The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Lady with new baby

Well the baby would be my new 1954 Chevy 1/2 ton ... see her here:

http://rides.webshots.com/album/580867820XdtjnY

In the last 20 years I've wanted to restore a beautiful old truck .. and I finally decided to do it. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions for you all as time goes on.

For now, just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Dani and I'm in northern Cali in redwood land.

I got my truck off eBay of all places. She seems to be a pretty good shape. I'd love to hear your impressions. I'm thinking frame off restoration at this point as I want to do 4x4, power steering, disk brakes, 3.55:1 rear end etc. Let me know your thoughts ... will post pictures of the engine later, I totally forgot this morning. Typical woman I hear you say. Ha!

Background: truck has supposedly 89k miles, I'm the 3rd owner. Last one had it for 25 yrs up in northern cali. She runs and seems very much complete. Some broken windows, rusted cab corners/floor, the usual.

OK .. let me know what you think!

Welcome to the best place on the net for these old trucks. Im partial to the 54's myself.
It looks as though you have a very good start for your project.
Plenty of helpful people here,with lots of knowledge.
Enjoy the ride..........

Thanks Marty! Nice to meet you! You are not too far from me .. I'm in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Wow. Your cars are stunning. And I love that you let the dog inside .

I probably won't go so pristine on my truck - I'd be too nervous about scratches, and I do want to be able to haul hay. And I live off a messy dirt road - you know how much rain we get, with all the mud (which is why I need 4x).

Can you take a look at my pictures and let me know what you think of the truck? To me it looks pretty decent coming out of the gate but what do I know ...

Welcome Dani, it looks pretty solid from what I can see. A lot of our old trucks are brought up from California. (sorry) That truck should be able to haul a lot of hay yet before it retires. I have the 3.55 you speak of and I am very happy with it. Good luck!

Leo

Dani, Always cool to see other 54's here... I thought of doing a 4 x 4 on mine but decided to keep it stock... Would be interesting to see yours as a 4 x 4... You have a few extras on yours, spare tire holder that looks like it works, set of over load springs for all that hay you will be hauling, spotlight and the same kind of bed I have, steel bottom...

Is it in running condition ?

I see you have one of those rust free California trucks, I have seen worst... Good pics to look back on when it is done...

Are you thinking of finding some Napco 4 x 4 running gear for it? It's not common for the AD trucks, but they sure are cool when they're done.

Welcome Dani... I too got my old truck off ebay and it came a long way to get here from San Diego...

Looks like you have a good project to work on and as the guys say this is the best place you could be for information, help and often to find out the right/easiest way to do things...

Have fun and keep us posted on your progress!

Hi there!

I wish I didn't have to go 4x4 but I live off a road that requires it unfortunately. That's interesting on the steel bottom bed - mine still has the old wood underneath it. I thought all of them had wood bottoms.

Yep, she runs .. I'm having my mechanic bleed the brakes so I can drive her home before the road becomes impassable. After that I'll start disassembly ...

Hi Ed,

I wish Napco had the running gear for the 1/2 ton, but they only have it for 3/4 and 1 ton. I researched here on the forum how to do 4x4 on this one; I haven't formulated a complete plan yet .. I know I'll need input from you all when that time comes. I do not want it raised or lowered or anything like that; I want it to look stock. It's just that I live off a muddy dirt road and with the winter rains I'll never get up the 15% grade without landing in a ditch.

Thanks for all the welcomes .. if anyone has more info on doing 4x4 on a 1/2 ton past what I've researched on here let me know!

Hi Dani,welcome from Scotland,you've come to the right place regarding info and help.
Using the sub-forums will get you all the advice you could ever need to make your dreams a reality.
Good luck!
Jock.

Hi Dani, your truck is in WAY better condition than my '37 (link to pics below). There's some great guys and gals (I'm another one of the gals) here who have good advice, know-how, and ideas. Welcome, happy wrenching, and keep the stories and pics coming.

Welcome and that is a neat truck. Converting to 4x4 is a pretty big deal. I think some have transplnted the sheet metal to a 4x4 chassis. I guess some type of limited slip rearend would not do the trick?

maybe the possibility of finding a late 60's chevy pickup with 4x4 and using the frame with you're cab and bed?

Hi Dani,

Nice truck you got there.
Also beautiful country where you live. I spent a great deal of time there about 12 years ago. I worked on getting a casino (Golden Bear) opened up there on the Klamath River. I think it was about 20 miles north of Cresent City.
Anyway, Welcome to the Bolt.

Chris

Hi Dani,
You have a nice looking truck! I too have a 1954 3100 - I've had it for years and am finally doing a full restoration on it so that it will be like new and last another 60 years. Keep us posted with pics. I'm sure you'll be happy with your truck! (I love mine!)
Samantha

Hello and allow me to add my welcome. Always great to have new people join us.
I can only add my congradulations on being a new StoveBolt owner and hope you become a regular here. We reaaallyneed more women around here as some of these guys are getting a little rank and the place needs a good freshening. So make them behave and take a bath occassionally at least.

Your always especially welcome in the Engine shop where I hang out mostly. Stop in for a drink and a cigar sometime Dani. First beers on me.

Welcome Dani,

Nice find! Always good to see another '54. There are alot of Knowledgeable people around here that are more than willing to help you with any questions you may have. Have fun!