1953 Chevrolet 3100 Deluxe Cab

	Owned by Steve Nelson "MT53" Bolter # 3694 Montana

From Steve

Well, here it is. My pride and joy!!!

After many years of wanting an old AD Chevy pickup to work on and drive, I finally bought one this summer. 

My Son found this 1953 1/2-ton in a neighboring town. When I first saw it, I knew I just had to have it.  The price was too good to pass up.  It was "rough" but I saw nothing but potential.  The owner even threw in another left front fender to replace the bad one! 

Check out those ridiculous looking wheels!  They have got to go!  I have located a set of five original 16 x 4 1/2 wheels and have had them sandblasted.  I'm saving up for tires now. 

This old truck also has a VERY stout homemade rear bumper/trailer hitch that also has to go.  I want it to appear as close to stock as possible. 

A previous owner had cut a deep well in the right rear fender to accommodate the enormous spare. I'll have to eventually replace that, too. 

For right now, I'm concentrating on making it safe and reliable.  I have cleaned and sealed the gas tank, put on all new brakes and brake lines, rebuilt the master and wheel cylinders, replaced the tie-rod ends, installed new tail lights and wiring, rebuilt the carb and distributor, put on a new coil, made up new 2/0 battery cables, installed a new clutch and replaced the gas gauge and sending unit.  I also put in a 60 lb. oil pressure gauge from an old GMC. 

The body work will have to wait a couple of years unless I win the lottery or some rich relative leaves me a big inheritance! 

I'm still trying to decide what to do with the engine. The cheapest route would be to rebuild the 235, but I would really like to get a 261. If I can find a good core somewhere, I might go that route. 

I grew up on a farm driving a 1949 Chevy 3/4-ton, a 1951 and a 1954 2-ton.  My Dad still has the '54, but the '49 and '51 were sold years ago for almost nothing. I'd really like to have the '49 now!

This is a great hobby. I get a lot of satisfaction from resurrecting something from the past.  Even though I don't have a heated garage, I don't mind getting out there in the cold and doing something on the truck.  I have temporarily evicted my wife's Mazda from the garage while I work on my truck.  A situation she says will not be permanent!  Even though she doesn't share my passion for the truck, she still supports me and my efforts. I am truly a blessed man! 

Thanks for letting me submit this,

Steve Nelson
"53Therapy"

Steve - Looks like you have your work cut out for a little while eh?  Nice Truck and thanks for the great writeup! ~ Curator

In January 2011, Steve added his 1954 Chevrolet 2-Ton Truck to the Gallery ~ Editor

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