May I introduce you to "Fred", a '53 GMC 3/4 ton, deluxe cab, long bed.
Fred was a display truck for the grocery store I manage honeybees for over the last 5 years. Fred fell into my lap when the grocery store lost the space where he was parked. Before that, he was a single family owner on a ranch nearby but hasn't been registered since 1991. The truck is in great shape with just surface rust to deal with. I think the 70 years of mud, grease, oil, wasp nests and grime preserved him well!
I am in the process of replacing worn out and missing parts and upgrading where I think it makes sense, but essentially leaving the truck intact as the picture shows. I have stripped the frame, primed and painted it with POR-15. I won't be repainting any sheet metal as I love the patina.
The truck's name is Fred to pay homage to the original owner who bought him in 1953, or so I am told.
Personally, this is the biggest project I have taken on. My experience is with Jeeps (I have 2 I maintain, break, fix and repeat). So far, many of my questions have been found here in the Stovebolt forum so I thank you all in advance for maintaining a valuable resource for all of us to peruse.
Last edited by Peggy M; 07/23/20257:03 PM. Reason: More info in title. ;)
I lived in Castro Valley for many years and never got the privilege of seeing this truck! What a score for you. I love the way it looks as is, so I'm glad to hear you're keeping it that way. Good luck with Fred!
