The truck is done! Yahoo! Flights booked for July 26 to Regina, to drive it home with my wife. Big reveal party planned for the 28th. Dad doesn't know anything about the restoration so hopefully he'll be both surprised and impressed!
The truck is completed! Drove it home 500 miles too!! Here are some pictures of the finished product but I will fill in the last few stages once I get some pictures from Ken.
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
To end this part of the story, I wanted to share a picture of Dad driving the truck last time when it was the way he gave it to me. (Note that he absolutely did drive the restored version too!!)
The black and white is me and my lady...
The very last picture is my boy Aspen hanging out with me on the seat from the 55 Cameo I had. Sadly he never got a ride in the 59. That's the only heartache I have about the truck... he would have loved it!
Beautiful truck and heartfelt story! What a process! I am just about to embark on rebuilding a 55 Cameo and read that you also had one. Did you restore that one too? If yes, do u have any pictures of the restoration process similar to your 59? I have seen the truck and it is all in pieces......the metal appears to be pretty much rust free and the fibreglass bed sides are really clean except for around the wheelwells where there is evidence of patching with more fibreglass. It comes with a 58 Stepside truck for parts; 2 engines; 1 tranny and the original frame (will need to verify VIN # to be sure), box; 2 sets of doors and all new glass. The previous owner had it on the road/took it all apart and then sadly passed away. Thanks again for all the great photos and details of your 59 build!
Great story! Especially bringing the original owner to revisit his youth. The truck is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing your journey!! Enjoy her Jim
~ Jim Schmidt, Bucks County, PA 1953 Chevrolet 3804 1-ton In the DITY Gallery
Beautiful truck and heartfelt story! What a process! I am just about to embark on rebuilding a 55 Cameo and read that you also had one. Did you restore that one too? If yes, do u have any pictures of the restoration process similar to your 59? I have seen the truck and it is all in pieces......the metal appears to be pretty much rust free and the fibreglass bed sides are really clean except for around the wheelwells where there is evidence of patching with more fibreglass. It comes with a 58 Stepside truck for parts; 2 engines; 1 tranny and the original frame (will need to verify VIN # to be sure), box; 2 sets of doors and all new glass. The previous owner had it on the road/took it all apart and then sadly passed away. Thanks again for all the great photos and details of your 59 build!
Sorry for the tardy response! Thanks for the kind words! I didn't restore it like the 59, but did do a lot of mechanical work on it to get it back on the road.
Great story! Especially bringing the original owner to revisit his youth. The truck is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing your journey!! Enjoy her Jim
Thanks Jim. Yes, having Syd there was a real treat!!
This is an amazing build Darcy. I love flipping through the build and the story that goes with it is truly awesome. It must have been a great moment sharing it all wth everyone that had a memory in that truck.
That Cameo sure has a nice patina, stance and look. Nice truck. It would be amazing to finish up that Cameo as well to match the GMC, but just as awesome to drive and show it just the way it is. Lucky fella!
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
I sold the Cameo because I didn't have room in my garage or my bank account for two of them... haha A young guy in Canmore bought it and has family in Wetaskawin so you may see it on the road so keep your eyes peeled!
I see you are a close neighbour so if you are in the area, shoot me an email if you want to see the 59 first hand.
I am thrilled to share with you the restoration journey of Darcy's ("FootStomper") 1959 GMC Shortbox Custom Wideside Deluxe.
This cherished vehicle has been a part of his family's legacy since around 1973, when Darcy's father first brought it home.
The restoration process, spanning nearly three years, has been a labor of love, filled with both triumphs and challenges. While the bodywork and paint were expertly handled by Darcy's friend Ken at a local shop (with Darcy lending a hand whenever possible), the rest of the restoration was completed entirely by Darcy himself.
This Journal documents every step of the journey, from the initial planning stages to the final touches.
I invite you to follow along with this remarkable restoration story of a truck that has been cherished by our family for nearly half a century.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
I am thrilled to share with you the restoration journey of Darcy's ("FootStomper") 1959 GMC Shortbox Custom Wideside Deluxe.