cmp info for a newbie

[Bob Carriere]

.......how difficult are parts in canada new/used/reproduction (toronto, can drive or online)? and are they high priced....to get one road worthy.

Cruise around the forum..... check archives....

New parts for a 60 + year old truck..... yes they exist but they are not cheap.

This hobby requires much patience and persistance.... most of us enjoy the chase for parts as much as driving the trucks. Be prepared to do some of your own reproduction.... or pay a reasonable 2012 price for repro parts.

Are they high price.... depends on own deep your pockets are...some guys will drop $450.000 for a running Sherman.... some will cringe at paying $1000 for a rolling cab 13 chassis with cab..... they can be made road worthy and dependable .... but as a daily driver you would have to be slightly masochistic particularly trying to drive in TO.....

Having said all that we crazy people on MLU would not trade them for the world.

There are some cheap good deals available..... the further away they are from TO the better the price.... some of us idiot will drive from Ottawa to the East coast to recover a C15a...... but you need a modern truck and float.

You need a place to work...... lots of guys here on MLU will guide you on your quest..... a understanding wife...... tell her it will keep you out of bars or expensive golf clubs...... she will know you have not been running around with floozies when you come home filthy dirty and smelling of old gas.....

Manuals are available.... you have to read them and try it out... the kids at Canadian tire will look at you in a crazy way when you ask for a set of point for a FOrd 1940 flatty.

Speaking of Ford.... for which I have no affinity..... the engine parts are the most readily available because of the hot rod hobby in the USA.... but not cheap...... CHevy parts are plentiful but you need what civialin parts will fit...Chevvy is my favorite.... just depends what you feel at ease with.

Don't be shy asking questions... there no dumb ones.... and we have all been there.....

Be aware of the danger of becoming addicted.... worst than cigs or pot... just can't put it down..... whenyou start painting the living room walls Olive drab green you are in rouble.....my beliefs are that you cannot restore a truck with out at least one ( or more ) parts trucks......

But you are in loving company.... and MLU stretches across this tiny planet of ours.....

Go for it !!!!!

T-t-t-h-h-hat's all for now.

Boob

[chris vickery]

If you need to tear that flathead down and have it rebuilt, you are talking in excess of $3000... not bad comparative to any old car or truck engine, just be aware. There are several engine shops around that specialize in antique motors.
As with anything vehicle related, I always insist that body is everything. The mechanicals are secondary.
Nice thing about cmp trucks is that there were plenty made and many of the parts are interchangeable. Fords rule BTW, forget that Chev nonsense Bob is speaking of-
216cid 6cyl Chev vs 239cid V8 Ford power, do the math...

[Stew Robertson]

Tell it like it is Chris!
Ford rules
Stew

[chris vickery]

My first CMP was a Ford 12 cab. My engine builder was a specialist in high performance engines so while he was at it, he tweeked my rebuild a bit. I ended up with an engine decked, ported and poilshed etc that ended up well in excess of 100hp...

[Bob Carriere]

We use 261 Chev truck engines that just bolt right in.... and you get 145 HP stock without even trying......

Mind you the rebuild cost was the same 3 grand with higher compresion pistons, shaved deck and balancing......

...and we can reach the dizzy without breaking a sweat....!!!!

Bowtie Bob

[Howard]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

We use 261 Chev truck engines that just bolt right in.... and you get 145 HP stock without even trying......
Mind you the rebuild cost was the same 3 grand with higher compresion pistons, shaved deck and balancing......
...and we can reach the dizzy without breaking a sweat....!!!!
Bowtie Bob

So what Bob is saying here is...
1. The original Chev engine is no good, so if you have one toss it & get a 261,
2. Even then they are only any good if you modify them,
3. Chev obviously went backwards with their V8. Ever tried to adjust the dizzy on a small block while looking at the timing marker?
... stick with the Ford V8!
Thanks Boobie for supporting the Ford guy's arguments!
Blue Oval Veined Howard!
PS: Real men don't wear bow ties... nor do real trucks!