Hi, guys:
I turn 60 in 2013 and it's time to fulfill a dream -- owning a Chevy 3100 5-window that's the same age as me! A 1953 model.
I can build most anything out of wood -- houses, boats, furniture -- but have never had any mechanical experience. So, sorry to say, I will need to buy a completed pickup or have one custom fabricated. I don't think I have enough years left to learn to do it myself!
I'm looking for a reliable ride that I can safely drive coast-to-coast and am leaning toward a 350 crate engine combined with a 4 or 5-speed stick shift. I guess what you might call a resto-rod.
Are there any custom shops that you could recommend in the U.S. or Canada (I'm in Northern Ontario) that specialize in such vehicles? (I tried the links section but some are expired.)
Would I be best to buy a decent on-line truck myself and ship it somewhere to be re-done to my specs? Are there big issues to deal with in upgrading to a new crate engine and transmission?
Sorry for all of the questions, but it is a dream I'd love to fulfill, just like so many of you have already done on this great forum.
Thanks for your advice.
