1953 1/2 ton
When I was 8 or 9 (about 1965) my dad put me in a GMC in the cow pasture, put it in gear while standing on the running board and his only instruction - practice driving and stay away from the fence as he jumped off to go milk the cows. I was big for my age and could hit the gas (barely). I am sure he never really let me out of his sight but to me I was king of the world - although I doubt I ever went more than 5 miles an hour!
In the past 45 years I have never forgotten that afternoon (and I am still too big for my age), and of course my brothers still swear I drive like I am still in that cow pasture!
I always knew I wanted a truck like the one dad and grandpa drove, (it was a 56 but lets face it I like the Advance Design and made some adjustment to the dream!) so I finally found this 53 on ebay. OK shape, in fact I drove it 150 miles home on the interstate! But I knew it needed some work. Now 5 years later, disk brakes, a 350 with a 400 transmission, new wiring and Dolphin guages and a gutted interior and its almost ready to go -still needs (or wants) new paint, chrome grill and bumpers and it will be ready to go. But for this summer I am just going to enjoy tooling the interstate and back roads. In fact its wired for a trailer and has a hitch, so look for it on the road pulling a trailer with my kids ATV's! And, if I can find a cow pasture...my 10 year old will be learning to drive in this one. He has already told anyone that listens that when dad dies, its his....
You will see I did upgrade the interior, new split seats, leather dash (my first attempt, who knew you can buy a cowhide on ebay!) The leather behind the seats have buffalo nickel buttons and custom wood trim around the headliner. Its not show quality but fore a guy with ten thumbs, I am pretty happy with it!
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/24/2025 10:57 PM.
