This is my 1953 1/2 ton Chevrolet pick up truck. I have owned her since 1972 and guess I may be the third owner.
Most of her life has been in KY & TN. The 1018th truck off the Norwood Ohio assembly line in 1952 dressed in Mariner Blue, no radio, no chrome, 3 speed OTC, rear bumper and a single tail light.
I drove her for 20 years changing the oil (non detergent) and filter (roll of toilet paper) till the brakes died.
I had to park her with the thought of a future restoration. When I finally had a decent garage, I brought her home to find mice had invaded along with the merciless tin worm.
I began an eight year project with what started to be a brake job and ultimately became a total frame up restoration.
The 216 was to be replaced by a 235 from a 1962 donor and a full conversion to 12 VDC. It was a part time job in a way, but far more therapeutic and rewarding than watching a stupid TV.
I did the metal prep and had a friend who did the top coat in his shop - doing each part individually. I would finish a pair of parts and take them to him every other week and bring home the previous batch for curing.
Along the way, I found this and the Chevy Duty sites invaluable.
Thank you.
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/26/20234:48 PM. Reason: Added year info to title
Glenn, you are correct, it is almost too nice. I wanted a driver, so I drive it on any nice day. My brother wants me to send him a picture when I load the bed full of gravel! I do not need any gravel so....
Rusty, The color (Mariner Blue) is the original color. I took the firewall cover plate behind the heater that still had the chalk/crayon mark from the assembly line, and matched it with the GM paint chips I found at Hershey one year. I believe It looks deeper due to it being a 2 stage base coat clear coat in lieu of the original enamel. It turned out a lot nicer than I expected for a driver.
Thanks for sharing your story and pics.