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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 | An old lady nearby has a V8 powered auto trans 1954 that has had an electrical/gas fire which burned the engine compartment, and cooked some of the dash and interior.
She may sell it. I don't want it, but would give her guidance.
Are "fire vehicles" restorable? Apparently this one was pretty nice before. It has been sitting in high-desert sun, paint looks pretty faded now. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Since parts availability is high I'm going to say yes it is restorable. But unless some pieces that are undamaged are pretty special or it was my grandfather's truck I'd pass.
You would spend more dealing with heat-changed metal than another truck will cost.
I'd value it as parts and scrap.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 649 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 649 | How bad was the fire? If it was confined to the engine compartment/firewall, the hood may be warped. Did it get hot enough to do engine damage? Did it melt the radiator, burn the tires ect. If the price is right 54's are kinda special, and if it was nice prior to the fire, it may still have potential. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,644 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,644 | | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 | I will try to get back with the camera. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,803 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,803 | Heat-warped sheet metal is a royal PITA to work with. If there's more than blistered paint, pass up a restoration unless you plan to replace the entire front end sheet metal. It takes a lot of heat to damage major components like the engine, trans, etc., but the carburetor, starter, generator, and any wiring will be beyond help. If dash instruments are involved, the cost will go up accordingly!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 |
Last edited by ColoKeb; 06/21/2010 6:19 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,803 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,803 | Not bad! I was expecting a lot worse. That one's definitely salvageable!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2010 Posts: 13 | I has been in the western sun, and all paint has faded and now shows undelying bondo. I do have a few more photos. I'd say the whole engine compartment from the distributor up is really shot, and all wiring gone. It was caused by mice stripping the wire insulation. Bed has rotted. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | I would suspect much of the rust at least on the front is in the heat affected zone. What does the firewall look like? If it looks rusty the heat affected zone includes the cab and I'd still be wary of this one. If the firewall is still painted it may be the only affected parts are ones that unbolt and can easily be replaced.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | |
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