Curtis Sutherland's

1955 Chevrolet 1st Series 3100

"Otharine"


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25 June 2007 Update
# 1750

From Curtis :

F I N I S H E D

           June 23rd: I just finished it up this morning at 3:30 am. I had a car show to go to. So we stayed up most of the morning to get her done.

           This truck took 13 Months, tons of hours and of course some Benjamin's. I had lots of complements on the truck at the show. It was very satisfying to hear that people like the truck after so many hours spent on it.

           I would like to thank the gang at Stovebolt, three local guys that helped along the way and Rob R. who talked me into fully restoring the truck and doing a majority of the work on her -- I owe him one, big time.

           I have some shows I will be attending this summer. So if you guys / gals see me, stop over and say hi.

           I have a new name for the truck. I am naming it "Otharine" after my Grandmother.

           Thanks again everyone. Good Luck with your projects.

Curtis Sutherland
"Elmers55"
Bolter # 12875
The Great White North Land, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

         Well Curtis, congratulations on a fine job! She looks great! Now go and have lots of fun!! And let us know where you'll be! ~~ Editor

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26 February 2007 Update
# 1750

From Curtis :

           Ready to update again and with some new pictures. My friend Rob and I have been hard at it so far this winter. We got some pretty cold weather the last three weeks (-5 to +5) so it's been nice to be working in a heated garage.

           The cab and box is bolted on the frame. The entire interior is completed in the cab with all the glass installed. I don't think I could have done the door windows without the help of fellow Stovebolters that's for sure.

           The bed is complete as of this month. It took a good two weeks to get the wood how I wanted it to look. But it was worth the time.

           Our next step is getting the fenders, bumpers, grille, and tailgate back on.

           I start it up from time to time. She idles great. She only has 30K miles on the engine.

           I have come to learn a lot about restoring this old truck. I just came across another one about an hour away from my house -- same year as mine. So I am thinking about doing another one -- just don't tell my wife. I might end up sleeping in it.

           Anyone needing help, I might be able to send you in the right direction. I know a few things now.

           Again, if it weren't for this terrific site, I would probably be about three or four months behind and very frustrated with this project.

Curtis Sutherland
"Elmers55"
Bolter # 12875
The Great White North Land, Upper Peninsula of Michigan


20 December 2006
# 1750

From Curtis :

           This was my Grandfather's truck. He had purchased it from a guy in Sanger, California, which is by Fresno, in 1959. My Grandfather has passed away in May 2005 and I took ownership of the truck in August of 2005 after my uncles decided that they did not have the time to restore it.

           The truck is now in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Baraga) by Marquette. I, along with a good friend of mine Rob, started taking everything apart late last year. The frame was sand blasted and powder coated black. All the body panels and odds and ends were soda blasted. A few patch panels were needed on the cab. Other than that, not much damage to the body was done on it.

           The project has been going great. It's a lot of work and money but it was something I wanted to do for my Mom and Grandfather.

           Here is a picture of the painted cab and one of the bed. Here is another of the completed chassis.

           Anyone in the U.P. or Northern Wisconsin, give me an email if your working on a truck or own one. I have a few questions and also would like to take a look at your truck.

           The Stovebolt Page is a great tool. I wish I had found it sooner. Keep up the great work you guys are doing. Thanks Stovebolt.

Best wishes,

Curtis Sutherland
"Elmers55"
Bolter # 12875
The Great White North Land, Upper Peninsula of Michigan


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