Owned by Bill Alexander Bolter # 32802 West Columbia, South Carolina

1956 GMC Pickup

From Bill :

In the spring of 2012, I purchased Paul Hardy's 1956 GMC pickup truck. He had listed it on eBay. Since then, I've made several changes to the truck in order to bring it back from years of being parked in the back yard. Paul was out of the country and not able to work on it.

This my first classic truck. My Father had always talked about me getting a 1955 Ford but I really liked this truck when I saw it.

It was a challenge working on a classic truck. There was a clutch head that I had no idea what it was. I had to search around to find a the right tool set that would fit that clutch head. It made it very nostalgic to do all that.

We also have an all original 1969 Chevy Camaro but I really prefer to drive this truck.

My daughter, who is 8 years old, has helped me with the restoration of this old truck and also the Camaro

Cosmetic enhancements to the interior include re-covering the seat and adding original rubber floor mat.

For the exterior, I've installed five white wall tires, refinished the rims, center caps and chrome rings. I've also added the spare tire to the refinished spare tire carrier. I found the white wall tires in Myrtle Beach, SC ... they are actual radial tires and they add the white wall to them.

Just recently, I replaced the bed wood, supporting rails and all bolts.

My next project is to install the new doors I recently purchased. I also added the hood bird that that Paul acquired for the old girl.

Mechanically, I've completely rebuilt the brakes, including hoses, lines and master cylinder. Electrically, I've rewired where necessary and now all lights (interior and exterior), blinkers, gauges, windshield wipers and horn work.

I was able to get every thing working in the truck. It is all original (even the carburetor) and it all now works.

She was running when I got her but she hadn't been started in a long time.

Once the door are on, she goes out for paint. Hot Rod flat white for the body, with Hot Rod high gloss for the bumpers! It's getting ready to go to paint in about a month.

Bill Alexander

Previous Owner:

Paul Hardy
"deuter"
Bolter # 8066
Charleston, South Carolina

28 August 2006
# 1645

From Paul :

           I've purchased another "killer truck" -- . A 1956 GMC 7 1/2-foot bed pick-up truck. This body style seems to be rarer than the 1955 and 1957.

The old truck came from southern California and has only minor rust. The original owner had a hardware store in Irvine, California. Matthew Zerega of San Diego bought it in 1999. I bought it from Matt in 2006 and had it shipped to Charleston, were it is getting a frame off restoration.

           I also found an extra engine in Alabama, a 270 with the # 2193417 head. Fisk Machine Shop is rebuilding it with Venolia pistons, Howard Cam, Clifford Ceramic coated header, Clifford intake manifold and a Holley 390 cfm Carb.

           More pictures as the truck comes together.

           Paul also has a 1958 GMC Panel in the Gallery ~~ Editor

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