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Steve Gaj's1949 GMC 1/2-Ton"Mr. Pickle" |
12 July 04
From Steve
I have a '49 GMC 1/2-ton pickup that I've
named Mr. Pickle. My neighborhood loves my truck. I found it in Aberdeen, NC
in pretty good shape. It had the way oversized tires and appliance white racing
wheels. With 96 horse power and not much braking power, it was quite a beast
on the road!
Since it was in very good shape, solid and mechanically sound, it's been mostly refurbishing and painting existing parts to make it the upstanding citizen it is today. It drives pretty good, now, if you don't mind the slow lane. More chance to enjoy the scenery that way. It's great to haul gardening supplies and have a cheeseburger at the local drive-in. Oh, yeah, the Christmas tree deliveries to friends and family. It's a great truck.
I've restored or replaced door panels and
handles, headliners, glove compartment, gauge bezels, and of course rebuilt
the bed and designed and made the rails out of white oak w/ marine finish. Rims
and tires are updates but I tried to retain a vintage feel with moons and trim
rings. I'd love to have a little more power but I know I wouldn't be able to
stop at just the engine. The front end, the rear end, the brakes, the steering
and the list doesn't end. But, like I said,
It's a great truck.
Steve Gaj
Raleigh, NC
Christmas tree work - of any kind - is always a wonderful thing ~~ The Editor