Stovebolt.com Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1953 Chevy 6400 Just starting a restoration

I just bought a 1953 6400. This truck is in need of a total restoration or something. I'm not sure of which direction I want to go. This truck is rated at 16000lbs, I want to stay close to this when completed. I would like to put a stake side bed & possibly dump capability on it. This much I know. The rest I haven't decided on. I could keep the patina or do a full new paint. I do need to do some body work, mostly in areas that are not exposed. With just a little time so far on checking out the drive train, I have determined the engine is locked up, the exchaust is missing, there are no brakes, parking brake is missing shoes & the drum has heavy surface rust. More than likely the master cylinder needs replaced or rebuilt & the hydrovac is most likely in need of a rebuild. I am not a purist, I am also thinking of possibly changing the driveline to diesel & modern axles. Not sure which way to go here. More research on my behalf is in store.

dsbike,

Just a note here that we moved your post from the Project Journals forum as your topic and questions may be better suited in Big Bolts for getting feedback and suggestions from fellow Bolters' on the topic of "Just starting a restoration".

As is mentioned by many of the responders to your Welcome Centre post, please post lots of pictures to go along with your questions.

As the saying goes, pictures speak a thousand words (or something like that ).



Dan

Here are a few of my pics of the new to me 53 6400. The rusty one is the lisence plate I found in the cab. it's from 1975, possibly the last time this truck was on the road.
Thanks for the welcome.
Dan

Dsbike Hmmm no pictures yet,on your booster,give it hydraulic jack oil from your losal FLAPS. About 2 oz. thru that 1/8 plug on it the service book tells about this. Get the book from Carters,keep it by your chair,My 2 over 70 yrs. old work fine. Soak your cylinders and valves in Marvel Mystery Oil or equivelent . Good Luck big bolt =big fun !!

fix,

Pics are there but currently not able to view because of a technical glitch. Hoping that will be fixed soon.

Dan

Thanks for the references. Hopefully the pics have come through now.

Pic’s are back up for all to see and enjoy! 👍

Dan

Curious that it has the fuel tank is located in the cab. Is that common on a 6400? or did the cab come off a lighter truck?

Early (47-48) pickups and big bolts had frame mounted fuel tanks. After that if a truck had a cab, the fuel tank was located in the cab. Panels & Suburban and truck chassis produced without a cab had frame mounted tanks for all AD years.

I purchased this book. 1948-1951 Shop Manual with 52 Supplement also 53 Chevrolet Pickup Truck, & 1947-1954 Chevrolet Truck Factory Assembly Manual. There is some reference to the 2 ton in both books. Is there another manual that is more specific on the Big Bolt or in addition to these?