1959 Chevy 1/2-Ton

	Owned by Ralph Stegall "rasman57" Bolter # 13210 Big Rock, Illinois Talking about this truck in the Welcome Center

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From Ralph :

This 1959 Chevy 1/2-ton was rescued from Southern Colorado where it was originally a farm truck. I bought it from a fella that had it stored in his building. He had bought it from the original ranch owner with the hope to one day restore it. After a few years of never tackling the project, he listed it on eBay.

The truck cab was in decent shape as it needed new cab rear corners and a bit of rust repair in the door hinge areas only. The 235 engine was not running but it was complete. The original SM420 4 speed was complete and needed rebuilding as well.

I had the truck painted a GM color (Pontiac 1964) as none of the original colors for 1959 Task Force truck did it for me ... and I always loved that 1964 color.

I had the engine professionally rebuilt as well as the SM420. I was able to use the original deluxe heater after carefully rebuilding it and getting it powdercoated. The original truck was ordered with the heater, no radio and was a good basic work truck.

I decided to pretty her up and add the chrome bumpers, grille, hub caps, mirror and window trim. I added the replacement chrome windows with the cool ray type green tinted glass to go along with the stainless moldings around the front and rear windows. I decided to use a correct style Cameo seat cover instead of the original plain one as nothing says the '50s like that two tone Cameo style seat!

I used a Bruce Horkey supplied ash bed kit and stained and varnished the wood with several coats of high gloss sanding between coats. The polished stainless strips and hardware finished the bed floor nicely.

I bought a complete new box and tailgate from Mar-K (USA Made!) High quality and great fit. I found a good set of steel rear fenders to complete the sheet metal.

So after a couple years of enjoying the process of restoring, it is almost finished. She rides like a dream and up to about 50 mph, you can cruise the country blacktops without a care in the world driving your old truck. Above 50 .... well you care because you are winding her out pretty good with that old 4 speed and rear axle. Nothing runs like those old straight 6 mills for solid reliability.

I highly recommend the restoration or restification of one of these old work horses. They deserve the respect and care and you will be rewarded with the satisfaction of seeing your care and attention come together into a nice truck!

Rasman

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