The Gallery
 

1953 Chevy 1/2-Ton


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  Owned by Patrick Breene
"Carmon Red"
Bolter # 18044
Palos Verdes Estates, California
05 October 2008
# 2444

From Patrick :

        This is my 1953 Chevy half-ton pickup, modified. The color is white tending towards gray.

        We had the family SUVs for daily driving and a sports car for the twisty back country roads, but no pickup truck. I wanted to add a pickup to the stable and wanted some with some character.

        So my Brother and I began looking for a Chevy or GMC Art Deco, Advance Design or Task Force era truck. We did not want a project, but did not want to spend a fortune for a tricked out trailer queen.

        Well, after a very short search, this 1953 Chevy half-ton popped up at a drag race event in Central California. [ View from the tailgate ]

        The truck is a 5 window, modified with a Chevy 396 big block from a Chevelle, Camaro front clip, power steering, front disc brakes, etc. It has a lot of tire burning torque, so I have to watch it!

        We did some radiator work (had tended to run hot) , prettied up the engine with more chrome pieces, added a nice sound system, replaced some windows, new grille and bumpers, all the door hinges, all the rubber (the cab windlace was sure a lot of fun to install), door and window hardware, etc.

        Still some work to do: changing out gauges (Haneline makes a very nice five inch 3-in-one speedo and five inch 3-in-one tach and I can get rid of the gauges under the dash) and some work on the front suspension. We are keeping the interior pretty stock -- plain Jane. No need for a heater with the big block and the cowl vent. The vent windows provide the fresh air to spare so no AC in the plans.

        My wife of 29 years made two comments about the truck when she saw it for the first time: "I heard you coming two blocks away" and "It smells like gas in here..." so she is definitely not a Stovebolter.

-30-


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