The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Midwest Bolters Association My '54 in O.P., KS

About 11 years ago my grandparents were on their way back from out of town, and on their way home they drove by a farm, and my grandfather stopped when he saw this '54 pickup, I don't exactly know how much he paid for it, I think around 500-600 but it was a steal....Him, a family friend of ours and I (I was about 9) ran down to the farm to pick it up and my first thought was, "What a piece of junk" but today I am proud of what he bought for me...A month before 2010 new year my grandfather retired, Which he said, "When I retire is when we will start our project" So I waited patiently for years and finally the day came, and the days after all I could talk about was this truck...So we got every catalog we could get our hands on, called up every number we have held on to from past car shows, and started planning...Well a couple of weeks after the new year Him and my Grandma went on a weekend trip to a VFW Convention in the middle of KS, and on their way back they tragically got into a car wreck, My grandmother survived but my grandfather sadly passed away at the hospital as the docs were getting his x-rays.......I miss him so much!!!(As I type this I hold back tears but can't hold it for too long) At the time I thought to myself how in the world will I ever get through this...Well one day a month ago my grandmother asked me for my help on the back garage (where the truck is currently stored) and I said sure, I had nothing better to do...at the time we were having the whole thing redone cause of termite damage...So we had a dumpster and we had to get rid of some things, so that's what we did. Well she mentioned that we need to clean around the outside and the inside perimeter of the garage so we can have a exterminator come over to spray, Well that required me to move the truck, and that is when it hit me like a Mac truck, This is my chance to get this project underway, I know my grandfather isn't here but he will be my side watching over me while i am doing this; And when we get it finished, I will take him for a ride, and even though he isn't here, he would love it....This project will be done by our family friend who has been his friend, as well as mine, for MANY years, and I...Plus whoever wants to be part of it, But I am dedicating this truck to him, He wanted me to do whatever I wanted on this truck....So here it is finally-The start of a whole new adventure in my life My truck Sorry its kinda dark, there will be more pics to come...

Welcome to the 'bolt, Justin! I LIKE the truck, and I LOVE the story. What a wonderful journey it will be working on the truck alongside the memory of your grandfather.

There's lots of great people and information on here, so you've come to the right place. Keep us posted with pics, fire away with any questions you may have, and above all ... enjoy the "ride". Though, I'm sure it will be bittersweet in your case.

Very very interesting story and atta boys to you for getting the ball rolling on restoration. It will be with you for many years and I'm sure your grandfather will be watching and enjoying.

Over the years many owners do lots of things to trucks. I did notice it looks as if it has a 54 windshield but a little earlier model grille. I think!!
I'm sure you will get it all sorted out and the Bolt has some a great wealth of knowledge and expertise here. Great folks to help just remember to post questions in the most appropiate forum for the best results.
Thanks for the pictures and keep us posted.