1951 Chevy 1/2-Ton

	Owned by Carl Bush Bolter # 14803 Atlantic Beach, Florida

From Carl :

           This is my 1951 Chevy shortbed 3100 with the original 216 motor, original 3-on-the-tree tranny, and original 6-lug wheels.

         I bought this truck in August 2007 in Millington, Tennessee, while assigned to the Navy Personnel Command. I spent two years in Millington as a geo-bachelor (my wife and kids stayed home in Florida while I was stationed in Millington). My lovely wife insisted I buy an old truck to occupy my "free-time."

         I bought a 1953 1/2-ton from a gentleman in Dyersburg, TN, but could not get the vehicle registered as he had given me a title from a 1953 sedan.

         After a long and fruitless search for the truck's title, he offered to return payment for the truck. The very next week, I found this truck advertised on the bulletin board at the Navy Exchange on base. I immediately called the owner, looked at the truck and purchased it that same day. This truck was cheaper than the 1953 and in much better overall condition.

         The individual I purchased the truck from had replaced the hood, doors and left-side fenders with those from a 1954 parts truck. He had intended to restore the truck, but his wife was injured in an auto accident and he needed to sell the truck in order to make his home wheelchair accessible.

         The truck has the original seat covering and the interior had not been unduly molested (dash and radio opening have not been cut up). The truck chassis is nice and straight and, except for the hideous "Gator" orange color, the body panels are solid and rust-free (don't let that little bit of surface rust fool ya ... purely cosmetic!).

         Except for a few days on the back-roads of Tennessee for a drink or two at the Shake Rag watering hole, the truck sat in front of my hooch for the remainder of my time in Millington ... so much for "free time".

         In April 2008, I returned to Florida with truck in tow and have since started de-construction for a frame-off restoration. I intend to return the truck to its original glory (and original Mariner Blue color) to use as a daily driver.

         The 216 is a running motor, but I have already purchased a 1954 235 as a replacement.

         The picture was taken the very day I purchased the truck in August 2007. I'm not a real gearhead, so will likely be needing / asking for assistance from the experts as the rebuild progresses. Thanks in advance!

         I have added a page for pictures of my 1951 Chevy on my website. I have much better images of the truck in various stages of undress as I move forward on the rebuild. For some reason I am becoming a Craiglist and eBay-aholic. In just the past couple of weeks I purchased: a used 235 inline six motor, a new tailgate (still in the box and unpainted), a replacement hood, a new chrome grille, an under-cab master cylinder and power-brake booster, a rebuilt speedometer, and a horn button from these two sites.

         Must ... get ... grip ... on ... my ... wallet !!!

         I am very appreciative to have found the Stovebolt website. It has provided a wealth of information to me already and I intend to put many of the "how-to" articles into practice as I rebuild my '51 (she is cute ... ain't she), especially the article describing replacing the 216 with a 235. I am excited to have begun the project.

Carl

         When checking Carl's profile for his screen name, I noticed he had a web site. So, checked it out looking for more truck pictures (glut, glut). But wow ... what I found!! You need to check it out.

The "I love me wall" is any place a pilot displays mementos that pay tribute to his or her aviation exploits.
We provide presentation-quality art to memorialize a career in flying or a single tour of duty.

         Carl is a graphic artist and has some beautiful work on his site. And with all the aviator buffs we have around here, I think you all will LOVE his art work! We know someone quite well who was blown away!

         AND ... may we also add, thank you Carl for your serevice to our country - protecting all we love. Stay safe so you can joy ride in the old '51 in to your twilight years! ~ Editor

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