The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk A litle help here!

Here is a long-winded story that leads to a question.

I just bought the 53 GMC that was my grandfather's first new truck. I remember learning to drive in that truck on my grandpa's lap in the back pasture, so the memories are pretty strong. He sold it to a neighbor in the 80's and this guy did a little work on it, added a 350 motor and transmission, put in new seats etc, and then went into the hospital and the truck sat for 3 years under covers in a barn. I just bought it back at an estate auction and now it sits in my garage.

Here is my problem, it needs some small mechanical work, transmission leaks, body is in almost perfect condition and I am about as mechanical as a rock (grandpa and dad were the kind of guys that liked a garage perfect and kids were discouraged to help)
Plus, I would like to add a new front end, redo the brakes, make it safer, so my kids can drive it, BUT I do not want a show vehicle, if I want to buy a load of mulch, and haul it, I don't want to get nervous!

I took it to a local mechanic and it sat for three months and I basicly pulled it out of there after I realized that he was incompetant and did not have a clue to "modernizing" an old truck

Here is my question, I live in the far west burbs of Chicago, time is not a critical component and I ned to find someone that can "fix" the drive train. The other stuff like bed, interior etc, I think I can handle. In fact, How does someone go about finding a competant mechanic that you can trust on an old truck.

Well that pretty easy, just load it up on your trailer and bring it 250 more miles west to my place. Here it would find a place to roam around out in the county with other trucks of it family. Failing this you could learn to repair all its system right here on the bolt. Other than the Model T, these trucks are easy to repair and dont require a lot of special tools, to do most of the things. If you have a good set of basic hand tools and a proper manual you should be set. After that if you get stuck, just stop by here and ask in one of the many forums, fill with people that quite possibly know more about the trucks than the factory does. I've walked several people though repairs on tractors and truck right over the phone, and by emailing photo's to each other. It can be done, and you are always welcome to send me an email with you problem of the day. Welcome to the bolt, doc.

Hello Doc,

Good to see a new person on here. I agree with Iowa on this one. These trucks are so simple that most of the work could be done yourself. Fixing a tranny leak and redoing the brakes is not hard. a $100 set of tools would be about all that you need. As far as the front end I think that is a "King Pin" front end and you can get a new set pressed in by a good mechanic / machine shop.

As far as mechanics go the only advice I can offer is to shop carefully. There are plenty of competent mechanics but they can be hard to find. It is best to talk to a lot of them and find the right one. You could also try a custom shop if you are wanting to "modernize" they may be better suited than a guy who does brake jobs and the like. Good luck, and don't get discouraged.

Go around to garage sales or wherever in your area and pick up a Chiltons repair manual for somewhere close to the year truck/car you have. Doesn't have to be the exact year cuz you won't probably find it. they can walk you thru almost anything, especially the minor stuff.
get a buddy to help that has at least some ability and have fun learning together. then ask us when all else fails.

I've done my fair share of the upgrade/modernizing but wouldn't be until later this summer before I could get to it. What kind of work are you looking to have done. If it's a week end type of a job, maybe we could sneek it in.
Scott

Hey Doc2002, I like your plans. When I get my '42 on the road, I want to be able to use mine also. There will be nothing cooler than pulling into Menards for a load of lumber.
With my trucks being Big Bolts, it only makes sense that I be able to use them.
It would be neat to have a 1/2 ton daily driver, but it's not in the budget right now. My oldest is just finishing his first year of college, and I have two more right behind him.

Welcome to the Stovebolt and good luck on your project.

John

Doc-

Here's my two cents- If you aren't in too much of a rush I think you'd enjoy learning how to "modernize" the truck. Most of it isn't rocket science and the stuff that are more difficult aren't that hard either. It is time consuming, can be messy, very frustrating and extraordinarily fulfilling and satisfying.

You will be very surprised about what you can do yourself once you try.

Before you jump into taking it somewhere, think about finding someone who can help you do it yourself, maybe a retired mechanic or hotrodder. Ask around where you work and I'll bet that before you know it you'll find someone who knows what they are doing and is willing to help when you get stuck, or check over your work when you are done to make sure you got it right.

The ease of working on these trucks is one of things that is so great about them.

In terms of modernizing the truck, here's my humble suggestion in order of importance: None of the things I listing would require much more than a cheap set of wrenches,a repair manual, some elbow grease, some hand cleaner, cash, time and reading this forum for tips.

Seat belts.

Brakes- Discs in front and a dual master cylinder.

Suspension/steering: Modern shocks, re-arched springs, new kingpins, spring mount busings and bolts etc, front sway bar, replace anything that is too worn (drag link, tie rods, etc...) and grease it regularly.

Turn signals.

Electric- Convert to 12 v alternator, bulbs, 12v halogen headlights, voltage drops for the guages and distribitor.

As far as the leaking transmission goes- You could get the truck working and take it to a tranny shop for them to rebuild it, or you could take it out of the truck yourself and have someone else rebuild it and then put it back in yourself.

If you want to weld in a independant front suspension kit or are looking for a mechanic to turn it over to for whatever, start interviewing mechanics and asking for references. There are some great mechanics in every town that are honest and reliable, and they charge for their time.

You might start at a hot rod shop or custom shop. If you want simple mechanic work find yourself an independant guy over 50 who is in business for himself and have him start off with something simple to see what you think of him. If you planning on having the guy do lots of work, make sure you like him and trust him.

Doc,

I live in Aurora. If you want some contacts, feel free to get in touch via PM.

Brian

Thanks for all the comments, Brian I am only 10 minutes away in Yorkville! Any references would be appreciated!

i always recommend buy magazines like classic trucks, custom classic trucks, street rodder, rod and custom and read the advertisements and anything else you can get on old trucks. be thankful that now days you can buy just about anything you could want for old trucks. also get some catalogs on old trucks. research, research, research. then do it your way!!!!!!!!!! ron safety first.