1953 GMC 1/2-ton Long Bed
Hi all, I'm about to go pick up my 1953 GMC this morning at 10am. It's about 5 mins from my house.
The way I came to own this piece of history is a story of its own. I wasn't looking for another project. I am in the middle of a '78 Malibu restoration project that has taken a large part of my savings, but that's a whole other story.
I was on FB market place searching for Malibu parts and this truck showed up. I was like "that's cool" and kept scrolling -- but kept coming back to it. Hey! It was right in my town. So I messaged the guy. I told him about my '78 project. He replied he and his wife raced '78 Malibu's. I ask if they ran the two white "Double Vision" cars, and
it was him.
I had never seen them race but had heard about them since the late 80s early 90s. They are living local legends. It's a sad story but he has ALS and is selling off his stuff to make sure his wife is cared for. I got to spend a few hours with him, listened to some stories. He took me up to a trailer. Inside was both "Double Vision" cars! He has so many old cars and trucks -- it's a treasure.
Anyhow, the truck belonged to his brother who used it to haul wood. He ended up with, did a valve job on it, and parked it. It's sat since 1987 in the same spot. A tree grew up over the tailgate and the root was in front of the rear tire. I took me and a buddy two hours to dig it out.
I have no idea about these old truck. All I know is it's a '53 straight 6 with three on the tree. My plan is to keep it as is and drive it all rusty.
The stuff I do not know is what truck it is: 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton. I'd like to, down the road, swap in my old 327, but I want to keep the three on the tree. Just to use it as a driver -- no hot rodding.
Anyone know if this is possible? And where I can get parts to rebuild the three speed column set up? Just a few questions for now. I know I'll have more.
