Personally, I went the resto route, but that probably has a lot to do with he memories associated with the truck. That being said, I don't have problems keeping the 235 in my '58 running. I did do a Petronix conversion to an electronic ignition with a higher output coil. I can certainly understand the desire for improved suspension, power disc brakes, and (depending on where you live) AC. If you need/plan to do much highway driving, I can also see changing the rearend gearing to improve speed at the sacrifice of low end pulling power. The main difference in maintenance and trouble that I can see between the old Chevy and a new one has nothing to do with the engine and drive train, it's all the lubing that you need to do smile .


58 Fleetside, 235, "The Old Buckin' Bronco"