John Clark's 1953 GMC 1/2-Ton Pickup

01 February 2007
# 1799

From John :

           Here is my 1953 GMC 1/2-ton pickup truck, with the 228 6-cylinder original engine, Muncie 4 speed transmission. From what I can tell, this is all original for that model year. Here is a before and after shot:

           I purchased the truck from the owner in Kansas in April of 2005. The title shows that this was a Kansas truck and there were two previous owners. I drove the truck for a year and then decided to do a “sympathetic” frame-off restoration. There was minor rust on the front side of rear fenders -- replaced with patch panels. There was no severe body damage or rust.

           I painted it the original ’53 Morat Green. Restored the engine to the original. I recovered the interior seat. Installed a new wiring harness. All the glass is original. Put new rubber seals/gaskets throughout. Added a walnut tongue and groove bed.

           Everything works except for gas gauge and I need to install bumpers. The truck is used everyday on ranch roads as it was intended and part of the reason I did not restore it as a trailer queen.

           Thanks to the Stovebolt members in the forums and American Classic Truck Parts.

John Clark
Bolter # 10936
New Mexico