Thanks guys! I am learning more already. I looked at the Tech Tips on this website and saw that Chevy's didn't come in a longbed in '53, so I was afraid that the GMC might be incorrectly described. But, now I know it is accurately described.
No, I'm not in Germany anymore. I was stationed there a couple of years back. I'm in Baghdad right now. I'll be back in Kansas (Ft Riley) in June, and I hope to pick up the truck around that time. Hopefully, and I have my fingers crossed, our old family friend in OK still has it for sale, AND can find the title. I sent him a letter with an offer yesterday (snail-mail). I think it's still there though. My friend was in no hurry to sell. It had been in a barn for 6 years the last time I inquired about it. Only my move to Germany prevented me from buying it. I told him I would be back for it.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures here. I first saw the truck in person about 20 years ago. My buddy sent me a few pictures a couple of years ago, but they are back in Kansas. I remember it has an original radio, a sunscreen over the windshield, and it's white.
Use... 4-wheel... drum... brakes? I figure I should take the money I would spend on new front wheel cylinders and a new master cylinder and just apply it towards disc brakes. When I had front drums on my '56, they would act up at times. Hard braking could cause the car to jerk to one side or the other unless the shoes were perfectly adjusted just right. I never had that problem with discs. But, it would be quicker and easier to stay with drum brakes... Hmmmm...
I do miss the Autobahn in Germany. I would cruise at 110 mph in my American Ford Focus. It never felt unsafe. After driving over there, I'm convinced we need to re-examine our speed limits in the US.
56chev
