help the frame stay sturdy and straight. I had pleats put into the seat because smooth was boring. I added shoulder seat belts and a center seat belt also. Shrock brothers made me a new steering wheel and the dash was repainted to stock color . I swapped out gauges with 12 volt Bosch gauges painted to look original. I rebuilt the heater and installed a Painless wiring 12 volt system thru the whole truck. I removed every nut ,bolt and more to sandblast it and paint it or replaced it if needed. Having a metal fabrication business for 20 years made it easier to replace all the rusty metal and hammer it straight. I had a body shop do the final painting of the parts individually then I assembled the truck after the parts were done painted. I had the inside of the bed ,running boards and the whole underside of truck sprayed with Raptor bed liner.

[Buzzard]

Joe,
What a beauty! I am sure Dad has a huge grin on his face right now and is proud as hell.
I couldn't help but notice the reflection in the side of the bed showing what a superb job you did.
Cheers,
Bill

[IndStudenut]

Excellent job.... Looks very nice. I am interested in any feedback on how those auburn radial bias ply look a likes handle on a truck. I am looking at those to put on my C cab.

[papajoe]

A lot smoother ride then bias. I like they way they seem to turn easier also. Plus they don't wonder with the cracks in the road. I have bias ply on my 53 Champion and I plan on switching to the radials.

[IndStudenut]

Thanks PapaJoe - that is good info to know.....