Owner: Rudy Parmenter
This month, a 1954 1/2 ton Chevrolet truck is featured.This truck, owned and restored by Rudy Parmenter, is a life goal. Rudy says, 'My 54 was bought from a Texas owner and we are the second owners. The truck was dismantled and a ground-up restoration was completed in several years to restore it to its original condition back in 1954'.
This truck has 51,000 original miles and original paint. The truck sat for over 25 years unused. The only addition to the truck from the dealer is side-mounted tires. The white wall tires are a dealer option. It has a deluxe two-tone paint job inside, and original factory radio that operates. It also has a fresh air heater and a right tail light. This truck has original Chevrolet running board protectors, factory turn signals, stainless front and rear bumpers, stainless steel beauty rings and hubcaps.
It has a 235, 6 cylinder engine, 3-speed on the column (all have been gone through and restored to original condition). All window tracks and door locking parts have been rebuilt and/or replaced. The truck also has a dealer installed oil filter.
'We cannot say enough praise for all of the staff at Jim Carter's Antique Truck Parts. They have all been very patient and supportive in helping us restore this vehicle. They are very knowledgeable with their technical support. Parts for a 54 Chevrolet are few and far between. All of the staff has been very supportive during the time it has taken to find all of its many 'one of a kind' parts. We have also been able to find a few things through e-bay and have met new antique Chevy truck owners'.
Part of the fun of restoring this truck has been trying to find additional accessories that add to the over all display when at car shows. During the past several years, we have found a 1954 truck data book used by salesmen, a 40 page 1954 sales catalog, an old tissue container that still had a box of tissues with Perry Como on the outside and a magazine ad from May 1954 with a picture of three 1954 trucks.
My family and I have had it in several shows in Southwest Missouri. Many folks visit with us about the 54 and share their stories. Most folks remember their 54 truck as the workhorse around the farm or in business. Although this truck design was only manufactured for one year, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who drove her.
