skipper Thu Apr 12 2007, 10:10am PT Brian, Man, what a job you did, this is the FINEST EXAMPLE of a RESTORATION on a 61 I'VE EVER SEEN. I also have a 61. I've got quite a story if you can hang in there for a bit and continue to read. Bought mine in 1979 while serving in the Army at fort hood Texas, first Calvary Division. After I was discharged in 1980 my wife, 16 month old and 1 month old son returned home to Michigan. It was some trip, front wheel bearing went out at four in the morning along a deserted highway. Trying to feed, change diapers and so on while in a pickup was a task I wouldn't want to do again, smile. Well, the old girl has been retired since 1992. I built a Pole Barn in 1995 just to get ready for the restoration, but raising kids and being a workaholic always gave me an excuse not to work on it. Always said when the kids left the nest I was going to start. After they went out on their own I had a stroke and became disabled. Now, even with the fact of little money and hard times I put all the ex cusses aside and started working on it. Just trying to put hold down springs on the brake shoes was difficult, but after seeing you're truck makes me even more determined to go on. I was wondering if you could give me some information where you purchased some of you're parts and any information that may be helpful with the rebuild? Currently I have a couple of suppliers I'm looking at and have purchased a factory assembly manual and other information to help with the rebuild, I also have a rebuilt 283 to drop in. I know what you mean about the emotions as it brought a tear or two while looking at you're pictures. Once again you have done a remarkable job. The hard work and effort has paid off and I can only try to imagine how proud you must be. Thanks for sharing the resto album! Skip

said colettesbro 2008.01.28 at 21:31:03 PST