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!
mvigo, Very nice truck. Enjoy the ride. I do daily with my truck
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Wow, that is so awesome! I have almost the exact same truck, with a similar story! Not as cool looking as yours though. My truck's name is "Spud" because he spent his whole life on an Idaho potato farm...
