Owner: Dennis Oland - Saint John, New Brunswick Canada
Here is my 1953 Chevrolet 3/4 ton. I have just about completed my restoration and I have been driving it to work everyday. I bought it two years ago for $6500.00. It was very stock and solid with only minimal rust. It was originally green but had been painted burgundy/black over the years. I really liked the colors so I decided to go with a popular Chevy color, Garnet Red Metallic/Black. This truck is 3 speed, 12 volt and has a 261 motor which was swapped at the dealership. Early 50's Canadian Pontiacs had 261s and there was often demand for these more powerful engines in the Chevy trucks. As long as you could find a willing Pontiac owner (or Dealer) you were able to get the swap (for a little money). Having a 261 is great, this truck has all the power it needs.
I did a fairly extensive restoration, buying all parts from Jim Carter's and relying on the help of Jim Carter's staff, Stovebolt and local (older) mechanics. The new bed wood is Juniper which is a hard softwood. I thought about Oak but the Juniper only cost me $50.00, the end result is great so I have no regrets. I don't know where the sun visor came from but I like it. To finish off the truck I am hoping to tidy up the wiring and the motor and add in a faster pumpkin to the rear end. These older 3/4 tons have a 4.57:1 gear ratio and I want something that would allow me to drive at highway speeds. It is an easy fix (1967-1972 Chevy c20 pumpkin fits right in) so I'll get at that over the winter. Other than that I think the only thing this truck needs is some tidying up in the interior. I did paint it but I wasn't happy with the dash so I think I'll do that again (and get a radio as well). This truck has been restored to reflect its original character and I have added chrome and a few extras that I think help to make this truck a real classic. Although I love this truck it is going up for sale, I have decided that my next project will be either a 1947-1953 Suburban or 1946 GMC 1/2 ton.
Dennis Oland
Saint John, New Brunswick
Canada
