The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre New to the classics

Just wanted to introduce myself. Ive always dreamed about owning specifically a 53 1/2. Ever since I was younger building models, that was always the truck I wanted.

Some history about me. I had a 94 s10 that I modded like any good teenager with a job and a unmonitored savings account. I rodded it out as much as a late truck could be. I had impala mirrors, fullsize '70 tail lights frenched in, A 1960 aftermarket chrome steering wheel with wood rim, 1959 corvette window cranks all in a satin sealer finish. It was as close to a classic as I could afford. After losing my tail on putting money into it, I decided to be a bachelor and buy a motorcycle. I lived out that fun until one day I started pulling into my complex, a cute little brunette started backing out and almost hit me. I finally caught up with her and told her she owed me brownies or a date...her response 'I dont cook'. Well I got that date and 15 months later we were married. We have been talking about building a classic together and it always comes back to an AD Chevy. Stovebolt has been recommended by just about every site so I thought Id start my adventure here. Maybe in the next 10 years I can find that truck and start my journey.

By the way, that cooking part is true. We are still working to learn to get water to boil and learning that chicken breasts can be cooked using other methods other than the microwave. Haha.

Thanks.

I see that fate has brought you in the right direction. It won't be long before you two find an old truck and start working on it. Not cooking is not the worst thing. As long as she is willing to help out on the truck or at least let you. I would say your on the right path! Good luck and welcome to Stovebolt!

Yeah, shes always been on board with my projects. Shes very meticulous herself so I can see her help getting interiors dialed in. I myself have always had to have some kind of grease project going on. I already know taking on a classic is going to step up my patience level 100 fold but we are ready to take it on. After all, I was reading some of yall are celebrating 25+ years of marriage...That gives us plenty of time I would think.

Found this truck
http://westmd.craigslist.org/pts/1327445931.html

Engine is free, will not run however. Said he thought it was a 218 but im pretty sure hes talking about the 216. Has a MD title so that takes out some unnecessary costs. Rough condition but I guess Im still trying to figure what to look for. For $500 bucks, maybe I can get some opinions. Ive read the articles on here. I think I will hold out sometime til I find that deal I cant pass up.

I'm sure there's nicer ones out there than that. But I guess it depends on how much work you want to do.

By the way, congratulations on your marriage! Come October, we'll have been at it 37 years. (She really should learn how to make those brownies, though!!)

I want a project that I can call my own, but Ive already said I do for the rest of my life once, Im not sure I ready to be at the same project. Ive been asking more and more questions trying to get more pictures in regards to frame condition, body panel conditions, floor board and such. Hopefully we can get some good answers.

Congrats at 37 years. My grandparents are about to have their 52nd and grandma just turned 70 last week. She saw met him in late july and new that was the man she was going to marry. Told his then current girlfriend to get a move on and 30 days later they were at the alter with a formal wedding. Imagine that for wedding planning. My parents were engaged in 2 weeks and married in 4 months. My sister was engaged in 4 weeks and married a year later. I took the long route and waited 6 months before I popped the question. Must be something in the blood that when we know it, we know it.

Ill pass on that suggestion for the brownies. She just about perfected cookies so Ill go ahead and take those for now

aside from the dents, that truck don't look too bad for being on the east coast. didn't the 52 have vent windows though? maybe it's a 1950? The pics in the ad aren't good enough to tell for sure.

Do yourself a favor and buy something more solid. You will be happier and money ahead. Your project will visibly progress quicker and you won't second guess your purchase. If you are envisioning fresh paint / metal restoration, this is a bad starting point.

I agree. The more you invest up front, the less trouble it will be in the long run.
Keep saving your money, and jump on the one that calls out your name.
(Wow - that could work for women or trucks )

hahaha. i know that 54tow.

53 monster - I havent done much looking but yes, it does not have vent windows and I originally thought that 53 was the first year being that was why i always wanted a 53 over earlier years...but I could be wrong.

marklaken - I was thinking the same thing. I guess its kinda like buying a house or anything really. Youre going to pay for it up front or in the end...Talked it over with the wife and we are going to hold out for either a running engine or a solid chassis and bodywork. We are thinking its too much to take on both at the same time, especially for a first time run. That specific truck I would almost definitly go rod style with its condition.

Appreciate yalls input. Really need the confidence in decision making.


Btw. Just found an OLD NAVY truck that they used as a display in the store. Its a shell but the chassis looks good. Outside is all painted up, would need engine and trans. Still waiting to hear back about the interior. Otherwise looks like its in GREAT condition from the outside, Would be great to put in a SBC. They said it was a 1950 GMC rebadged as a chevy with chevy tailgate, but again this one has the vent windows so I have to believe it was later than that. They are asking $2000 for the shell, chassis, red rims with moon caps.

Dorsey, welcome to the stovebolt. Sounds like a good plan you have going for you. Always think it through. There is a lot to be said for all trucks and conditions. Its just determining what fits for you. I like the idea of one that is pretty decent and will save money in the long run. Unlike me, all I could afford was the basket cases and then spend years trying to get them on the road!!!!

The Navy trucks can be a good buy but they are stripped and I do mean stripped. A friend of mine bought a couple decent ones for 1500 each. The brakes and things are also stripped off but most of that stuff is pretty much available....even from local stores.
Again, to each his own.
Sounds like you got a good lady. Keep her happy and you'll have hours of fun on the truck! Unhappy..... well, you know or you will learn
Keep us posted. This is a great site and nice folks.

There have been threads on here in the past regarding the Old Navy trucks. Hopefully, a search might turn them up. The bottom line seems to be--make darn sure you know what your getting. As mentioned, they were pretty well stripped down, plus cobbled together with whatever parts they could find to make a good looking store display.

ahhhh. appreciate it guys. I still dont know if this one is still avaliable being that Ive gotten no replys. I was figuring it would take new wiring harnesses, drivetrain, engine and such. We will just go step by step...

Thanks for the help guys, this site has been super helpful and everyone is actually nice on here. Dont get the same treatment on some of the motorcycle forums that I get on.

Edit:

Yep, Actually found out a bit more about that specific truck.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...ords=Old+Navy&Search=true#Post399479


still interested, but no replys. Searching through, they definitly look like a Rod direction than anything.

I'm one of the much younger fellas around here at 14. I looked for about 6 months on craigslist. I checked all of the cities in the state twice per day for chevy, gmc, and ford trucks. You'd be surprised at how many things get misplaced on that site. I finally found what I was looking for, my 70' GMC 1500. The guy was asking $1000, but I offered $900 since it didn't have a bed. He went for it. It might have been the fact that he had cancer and was just trying to get rid of everything but his other truck. But whatever reason it was, I was happy about the truck. If you look long and hard enough you'll find what you're looking for. One thing I can say, and I'm sure most of the guys here will say, find a truck with a good body and frame over drive line. The drive line is much more readily available and less expensive.

Reedster: patience does pay off. Now tht you have bought the truck don't you wish you had offered $800...You can go up but never down!
Chalk that up to a learning experience

Reedster - I used to be in a truck club where we bagged and bodydropped trucks. There was one member who was 14 when he started hanging out with us. He worked in a body shop and learned how to paint from his dad. Before he even got his license, his truck was already winning trophies. He had to get other members to drive it to show. That kid was a pretty big inspiration for everyone in the club because he started with the basics and learned everything he could learn. Hes probably 22 now and I havent talked to him in years but I always love hearing about young guys learning soo much with the opportunities given to them. Congrats on your find.

Actually Achipmuck, I did offer $800, but he turned that offer down and said he'd take $900, so I offered him $900. Dorsey, I'm glad that I have my truck, and hope that you can find yours too.

... reedster, then thats a "deal". That is what one will take and what one will give. That makes both parties happy! Good on you.