Hello all! My story begins in Wichita, Ks. and will end in Wichita as well.
In 1973 I traded my motorcycle to buy a vehicle to take four of us to field camp. I ended up with a blue 1952 Chevy 1/2-ton truck. I have owned it ever since.
Though I never got around to a "restoration," I used it for school, work, for moving friends and going fishing. It still holds its original 216 engine and I drove the truck throughout the Midwest -- back in the day. Back then, due to the Arab Embargo, the Feds lowered speed limits to 55 mph so I could almost keep up with traffic.
With a simple tool box of stuff and a jack, I could always (usually) keep it going down the road. However, Ol Blue/True Blue (it answers to both) has been sleeping in my garage for over 15 years.
After a serious health scare in the summer 2025, I decided since me and Ol Blue started life together, we should finish life together -- as per whatever the Good Lord wills.
So in the fall I began to wake up my truck, as I had done times before when it slept for long periods of time. After three weeks of draining and tinkering, I put the new battery in. I pulled out the choke, gave the gas pedal a few repetitions, stepped on the ignition switch -- and rolled my foot onto the gas. After some throat clearing and hacking, he fired up and ran and then I added new tires.
At this point in my life, I will not likely do a full modern restoration. Rather I'll get it running good, get it dependable, and get safe by current standards and my age.
So after giving the truck a good shower and cleaning off years of oxidation, etc., I wiped it down with a modern protection coating or two. I've now begun to do a lot of fixes and upgrades and a bit of lipstick.
My wife of 53 years had the favorite color red. So when I bought the 1952 truck in 1973, I painted the interior red. She made seat covers, headliners and door panels out of denim and red trim. I am replacing the upholstery and headliner in black, along with black rubber flooring.
Now, I am doing the things I can do. I installed 3-point seat belts already and will try to find a mechanic that has experience and enjoys working on the classics.
First big job to hire out is brakes! From master cylinder to the shoes and drums.
I sure miss the early days when I first bought the truck and worked in a full service gas station and garage. I had help, a lift, and access to parts and even learned a thing or two.
Anyway, I am eager to do a lot of reading and helping where I can. Brad
