I was a long-time fan of the AD series, just love the way they look, stock or custom. I wanted a 1951 model, because that's the same year I was built.
Found a one-owner, well cared for farm truck at a farm estate sale in OK, and brought it home to drive.
Didn't take long to figure out that in its stock setup, its uses were limited (i.e. 45 mph). So after driving it for about five years, this novice set out on the journey of a lifetime -- tearing my prized possession down to the frame and making it new again.
This was a learn as you go process, and I have to thank so many, but mainly a guy who became a friend and mentor, Deve, at devestechnet.com. Couldn't have done it without him.
I wanted to make it a truck I could use and drive. I make a 30-mile round trip commute to work in it at least a couple times a week, and never hesitate to run errands with it.
Almost all remains original, even the wood in the bed, but I upgraded the rear end to a 4.11:1, had a 1958 261 rebuilt, and tied that to a T5 transmission. Now I can roll at highway speeds without a worry.
And the best part .... my 2-yr-old granddaughter loves to sit in Papa's pickup and honk the horn!
neat truck, you should drive that baby to the reunion and meet the stove bolt folks, they would love to see the truck..
Last edited by Peggy M; 10/26/202312:41 AM.
Redryder pix My Hotrod A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of "up to and including my life." I am fighting cancer and I am winning the fight | Pain is part of life; misery is an option.
Thanks for the picture of fine looking truck. I to have used some of Deve's words of wisdom.
...I also understand the grand daughter things. One of mine is now 12 years old but she has never forgot the rides, and smiles in papa's truck. Memories are forever. Thanks for sharing yours.
