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Andy Houck's1955 1st Series Chevy 1/2-Ton |
08 January 2007
# 1052
From Andy :
Very inspiring article in Vintage Truck issue this month!!! Nice
collaboration with those folks. Stovebolt and Vintage Truck are my two most
referenced publications when discussing the project. 'Seems I do more
discussing than actual work as you will see in the update to the Gallery
below. 
It's been a few years, and we've added new toys to the family
(Triumph Rocket III for me and HD 1200 Low for Diana). These have seriously cut
into the daylight restoration hours. Now with winter upon us, it's time to make
some progress on our '55 early series.
Two key factors being faced right now:
1. Reversing the teardown. My wife helped pull her apart (subsequent labeled baggies with parts - not exactly fully documented). Now, putting her back together is similar to a very large 3-D puzzle. Each piece placed back together gives same satisfaction as each piece of a puzzle.
2. Motivation. Lack of sheet metal on the frame leaves the impression that there is too much to do. I am right now at the stage of marrying the cab with the frame. I am hopeful that the cab will stimulate Diana's (the wife) interest to assist. Only motivation for her in having the engine running (note the "get 'er done" inspired yellow "fuel tank") was to clean off all the exhaust from the side of the shiny re-built engine. Must get that exhaust in place!!!
The picture above shows her present state. I must tear down "dash-board" for cab re-marriage in next few weeks. We finished the cab on the rack with a view of the old-world restorer (Bob). We finished the not so shiny dash (planned).
Again - thanks to all on this site that have guided the missteps and complete lack of knowledge on my part!
Andy Houck
"HouckCO"
Bolter # 5804
"The Black Forest"
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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23 March 2005
# 1052
From
Andy:
'Have been out to the Gallery but never thought about putting up some pictures. 'Have MANY as both neighbor and I use digital camera's to document our progress (or lack thereof). Handy also for remembering what something looked like before pulling it apart.
Must say that the truck really belongs to "the wife" - Diana!! She was a major force in pulling it apart. I'm just using it as an excuse to be out in the shop doing something productive outside of career.
'Have been out to Stovebolt off and on since we started this project some time ago. Attached are a few before and current after. Across-the-street neighbor (Bob) just happens to be an "old-world restorer" with enough projects of his own to keep him busy but he tolerates my minimum wage for doing metal work and paint. No bondo in his shop - nothing but lead and welding!
Before we pulled her apart, my father-in-law used this as a "daily driver" for the five miles or so between his home and shop (long out of the trucking business) from late 50's until 2002.
Legacy of this gem - Harold was the second owner - rebuilt the 235, California de-smogged some years ago and I am patching up the various two-inch holes. Wrecked the passenger side being pushed up onto telephone pole "guy wire" and probably changed from Commercial Read to Ocean Green at that time.
It was fun pulling it apart and getting first stage complete (frame painted,
rear end put back on, etc.). Am now struggling to get motor pieced back together
after tearing it down completely. Gonna have to get enough back on the frame
to have a place to put the cab -- my neighbor is closing in on finishing.
Fenders (inside and out) as well as many other pieces already have color (Ocean Green). The plan is to get engine and accouterments functioning before putting major body parts back on.
'Nuff for now - plenty of planning - not enough action! Major work - besides putting it back together - cab needs color - truck bed needs new wood - bed walls need straightening and color. Thank you for the work you do on this site.
Andy Houck
"HouckCO"
Bolter # 5804
"The Black Forest"
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Andy ... it's good to see you are having fun with this project. Thanks for your kind words and your support, especially for making the new Forums a reality ~~ Editor
