The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Picking your knowledge. What can you tell me

I'm a newbie , ready to buy a truck . Chevy 53. But I need information on the truck from guys who know. I need info on stock engine, Tranny, the mirrors, the rear bumper, the shell. Anything you can give me about the truck before I buy it.

Also, that car is a driver but I got several concern while driving it.
The car was doing a lot of shifting (side to side). The owner told me that the tires where oversized for the truck (that's all He could put on it for the moment) Could it be the problem ?

The tranny seems to be a 4speed on the floor (stock?) . How hard and expensive is it to rebuild?

Also the wire harness needs to be replaced (and I guess I have to do the conversion from 6 yo 12 volts) How hard and expensive that task is ?

Here is the link to pics for the truck
http://s578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/peioa/
Give me as much info as you can . how valualbe is the shell ?

Let me know and thanks for your time.
Peioa

The mirrors and rear bumper are not original--probably added to accomodate that camper shell.

Regarding your other questions-there are others on this board who know more about that stuff than I do. I'm sure they'll be along shortly. Also, most of that stuff has been covered here before as well. Spend some time searching through the forums, and you'll find a lot of good information.

Welcome to the Bolt!!

really thought the bumper and the mirrors were original... saw them on another truck, same year.
What other information can I get ?
Thanks for your time.
Peioa

Parts for rebuilding the 4-speed are available, and it's easy to work on. You don't need to convert to 12 volt, as long as the grounds are good, and the positive battery cable are the correct guage, 6 volt works great. As Rich said, the mirrors and rear bumper are not original. The tire size would depend on what size rims - 15" or 16". It is very possible that the shifting from side to side is due to worn out front end parts - tie rod ends, king pins, etc. The front end can be tightened up relatively easily. I hope this helps. There is a lot of information here, for what ever tasks you need to accomplish. Use the "Search" button, and ask.
Samantha

wheels are 15. And tires were the big 4x4 rubber.
I didn't buy the truck yet. I'm trying not to buy another project (already got one in the garage) but rebuilding the front end should be in my range...

Thanks for the info and keep it coming.
Peioa

Here are some pics of a 53 restored close to orginial...

My 53

I was hoping the mirrors and the rear bumper were dealer's option...

I guess not.
Let me know if you are more info
Peioa

You are getting lots of good advice here and you are smart to ask. Here is my 2 cents. There are a few red flags for me concerning the sheet metal. The front metal filler between the bumper and the grill is missing. I wonder why. Could the truck have been hit in the front? The left fender is too far back to align with the front of the hood. Again I would like to know why.

How much bondo is on the truck? Sometimes you can feel the backside of the panels to tell. Look for evidence of rust in the bottom of the cowls, rear cab corners, door bottoms, front and top of rear fenders....

It looks like the holes for original mirrors (on the cowl) have been filled with bolts.

All of these things can be repaired or replaced but nice to know up front what you are getting into.

One more thought regarding the mirrors and the bumper. If you like them, there's no reason to take them off. It really doesn't matter whether they were original or not, unless that's more important to you. There are no set rules in this game. It's each to his own.
If you're planning to leave that camper shell on it, you'd probably want to keep the bumper and the mirrors. At least I think I would.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Yup,
What Rich said.
heck I like the back bumper.
Tim

I am not a fan of the camper shell or bumper, but it would be pretty cool to have a vintage shell. That is one thing you don't see often, they were tossed in the trash years ago. I think it looks like a decent old truck. Not a show car, but one that can be used everyday. If the price is right, I'd say go for it.

Brian

Rear bumpers were an option in 53-- many working trucks had ones like this added since they are much more protective than the dealer options. Shell is rare and nice to have. 4 speed (with a "granny" first gear was an available option. All the above is good advice - A word of caution, spotlights are now illegal in many states- if you keep them, check and, if illegal , you can disable them and perhaps avoid a hassle if you get stopped.
Good luck
Glenn

Thanks for the info Glenn, I will ask if it's illegal in California. I didn't buy the truck yet but for almost $7K, It might be a good deal. I have to make some research.

Keep it coming with information. And thanks a lot for your time.
Peioa

My 49 jumped around a lot, it had two main issues that halted the jumpiness- new leaf springs, and new steering gear box-
Try adjusting your steering gearbox first- probably just loose- the owners manual goes through how to do it- It is not hard. also adjust your front wheel bearings-
My leaf springs in front had some broken springs so the truck was all over the place if you ran over a fly.
Looks good- I really like the shell

If you accept my comments, I think that depending of the price of the truck, it could be a great restoration project.
I like the fact that the truck go anywhere as you describe it.also the accessories it has like the side spare tire, the fog light, the original rear stop light. For me that represent that the owner has any care about it.
I wonder why the truck has acceptable paint, I mean, the owner just painted or maybe he made any restoration? any way I like very much.
thanks