Greetings all,
My ten year old son, Aidan, and I are working on a 53 Chevy 3600 5 window that eventually will be his (provided he gets good grades and doesn't get into teen trouble!). I retired as a shop teacher (not many of us left) two years ago and now have the time to teach him the basics of auto mechanics, problem solving, developing a work ethic, running his own business to help fund our project and having fun working with his dad (hopefully).
Our good friend Terry at the Stinky Gulch Garage (aka East St. garage) in Nederland, Colorado is mentoring us with the 10+ year project. Ol' Buck the Truck is not in bad shape but needs some TLC to bring him along so Aidan can one day have a really cool, safe ride.
I replaced the 216 engine with a 235 back in the 90s and now we are in the process of converting the 6 volt to 12 volt, checking brakes, new rear end, interior remodel, cab/bed off frame restoration,bed restoration, new chrome and new paint job.
Aidan says he wants to keep the classic look on Ol' Buck but may want to eventually put in a larger 350 engine.
We look forward to learning lots more from all the motorheads and geezers at Stovebolt about restoring Ol' Buck as a legacy project!
I feel strongly now that many of the school shops/vocational programs around the country are being closed, it's up to us grown ups (loose term here) to keep the mechanical minds/curiousity of our kids nurtured!
Happy wrenching!
Dave and Aidan
Coal Creek Canyon near Golden/Boulder
