Hello Fellow truck lovers, Just joined this forum, I have a few questions, but first I would like to introduce myself and my truck. I got my 1953 Chevy about 7 years ago in California when I used to live in the Sacramento area, now I live in Idaho. When I got my truck it was pretty rough, complete, no rust (California truck ) and with a clean title, it was not a runner, the guy I got if from owns a towing company and he even delivered to my house. I did a lot of work on the truck while living in California, but when I moved to Idaho 4 years ago I sort of abandoned the truck. Now I decided to finish it after all these years. Here is what I have done to the truck so far. 1. Installed a rebuilt 1957 235 car engine, installed a dual split header, a newer Rochester carb w/auto choke. 2. Replaced the pedal starter with the car key ignition starter, for this I also had to replace the flywheel. 3. Installed a Langdons Large HEI distributor. 4. Installed a 4 speed Saginaw transmission with Patrick's shifter. 5. Replaced the enclosed driveline with an open driveline and a 3:73 ratio (I think) rear end from a 60's Chevy Truck. 6. Upgraded the electrical to 12V and installed a new Chevy Duty wiring harness for alternator, oh! yes a newer one wire alternator. 7. Restored the gauges. 8. Partially painted the truck Cool White from the 1999 VW colors available that year. Still need to paint bed and doors. 9. Rebuilt and re-upholstered the seat. 10. Put Dynamat behind the cab. 11. New shocks all around. 12. Re-arched the leaf springs. 13. New brakes and new brake lines with a re-sleeved master cylinder (new wheel cylinders and drums all around. All I need to do to get it running is to finish installing the wiring harness and get new custom exhaust installed, install the lights, finish the paint, some body work and wood bed. All I want to for now is to get it on the road even if the paint is not finished. BTW: About 90 percent of the parts that I have used for this resto-customization truck came from the company formerly known as Chevy Duty (hopefully no GM lawyers in this forum ) I have been very satisfied with their service and pricing, just have a few more items that I will need to get this truck on the road this spring. I have a few questions that I will post in separate messages. Thanks, ADTije53
Welcome What part of Idaho? Sounds like you've done a lot of work. Ditto Zig's comment. We thrive on pics.
Welcome sounds like that baby will be Sweet when done. Just keep us in the loop. Also try adding you Name to the posts ADT _ _ _ is long for us challanged ones
Some pics... Here are some pictures, the "before" pictures that I have are not digital and will have to be scanned. I have more pics, but forum only allows 5 at a time. The first pic is the engine on the passenger side, note the large HEI distributor and the coil mounted to the side of the head. Second pic is self explanatory, engine w/out the radiator or fan, just need to install rad, hoses and final battery cable and gound strap and of course the sheet metal. Third picture is the rear end, notice the added crossmember to create a mount for the shocks. Fourth pic is the cab detail with the restored seat and new cover, the picture does not show well, but I painted the dash with sparkle paint similar to Lexus, notice the shifter and lap belts. Last picure shows the 4 speed tranny, the open driveline, new brake lines and a bit of the shifter. Enjoy, Antonio 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton Eagle, Idaho
That's awesome Antonio! You should be feelin' right happy with your ride! Let me guess- white doors with pannels that match you seat color? Did you do much to the front end? That really is one good looking, c-l-e-a-n truck! Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures that you did! I'm sure like the rest of us, you can't wait to see the finished product. Will it be a daily driver or limited use? It's really Mighty- Ant!
Nice job !!! Can't wait to see the finished product I like the HEI distributor. How does that work out ? Also what carb is sitting under the chrome dome ? Keep the photos coming
Hey Steve- you're not doing your job! (I am- glug, glug ) You have a party to attend, don't you? I understand- I'd probably have this thing on while I was getting married, if I'd known it was around then! By the way, I'm drinking wine for you, not beer. Sorry.
Thanks Zig, what do you call a house full of approximately 40 kids ? I do not have a clue. Loud is what I mostly am thinking of at this point. Worse is when the kid walks up and say's Ha Mister were is you head ? I almost smacked him up side the head. Boy I could use a beer but the Mrs. says no way. I already made her S_ _ t list with taking my boy to the Villanova basketball game and getting back late for the start of this party. Then she caught me watching the Busch race and playing on the internet. I told her you guy's were getting out of hand. By the way jump over to the 55-59 forum and look at the 2nd post. Nate is going to be talking to a few of the boy's got lost on the way here
Noob ! WELCOME ! (<that's Chevy Blue there) Nice truck ! esp. the engine choice Keep up the good work . What's this ? I need to look where ? .
