Owned by Larry Richardson "lardog63" Bolter # 37725 Madison, Ohio

1951 Chevy 1/2-Ton Panel

"The X-Green Bay Packers Party Wagon"

More pictures of my old truck

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From Larry :

This is the story of the "former" Green Bay Packers Tailgater Party Wagon. Actually, it's the story about how I acquired this 1951 Chevy Panel.

I had been looking to trade my Harley for an old truck. I found a 1958 Chevy just around the corner from where I live. That was real convenient! The day before the deal on the '58 was to be finalized, I checked Craigslist one more time just to be sure I wasn't missing anything. Well, low and behold, there was the 1951 Panel!

The owner bought it from a fellow in Wisconsin and had it shipped to him in Ohio. It was the Wisconsin owner who had it set up as the Green Bay Packers Tailgater Party Wagon. It had television monitors in it, green carpet with yellow stripes, the dash was green and yellow, seat covers were green and yellow vinyl. There were Packers stickers all over the place. It was really over the top (you have to see the pictures in the link above).

When the new owner got it to Ohio, he didn't do much to it cosmetically. So, all the Packers' stuff was still there. He did switch the truck to 12 volts and did a few odds and ends to get it running.

I took my Harley on a two-hour road trip to check it out. I wanted her bad.

After a quick charge from the battery charger, she fired right up. She didn't sound too bad either. The speedo and title said 85,000 miles. The motor, I was told, is a 235 from a 1957 truck.

So, we traded right on the spot (the Harley for the truck). I made a quick stop to check the gas and oil situation and then on to the freeway for the two hour ride back home. She's an attention getter that's for sure! She ran and drove real good.

When I got her home, all I wanted to do was drive some more. But it was almost winter. I had no plates or insurance yet. So I decided to just play it safe and get her in the garage and start working on her.

As I got a closer look, I could tell that there was going to be some work ahead. But I never looked at what it is, rather what it can be.

Well, she's only a half ton but she's a big girl and wouldn't fit through the garage door. After several attempts, she finally made it but not before letting the air out of all four tires and putting four family members in the back. She just squeaked in. Now that's playing it safe. I can't even take her out by myself. I would need at least four friends.

What a party girl. I wanna change her jaded past. She'll still be just as much fun, but more attitude.

I found a set of 1951 Ohio plates for the truck on eBay and I added a Greenfield visor. I got a set of Unity fog lights for the front and some Iron Cross tail lights for the back.

I gave her a quick shot of flat black and slapped some graphics on the side. changed out the wheels and tires to something more to my liking.

Mechanically the only things I have had to do thus far was a valve cover gasket and a starter rebuild. A big thank you to the guy's at Buckeye Auto Electric.

I really don't get out to any shows or events. I just drive it to work or the store and to hang at a friends house. Every time I take her out someone smiles or gives the thumbs up. I'm glad they like it but I'm a selfish person and I did it all for me....

Stovebolt.com is a great way to find ideas, advice, and inspiration.

I'll keep you posted with my updates in the DITY forum; and will add pictures in my album. Please feel free to comment!

Larry Richardson

Just livin' the dream

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