The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Checklist to Inspection Sticker for the 53

I've got a whole big list of things that I want to do to the truck overall but figured I would make one of the things I have to complete before driving her to the local inspection station here in Texas. Hopefully, I will catch everything BEFORE the trip (no Whammies, no Whammies!).

Here goes:

1) Headlights - Have new set ready to install
2) Parking Lights - Present but not lit
3) Brake Lights - Present but not lit
4) Horn - Broken/chewed up and missing wires
5) Wipers - Passenger side works; driver side doesn't
6) Turn Signals - Nada
7) Glass - Rear window on backorder with Jim Carter (anyone know if it'll pass without it?)

The truck is still running 6V but was apparently jump started with a 12V fairly often. My guess is that I have a bunch of blown bulbs and/or fuses. I have the Shop Manual, a multi-tester, two spools of 14 gauge wire and some solderless connectors.

Any other tips on where to start with the wiring project? I don't have the time or budget for a new harness right now so I'll have to fix what I've got.

Thanks!

One thing at a time and if it is in too bad condition and gets overwhelming and has to be replaced www.ezwiring.com quality is great and you maybe surprised at how low the price is. I don't see them giving you any trouble for the rear window.

Thanks for the encouragement, Hevy! I've gotten two letters from the Homeowners' Association so far so the clock is ticking on the inspection process (hence the time crunch).

Decided to start with the tail lights tonight. Removed the lens covers and found the aftermath of possibly years of rain and snow (truck came from Colorado). The bulbs were literally fused to the sockets, coated in corrosion. Even the glass on the bulbs was coated in rust residue. So Mr. Hacksaw and I ever-so-gently removed the tail light assemblies. Tomorrow I'll swing by a parts store and look for replacements. Any store suggestions for 6V tail light assemblies? What are the odds of finding a 12V setup that will accept 6V bulbs?

Before the last of the daylight evaporated, I pulled the headlight knob out to "ON" and tested the red wires that run to the tail lights. Nothing. But I do have power to both sides of the fuse box under the hood (both circuits). And when I turn the headlight switch off, no power is present at the fuse box. So there must be a hitch in the getalong between the fuse box and the end of the bed.

More updates tomorrow. Thanks, gang!

Should be able to swap 12 volt bulbs for 6 volt bulbs in most any of the aftermarket tail lights you will find at the auto parts store.

You will at least need two wiper arms on the truck to get inspected, they probably don't have to actually work, depending how thorough your inspector is. The back glass should be no problem, many many trucks have bodies that cover the back window to start with, so even if you had no glass, or a piece of plywood, you should be fine. The horn may not be a problem either, again depends on the inspector.

I would suggest you ask around at automotive machine shops, and other places where people hang out that work on and with old cars. They will be able to point you in the right direction for a "good" inspection station.
You need the kind where you go in and ask for an "inspection sticker", as opposed to "an inspection"

Grigg

Good advice, Grigg. The main objective is to get the inspection so that I can get it registered (title changed over to my name). Then I can relocate it to a more accommodating place (no neighborhood association). I'll take a look at the local parts store for tail lights and 6V bulbs and post the update.

These aren't the most current photos but thought some of you might like to see the ol' girl.

1953 Big Bolt Project Truck

About the horn.

An older friend of mine tells a story of going for an inspection sticker. At the shop he went to you just pull up and stay in the car. Then the mechanic ask for lights, left turn, right, brake...
Then he ask for horn. My friend sticks his head out the window and says "beep beep".
No problems getting a sticker...

Grigg

Swung by Stroud Auto Supply during my lunch break today. They are a local AC Delco shop that has lots of stuff for the older iron. That's where I ended up finding replacement wheel studs. Anyway, I picked up some Grote combo lights and 6V bulbs to fit.

After work, I stopped by the local Ace Hardware store and found some pre-drilled l-brackets and some Grade 5 mounting hardware. Just finished installing them on the flatbed. I even tested the lights before bolting them in using a spare 6V battery. Looks like I'm in business.

Tomorrow I'll start stringing the new wire from the engine compartment back to the new lights.

Cheers!

Today was a good day!

Picked up new running lights for the bed, a 100' roll of 14 AWG yellow wire, a good wire crimper/stripper tool and some stainless nuts & bolts.

It took all afternoon but I got the running lights, tail lights, brake lights and headlights (low beam and high beam) working.

Next up will be the horn and the driver side wiper.

More updates to come. Thanks everyone!

I have noticed a lot of the topics in the forums are geared to the person who needs to get the truck to "pass inspection". I cannot imagine what stress that must instill.

Here in ND there is no inspection. Nada. I could go and register some piece of crap in a junk yard tomorrow if I had the title. Just an FYI.

And no, my truck isn't from the junk yard!! Ha!!

Here in Fort Worth, we're in an emissions-restricted area so vehicles younger than 25 years have to go on a dyno and have an exhaust gas analyzer test during inspection, too. As frustrating as getting my "safety only" inspection stuff done is, getting an older vehicle to pass the smog test can be SOOOO much more frustrating. I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on emissions-related parts on my last project truck and kept missing the mark on one of the tests (I got the CO down to spec and cut the Nox down by 70% but it still wasn't in spec.). Finally, her 25th birthday rolled around and I had the title amended to show Emissions Exempt. Oh, happy day!!

Now about that horn and wiper situation...

They must have really tightened up on those Texas inspections since I was living in Texarkana. Back then, as long as it had wheels and would go, it'd pass. Not too sure about the wheels being necessary on that either.

Good Luck with it and let us know how it goes!

Willy

My Shop Manual doesn't include a wiring diagram that exactly matches the 53 (missing horn relay). So I looked around online for one when I found this one for a 1954.

Looks like I'm going to have to extend my horn wire (it's been "shortened" by the PO) so that it can reach the terminal block near the driver side headlight. That would explain the "extra" wire connected to the horn relay that has had me stumped.

I'll fix the wire and give you an update. Then I'll just need to see about that driver side wiper arm.

Emissions? Holy crap!! I had no idea! Here I was toying with the idea of a chrome stack straight pipe exhaust, for you that wouldn't be an option!!

Does that mean you need a catalytic converter? I wouldn't even know where to start with emissions!

Not for the 53. Just for any vehicle I happen to have newer than a 1982 model. (Thank goodness!)

Well, I fixed my horn and my wiper problems. On my 53, the terminal block close to the driver side headlight only has three terminals...so I just connected the horn directly to the horn relay. Then I had to fix a break in the horn button wire and clean up the horn button contact plates. Beep, beep!

As for the wiper arm, I discovered that the transmission arm that connects the wiper motor to the driver side wiper arm had popped off. It popped back on and we're in business!

Since the inspection station is a couple of miles away, I'm going to set the timing properly (I used a less than scientific method last time...hmmmm, idle sounds about right and no scary sounds are coming from the engine...okay, tighten her down!). :rolleyes:

So we're taking her in for the sticker this weekend, at the latest.

Last night my wife and I installed the new rear window, including new rubber seals. I followed the directions from the Shop Manual but used the soapy water trick that I read here on Stovebolt. Took a little over an hour, all told. It was sprinkling the whole time so I got pretty wet but it was worth it!

Now I'm off to find a timing light and feeler gauges so I can get the point gap and timing set properly. Then I'll head on over to the inspection station. Fingers crossed, everybody!!

Good luck! In Virginia starting July 1st, we have to get our antique trucks a state inspection for the first time. I think it will catch a lot of owners by surprise.

Please explain this inspection for Virginia antiques?
That's a new one for me
Grigg

sorry:

HB 2465 Antique motor vehicles and antique trailers; license plates therefor.
Daniel W. Marshall, III

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary as passed:
License plates for antique motor vehicles and antique trailers; penalties. Provides that applicants for antique license plates show evidence of ownership or regular use of another passenger car or motorcycle. The bill also changes the fee for registration and license plates from $10 to a one-time fee of $50; corrects the dates for issuance of metal tabs; permits use of these plates to carry or transport passengers, personal effects, or other antique motor vehicles being transported for show; and requires that vehicles must meet safety equipment requirements for the model year in which they were manufactured. In addition, the bill (i) provides that DMV shall suspend the registration of vehicles registered with antique plates if the vehicle is not properly equipped or is otherwise unsafe to operate, (ii) establishes a Class 4 misdemeanor for violations of this act, and (iii) requires that DMV revoke and not reinstate the owner's privilege to register the vehicle with antique license plates for a period of five years. Lastly, the bill provides for the cancellation of antique vehicle plates issued prior to July 1, 2007 if, prior to January 1, 2008, registrants do not provide the Department with evidence of owning or having regular use of another passenger car or motorcycle and do not have the required safety certification.

Full law details: HB2465

Thanks,
I don't see anything requiring an inspection like our new cars get every year.
I see "vehicles must meet safety equipment requirements for the model year in which they were manufactured." Does this equate to having to get an inspection sticker every year?

The way I read it the changes that affect us will be having to prove we have a second non antique car, and different fees for new plates in the future.
It could be painful if you are caught with an unsafe vehicle, 5 years before you can re register it as antique. Does not seem fair, if my new car is found to be unsafe, say bald tires, I can get them replaced and drive it with the same registration the same day...
Am I missing something?

Grigg

Sadly yes. The state was trying to raise lots of new money for transportation/new roads and trying to stop folks from driving "antique cars" to work instead of a safe modern car/truck. You may have seen the poor folks and those trying to beat the tax system driving junk cars in Virginia with antique plates around town. Those cars with antique plates driven that do not have an inspection stickers, do not pay annual taxes and tags fees nor are they safe on the roads. Trying to avoid what everyone else pays the DMV every year. I see it all the time in Tidewater area. An old 1964 fairlane rusted to pieces and falling apart that is used as a daily driver. The cops don't have the time or manpower to pull them over so they get by with it. That is what the state legislators intended to stop. So they passed the law that requires every car and truck to get a annual inspection.

I have spoken with my state elected rep and he indicates I have to prove I have a daily driver vehicle, get the fire truck an annual inspection and can't drive the firetruck unless I'm testing it, going to a parade or car show fuction of some kind just to get or keep my antique plates on the firetruck.

Yepper that is what the law is in Virginia starting July 1st. It sucks...

When I want to drive my old truck a lot I get it inspected and regular tags. Like when I made the trip around the country, I never had a problem then. I do use the antique tags while I am working on something, to run and get parts and have work done. It's nice not having to really worry about an inspection sticker while doing that. I know that is mostly illegal, but it did work. With the new law requiring inspection stickers on antiques it will make it much more difficult to get a truck on the road, as you can't drive it to get it worked on.

I did have a problem while towing the trailer with the ford and antique tags a few weeks ago. I got a ticket for expired inspection on the trailer. We have had about 4 trailers over the past 15 years, usually two at a time, and never once got one inspected, never knew it was required. It is now inspected....
While he was writing a ticket for that he said I could not pull the trailer with antique tags, and that the 4 spare wheels I had on the bed were not allowed either.
I was actually going to get the ford serviced at a really good Detroit shop in PA, and I was going to retrieve my 48 project in WV on my way home. The osifer seemed to understand, and did not give me a ticket, but still thought it was not allowed. I then asked if I could drive the truck with trailer with my 48 on it to the show in Colorado Springs. He seemed to think that because it was for "pleasure use" that no one would give me much trouble, although possibly still not legal.

The new law does say that you can haul another vehicle to a show, so there is one improvement in all of it.

Grigg

I agree. I'll do whatever I have to do to keep the firetruck on the road.

Gregg, Hi. I'm another FNG with a '48 6400 grain truck(Chev) with a dump bed. It all works(when the trucks runs. Still needs some TLC. My question is on your truck turn signals I see in photos that the lenses are intact. Are they replacements? If so, from where? Mine have turned white and for the most part disintergrated. I also have not taken the time to verify the eng or hoist mfg. The bed and sides are Omaha Standard and(so far)original. Recently scored 7 new 8.25x20 tires for cheep. Still haven't put them on yet. Got some feedback from a dude who told me that size is too big for the front. Any input? Thanks, Tom

I assume by turn signals you mean parking lights in the grill?
I have never messed with any of mine, I think they are glass, and I would check the usual vendors like Jim Carters for new ones.
The 8.25X20 tires should work great on the rear, assuming they don't interfere with the bed, I doubt they will.
As for the front, they will most likely fit and clear the fenders, but will rub the springs at hard turns. Many people don't mind this, how about you?
I will run 9R22.5 tires on my truck, they are the tubeless replacement for 8.25X20, I don't anticipate any major problems.

Grigg

CoreyCOE: Did you pass the inspection?

Update: Well, I had a nice 3-day weekend to get my truck tuned up and inspected but it rained every single day. I had enough time to get the points replaced but not enough time to get the timing set and adjust the carburetor. Something about running an inductive timing light and adjusting the distributor in the rain didn't seem particularly smart (my truck's in the driveway).

And I ran the old girl out of gas. So I'll be making a few trips to the gas station with my little 1-gallon gas can to get enough go juice in the tank to finish the tune-up. Then we'll be on our way to Mr. Inspector.

Corey

Good Luck CoreyCOE! VaFiretruck and Grigg sure ruined my night. I was hoping to not have to worry about an inspection but I guess that is changing. Oh well!

Good Luck CoreyCOE! VaFiretruck and Grigg sure ruined my night. I was hoping to not have to worry about an inspection but I guess that is changing. Oh well!

Sorry Cannonball. The fire truck hasn't had a state inspection since 1995. I'm hopeful maybe next year the car and truck clubs will get the state to change the law again. Or maybe just ad some exceptions for us chevy truck people!!!

I guess the free of inspection days are gone.

Just curious, if you have regular plates and tags on your truck - not antique would you still have to get the inspection sticker ?

Yes.

I hope they don't insist on scraping the 1957-1958 WV sticker off. It has been there since the truck was new. I don't supppose the truck was ever inspected after it became a fire truck.

Update: Drove the 53 to the inspection station today. Had an hour to get there before they closed. Stopped for gas a few blocks away so that I could be sure that I wouldn't run out before, during or after the inspection. Everything checked out...except for one small detail: no mud flaps!

Mud flaps!!

Wasn't even on my checklist. And they can't be just any old mud flaps. They have to be at least as wide as the overall width of the dual rear tires and come within 8 inches of the ground.

I called my trusty AC Delco parts store and their biggest flaps are 24" x 36". I did some measuring and I think those will fit like a glove. Of course it will take some fabricating since the truck doesn't have any existing brackets or anything.

So...off to get the flaps during my lunch hour tomorrow (Friday). I'll work on getting them installed after work and have to take it back in Saturday morning for Round 2.

Fingers crossed, everyone!

Corey

Mud flaps??? They(Texas) have got to be kidding...

Good luck!

Hey Corey, that COE of yours looks "Great". Do you plan to install original mirrors on it, or leave the ones pictured on it.

I think we have a mud flap requirement on some of our trucks here in VA too?

In Virginia, we have to meet the requirements for the year the truck was built. Since they didn't have tail lights on both sides of the rear in 1951, I hope I(we) don't have to deal with crap like mud flaps.

True, I did some searching and this is what I found:

§ 46.2-1083. Rear fenders, flaps, or guards required for certain motor vehicles.


No person shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles having a licensed gross weight in excess of 40,000 pounds unless the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is equipped with rear fenders, flaps, or guards of sufficient size to substantially prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substances to the rear. Vehicles used exclusively for hauling logs and tractor trucks shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.

So unless your truck weighs 40,000 loaded no worrys about mud flaps in VA.

Spanky,

I'd love to go back to original mirrors on my truck. It doesn't look very good right now, especially since the left mirror doesn't match the one on the right. But I don't know where to find OE mirrors for the big trucks...have any spares??

Bought the mud flaps from Stroud Auto Supply today during lunch. They look really huge by themselves. I'm sure they'll look just fine installed. I'll be sure to take more pictures when I get 'em bolted on.

Corey