The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1951 Chevy Panel

Back in April of 1995, my wife Marie and I drove to P.A. to look at this 1951 Chevy Panel. I had no idea what to expect and when we got there and saw this green locomotive it took my breath away. I was expecting what my father used to drive which was a 1/2 ton panel, which as we all know is dramatically smaller then this behemoth. When Marie saw the look on my face she knew that we weren't going home empty handed.

For an additional $200, the owner flat bedded the truck all the way back at Long Island for us, Aaahhh the old days.

The truck was painted back in 1995 just before I bought it and other then the paint and 5 brand new tires the truck was all original & bone stock. Over the years I converted over to 12v and various incidentals. This truck is no trailer queen I use it constantly. If I’m not hauling sheetrock; 10 footers by the way, or a load of lumber for the occasional project I’ll wash it and bring it to the local shows.

I’ve had numerous cars over the last 15 years but I will never get rid of this truck!!

I hope all of you enjoy the photo of my truck and if anyone can tell me what I can replace these 5:17’s with and where I can get ‘em I’d appreciate it.

Thanks
~Edward Lupardo

Flickr: Ed Lupardo

WELCOME ABOARD, That is a good looking panel.

I'll leave the tire question to the experts.

Very nice!!! Thanks for sharing the picts.

Welcome Ed, that is very nice, for sure. I know how heavy sheetrock is, that panel could haul a skid of it. Those 5.17 gears came on the 1 ton panels and aren't easily changed, although I'm no expert by any means. Just scroll down the list of forums to the engine and driveline shop and ask there for advice.

Leo

Welcome Ed. Thats one nice panel you got and to be in such good shape makes it a super deal. A truck/panel will always "pay its way" while most cars are a liability on a man's pocketbook!
Thanks for sharing.

Hi Ed,

Nice panel, same model and year as mine. However looks like yours is in much better shape than mine was. The color is about the same as what I am repainting mine in. Seeing yours kinda confirms my thoughts about how one would look without something on the sign panel. Not that yours looks bad, just a lot of blank space crying for attention.

Ned

Welcome Ed,
Youve come to the right place for friends,advice,and those hard to find parts. 'Ive been looking at a one ton panel for my next project also.

Good Luck,

Hi Everyone. I just wanted to give you all an update on my truck.
July of 2014, we took on the arduous task of "modernizing" my "51.
We started by removing the entire nose and set it on horses.
we welded in some new sheet metal and pulled the 216 and trans. Sold it to some nice local fella, and began to clean and paint the rails. I was very lucky to have purchased a 327 that was cleaned, painted, new intake with a 650 double pumper carb, and cam. The whole motor cost me $400. I bought a 5 speed out of an S10 and bolted it up along with a new clutch. We changed the 5:14 rear last year to a 4:11 out of a 72 Chevy pickup. It bolted right up!
We softened up the 1 ton suspension to a half ton equivalent, which lowered the truck 4 inches, and now I drive my quiet, comfortable panel all over. 65 miles an hour at 2200 rpm.
This is my driver and I love every mile of it!
If I can help anyone with questions, don't hesitate to email me at [email protected].
Thanks for your interest.
ED

Love those old panels! Nice job and glad to hear it is on the road regularly where it belongs.