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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 10 | Hi I just took delivery of a dream come true. A 1953 half ton panel truck with 29K org. miles.
In 1973 I purchased a 1947 thriftmaster for $75.
Got it running and had a lot of fun with it and it was the truck that I used to restore/rebuild the old farmhouse I live in today. Well with a wife and family it got put out to pasture. Could not bear to sell it even though had plenty of offers so it rusted away in the barnyard. I did not have the time or money to save it, ashamed about that. Have always wanted another and it was really my first project. Have a 1947 stylemaster coupe hot rod with a 400 mtr 700R and a 1955 Belair HT. Found it on C-list 80 miles from home. Seller had bought the truck from org owners son and did all the stuff to get it going again carb,tires, brakes, new glass in doors owned it for 2yrs and only put 119 miles on it
He lived in a metropolitan area. After filling the leaking trans up like I did in the 47 I took her out for a spin . Been over 20 yrs since I drove one. I live in a rural farm area and I feel it is only suited at this time for this type of use. Cannot believe I drove one all as a daily driver in the 70s.
So Guys what do you think I should do to update truck? She really needs some 355 gears and 12V change. Wish I hadn't sold that GM 302 mtr last year! I am new to this forum stuff even though I have been a member for over ten yrs I hope to figure out how to post some pictures soon.
Its a great feeling to know I am not alone in my love for these trucks. Bud
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Welcome back.
My '54 Suburban has a later '50s 3 speed overdrive with a '55 first series 3.90 rear end and open drive shaft. It cruises nicely at 70-75 with the stock 248 engine. Stops nicely with power disc fronts on stock straight axle. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Bud Rod, welcome "back" to the Stovebolt. A man just can't find a better place if he owns and old Chevy truck!
Personally I like to keep them looking as close to original as possible but with subtle updates that don't distract from the vehicle its self. I call it resto-mod. There are lots of stuff you can do....but its your truck and we'll abide by your decision and then help you get there.
I'm running with my panel on drum brakes all around but with open driveshaft as I pulled the torque tube and stuck in a latter model center section...or as I call it the "pumpkin".
We have a Forum for Panel and Suburbans so be sure to check in there. Ask engine questions in the Engine Forum, driveline questions in the Driveline forum and so it goes. If your doing "modifications" some of those questions need to be posted in the HiPo Forum. The guys here are great about helping. Just let us know what you need to know.
....and the 55 HT you can send to me!
....since Stovebolt Headquarters are in Md. be sure to plan on being at the Homecoming in late April. Its a blast! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 10 | Hey guys- Cletis, I have picked up the 57 OD trans and have decided that I am going to either find a 55 first series driveshaft snd pumpkin 1st choice OR find a 55 to 62 truck pumpkin that you said would fit. Would have to have a drive shaft made. This truck is so cherry that I really want to keep it as stock as possible and be able to cruise at modern HWY speeds. In the meantime I will enjoy it like it is and resist my Hot Rod tendencies. Have I got my facts correct? I promise if I can get it updated I will come to April gathering in it. If not have to come in 55. Thanks Bud | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | If you can find the '55 first rear end, get the springs and the driveshaft. You can use the driveshaft with no mods too.
Did you get the kickdown switch and relay with the tranny? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 10 | Cletis, Thanks for the quick reply. Realistically
my odds of finding a 55 first series pumpkin and driveshaft will be challenging. But heck I found a OD trans and have a lead on a one that has recently been hotrodded will call them today. You mentioned springs? Assumed they were the same as my 53s. Could you educate me on this? Also am I correct with what Alvin said about 55 to 62 truck pumpkin fitting my stock unit? And Yes, the OD trans has both relay and switch. Can they be repaired/ replaced if needed? Thanks for your help. Bud | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | Bud,
1955-1st springs were attached differently to the axle (than in 1954 and earlier truck). That is why cletis suggested buying the whole assembly, if possible.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Yes, they can be replaced. I wired mine with a toggle switch and a Bosch type relay. | | |
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