1953 GMC Half Ton

Owned by Steve Medvik "OldeScouter" Bolter # 21196 Warren, Michigan Talking about this truck in the DITY Gallery

More truck pictures in Photobucket!

From Steve :

Hello all. I guess I'm outta my mind. My son says I'll never drive it ... we will see.

My newest project is a real "basket case." It's a 1953 GMC 1/2-ton pickup truck. Well, it's the frame and axles, cab, doors, box and tailgate, inner and outer fenders, and a hood. I bought it all taken a part for $100. It's easier that way -- to put back together the way one wants to. A clean canvas, waiting for the media to be applied.

For the price, it was just too good to pass up. Plus, It was worth saving since it was built at GM Truck & Coach in Pontiac, Michigan. There is a long list of what isn't there ... that just makes it more interesting a challenge for one who hot forges steel and welds, to "Git'er Done."

I've had a little experience with these iron beasts. My first "basket case" was a 1930 AA Ford Stake truck with a 12 foot stake bed. I rescued it from the cutter's torch. After 12 years of having no money to complete it, it was sold to someone who wanted to make it a motor home. "Old Fords never die, they just get new owners" was painted on the inside of the cab cowling, just before I sold it. It should be considered a universal expression to "Old trucks never die, they just get new owners." Nuff said.

The GMC is also vehicle #40 and pickup truck #9, since I first got a driver's license.

I know I will have lots of questions to ask, and will make use of the Stovebolt forum for possible answers. I'll modify as necessary but I really want to just make it work. The '53 has no bumpers, grille, or running boards. Just leaves more to the imagination to create from scratch.

There are so many things missing, that it won't be put back together stock. When it's finished, I can drive it and it will be parked in the garage with the door closed. Most likely, it will be a "street rod" to some, but a "tinker toy" to me.

I have had welding classes at the Community College, and have a coal forge at home. I design and build my own utility trailers and other items. The blacksmithing "bug" was first done in Owosso in 1985 with the PM1225 group, and has evolved from then on. I don't consider myself an actual blacksmith -- I just have the ability to make whatever I need. Industrial Arts is considered one of my hobbies, since having a job making parts for airplane hangar and industrial doors. I have been part of the PM1225 group in Owosso, for 32+ years. I am a Scout Leader, and do basic blacksmithing for the Detroit Area Boy Scouts at one of their summer camps, and am a Member of Michigan Artist Blacksmiths.


OldeScouter

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