Hi, I have a 1953 GMC 1/2 ton 5 window that is all pretty much original including the paint. It has been stored indoors now for about 10 years and it is time to do something wtih it. It was supposed to be a vehicle for my son (now going on 15 and has a driver's permit!) and he has showm little interest in doing anything with it other than painting flames on the front end. It would be great if I COULD get him interested tho. We have considered many options like a Blazer or Cherokee chassis/running gear, 350 w/turbo hydramatic with Mustang II front end, etc but I think it will be better to leave it original and just get it going and use it. Not really as a daily driver but we live on 4 miles of dirt road so a frame-off restoration to cherry is not really a great idea either. Can anyone point me to a guide or book for a modest restoration? Or even a decision guide as to what is the best use of this old truck??? Ken Whitefish, MT
How to restore your Chevrolet truck is about the best book out there right now. Also pick up an assembly manual and a shop manual, both readily available.
Let the bird fly... So let him look through hot rod magazines on his own. Tell him to find a flame job he loves, then let you see it. On the front end~ ask him what he would like, then have him research it on the web. Don't forget to guide him to this web site, cause that's what we love. Get him a handle on this site and let us get him going. My dad sold my 1950 out from under me because I started thinking flames and stuff. Geeze, I was 16, what did he expect? You sound like a great dad. He'll come around.
Btw... "Woodright"... Hmmmm, seems as though we might have a common background. (23 years as a carpenter) I forgot my manners. I would LOVE to welcome another G owner to this site! I have a 1952 5 window GMC myself! I LOVE it!!!! 'Course you have to be a REAL man to see the beauty in a G!
Hey Zig. I don't update very often, and haven't posted a single pic, but last week I finished blasting and priming the cab, less doors, of my 50 Jimmy. Really anxious to continue work on the truck, except working for a living keeps getting in the way...
I understand! I'm in the same boat! I started my garage over Thanksgiving~ I only got the lower band that will also serve as a form board when I put the floor in. At least I can now see some progress with that. I got to get this done as fast as time allows so I can get back to my truck! As far as posting pictures, it took me a while to get around to that also. Once you've done it a couple of times, it isn't to time consuming. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've got done!
