[donandal]

Well, I am to the point where I can start the build thread for my 53 Chevy pickup.
I'll start with the background info and some goals I have for this project.

I have always liked working with my hands building things, and worked at a tool and die shop
while I worked my way to a flying career. I started a hobby shop back in September of 2001
and have worked on various car and motorcycle projects. My uncles both worked on antique
cars and motorcycles and thought a pickup project would be a good choice.

My uncle found the truck locally, and I bought it and started the tear down in October of 2012.

I had a couple of requirements for the build.

It needs to be reliable, comfortable, and easy to start and drive.
It has to be easy to service with over the counter parts.
It needs to be legal, and as safe as a 60 plus year old truck can be.
It should look nice. It doesn't need to win awards. I am going to
drive it!

Oh, and my wife needs to like it. She will be driving it too!

So here's the thinking;

I was most concerned with the legroom issues in these old trucks. I have
friend who owned a 50 Chevy truck and the steering wheel was in your face
and there was no legroom. The seat back was also too vertical for my taste.
So the cab would need to be lengthened.

The old six banger it had could barely get out of it's own way, and didn't meet
the wife's drivability requirements. An engine swap was in order. New York State
can be pretty picky about inspections ( they recently required an emissions test
for my 2008 build year custom roadster, even though they initially, and for six
years, had issued the inspection as emissions exempt as it was originally
registered. ) so I wanted one with all emissions equipment in case they ever go
that way down the road for this truck. No I don't trust them!
Plus, a computer controlled engine and tranny should be easy to start and drive.

99% of this build up to this point I have done myself. I am not a painter or body
guy. I did paint the chassis and some other parts myself. I asked the painter to
check my work after the major mods were complete. He said the work was fine.
( although he did joke that he could turn my ugly pieces beautiful. ) My brother has
contributed some machining and he has helped with planning and engineering
on some of it...he is a tool and die maker.
The extras here and there I did for fun.

I'll be putting it back together soon and will try to post pictures of the progress
that includes the construction photos as well.

I'll also soon be getting into some areas outside my comfort level, so will be
asking for some help.

Sorry for the long intro, and thanks for reading.
More soon!