Old Chevy Truck, worth the effort?

HardDrive · 05-21-2017, 04:31 PM

40 years ago when my grandfather died, I was given his truck. I was 7 at the time. It was an old farm truck. I believe its a 1954 Chevy. About 15 years ago, for no reason, my drunk uncle pulled it out of the old hanger where it had been stored, and left it outside. Its damn rough. I do know that it was driven to the hanger in running order.

Well now that side of the family is bugging me to rescue the thing and fix it up. Oddly, none of them seem to be talking about supplying me with the giant pile of money to do this.

If my goal was simply a respectable bondo/Rustoleum paint job and getting it moving down the road (with the original running gear, no hot rodding), do you think its worth the effort? I think I could do the above for about $5k.

Baz · Baz's Garage

Trucks like that are works of art.

Unlike any made in many a year...

IMHO, it's WELL WORTH the effort to restore...especially if it was running when it was parked.

Hope it works out for you....and that beautiful girl who needs rescuing.....

Baz · Baz's Garage

1954 chevrolet truck in Other Pickups | eBay

LEAKYSEALS951 · 05-21-2017, 05:00 PM

A friend had one long ago- but let it go.
From what I know (was told)- the wrap around rear window is sought after.

ben parrish · 05-21-2017, 05:33 PM

That is a 50-53...54 had the larger grill. Truck is rough but it is part of your history. 5k could easily get it going if you DIY. The rough, patina is in now and if you get input of the weather, she will last many more years...that is thick metal.

MBAtarga · 05-21-2017, 05:37 PM

Leave the patina and get it running with mechanicals all checked out. That is a rat rod!

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

Looking at that photo I'd be surprised if it's not rusted beyond reasonable repair underneath.

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JackDidley · JackDidley's Garage

You should be able to make it driveable, fairly cheap. Make it start, drive and stop first. Then decide on cosmetics. Warning it will be a different experience driving that truck. Primitive comes to mind. Manual steering is not easy. If it needs kingpins its downright hard. The drum brakes are not that bad but take some getting used to. May or may not have a heater. Vacuum wipers. Then there is the truck sensation. Low gears. Non synchro first gear. Top end around 50 mph . It will go faster but not for long. No sound deadening anywhere. Lots of gear noise and motor noise.
After all that, I love those old trucks. My first car was a 50 Chevy pick up. Go for it.

Craig T · 05-21-2017, 06:15 PM

Add a zero to that. I love the old trucks too, but I have a better idea for you. You give me the $50K it will cost to restore it right and I'll go buy one already restored in the color of your choice and give that to you. I'll even buy you dinner, but I get to keep the $20K-$25K difference, right?

I went down this road with a 67 Ford Bronco with only "minor rust". Short of a hookers and blow habit, compounded with an addiction to gambling, I don't think there was a faster way to lose $20K.

HardDrive · 05-21-2017, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig T

You give me the $50K it will cost to restore it right...

Given that I used the words "Bondo" and "Rustoleum" in original post, its pretty clear I'm not talking about the 'right' way.

Craig T · 05-21-2017, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Given that I used the words "Bondo" and "Rustoleum" in original post, its pretty clear I'm not talking about the 'right' way.

I understand. I read the OP. It always starts out with that intention, but it has sentimental value and you'll grow to love it once it's running. Who wouldn't? Then, the slippery slope kicks in. Before you know it you'll add disc brakes. Soon after a hydo-brake kit, PS kit, etc etc. Than one day you'll see a beautiful orange or red one and you'll be shopping paint jobs. It's a oft-repeated story

Craig T · 05-21-2017, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Given that I used the words "Bondo" and "Rustoleum" in original post, its pretty clear I'm not talking about the 'right' way.

I understand. I read the OP. It always starts out with that intention, but it has sentimental value and you'll grow to love it once it's running. Who wouldn't? Then, the slippery slope kicks in. Before you know it you'll add disc brakes. Soon after a hydro-boost brake kit, PS kit, etc etc. Than one day you'll see a beautiful orange or red one and you'll be shopping paint jobs. It's a oft-repeated story

BeyGon · 05-21-2017, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben parrish

That is a 50-53...54 had the larger grill. Truck is rough but it is part of your history. 5k could easily get it going if you DIY. The rough, patina is in now and if you get input of the weather, she will last many more years...that is thick metal.

push button door so maybe 51-53 cause it looks like a two piece windshield so not a 54

Don Ro · 05-21-2017, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Given that I used the words "Bondo" and "Rustoleum" in original post, its pretty clear I'm not talking about the 'right' way.

Do you have the time to invest?

Dantilla · 05-21-2017, 07:19 PM

My first truck was a '48. Identical to yours, but mine was not a 5-window.

Every time you're at the gas station, someone will come up, look over the truck, and tell you the story of their dad's/uncle's/grampa's truck. Or the one they used to have, and they wish they still had it.

I painted mine in a friend's garage. Kept the 216 6-cylinder and 3-on-the-tree. Drum brakes, vacuum wipers. Very cool.

Do it.

MRM · 07:54 PM

I'm in the add a zero to your budget crowd. I don't see how you can get it operable and comfortably running for five grand. It's rusted to pieces. It's time to pay respects to grandpa and say it's been used up. There isn't any place for it anymore just like anything else that's been used up and isn't needed any more. That doesn't detract from how valuable it was, it just means that it had served its purpose. Let it go.

If there are some parts that are useful or valuable to others, part it out and be happy it is able to live on as a doner. Otherwise, just let it go.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Where did the wheels go? Somebody steal them?

I actually don't see any rust, other than possibly the lower cab corners behind the doors. It looks more like a desert truck that's been left out in the sun for years until all of the paint is burned off and the sheet metal oxidizes.

Post better pictures and I'll tell you what to do.

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

It's older than a '54. The '54s had a single piece windshield.
$5k is pushing it. You will need at least all new wheel cylinders, master cylinder, and brake lines. New tires. Any idea if the engine turns over? Those 216s are among the cheapest engines to rebuild. Parts are abundant for these trucks, you can get most of what you need at NAPA. Fix up the mechanicals then wash the paint down real well and brush on a coat of linseed oil.

DanielDudley · 05-22-2017, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

40 years ago when my grandfather died, I was given his truck. I was 7 at the time. It was an old farm truck. I believe its a 1954 Chevy. About 15 years ago, for no reason, my drunk uncle pulled it out of the old hanger where it had been stored, and left it outside. Its damn rough. I do know that it was driven to the hanger in running order.

Well now that side of the family is bugging me to rescue the thing and fix it up. Oddly, none of them seem to be talking about supplying me with the giant pile of money to do this.

If my goal was simply a respectable bondo/Rustoleum paint job and getting it moving down the road (with the original running gear, no hot rodding), do you think its worth the effort? I think I could do the above for about $5k.

Jack it up, and look at it again. If nothing else, throw some solid block under it while you think about it.

Oddly enough, that truck has the kind of patina that people want.

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRM

I'm in the add a zero to your budget crowd. I don't see how you can get it operable and comfortably running for five grand. It's rusted to pieces. It's time to pay respects to grandpa and say it's been used up. There isn't any place for it anymore just like anything else that's been used up and isn't needed any more. That doesn't detract from how valuable it was, it just means that it had served its purpose. Let it go.

If there are some parts that are useful or valuable to others, part it out and be happy it is able to live on as a doner. Otherwise, just let it go.

Add me to this. You will go north of $5K to get it running and make it safe. However, it is a 5 window and a 54 and if you have the time and money - I would give it a go.