Most of us that appreciate seeing older trucks soon learn that the range of condition has several levels. All are great to see on the road as a daily driver as well as one that rarely leaves the garage. Owners usually find their “comfort level” of what they want in their old truck combined with the finances they want to invest. The following article tells of a 1956 Chevy half ton that has been restored to a level of above museum quality.
It is suspected fewer than 1% of beautifully restored vehicles ever reach this level of perfection. These are not meant to be driven! They are created, not by an artist making an award winning painting. This artist’s talent here is to build a vehicle to be seen only, at the most prestigious shows in the country. The engine starts immediately in its enclosed trailer and moves to its assigned spot (at a show) for viewing and judging.
Of course, a vehicle built with this precision is not of interest to most to create but are certainly admired. However, we found one of these bolt by bolt rebuilt vehicles for this month’s feature.
This “above” museum quality pickup is owned and personally restored by Steve and Theresa Maveal of Alpena, Michigan.
In this level of restoration you must have a sincere commitment first and deep pockets second. It all began with their daily driver, a 1957 GMC ½ ton about 1980 when they lived in Arizona. It was a great pickup that required few surprise repairs during the several years it was with them.
Their 4 year daily driver.
It was sold in 1984 just before their major move to their hometown in Northern Michigan.
As the couple settled in their new Michigan home they still remembered the pleasure they got from the 1957 GMC. Occasionally they attended local town early car and truck shows. And then it happened in 2001 when General Motors was displaying some of their early vehicles along with their new models. GM had picked a beautiful 1957 Chevy ½ ton to show as one of the older vehicles. This started Steve and Theresa on a 1955-59 hunt. Only this time they decided they would make it as it left the factory with almost no exception. Both had their own vehicles so this new project would not need to be driven. When finished it would be carried in an enclosed trailer and mostly taken to shows.
It is now completed and has been at many of these special shows. Interesting, in all this time it has never been washed! A hand duster keeps it looking its best in a temperature controlled garage beside the Maveal’s home.
It is known that pictures really help explain important features. This, plus the Maveal’s supplying many special photos, we will be able to explain this 1956 Chevy ½ ton with so much less text.
for very little body work and fresh
Forest Green paint. Not inexpensive!
Here are some photos of this 1956 the same day it was delivered to Steve and Theresa in Northern Michigan. They are the fourth owners. The Oregon license plates are still attached. It was far from being perfect but after all it had been a pickup for work duties. Steve picked it because of no body damage and no major alterations during its life.
#1 Exterior
For the beginning, we will display the completed 1956 pickup at several angles and other close-ups of outside items. (Note: The wheels are Black color as original on a one color truck. If it is two-tone pickup, the wheels are painted lower body color.)
Yes, Steve used the exact Forest Green exterior. The firewall still had this color that had not received the one repaint as did the exterior.
#2 Mechanical Views
#3 Interior Views
Note the seat cloth insert. What a difficult project to find this basic material over 30 years ago. Most owners were not interested in using the exact Oak Bark GM cloth when it was time to recover. Thus, few independent larger Chevy suppliers kept any of this extra material. There was no demand.
The three different interior colors are just like Chevrolet planned. Interesting the steering wheel and column are not the same color as the overall cab inside. (The 1947-55 Chevy trucks also had these items a different color.)
#4 Black Bed Floor
The all black bed is just like it came from the factory. The hard yellow pine is protected by the painted bed strips. After all, a pickup in the early years was for hauling! There would be no reason GM would have gone to the expense of sanding the boards and clear coating.
In serious judging at national shows, points are removed with a non-black bed floor.
#5 Options and Accessories
It may be a basic ½ ton but look at its Chevrolet extras:
Options: As ordered from the factory:
- 4 speed transmission (Floor Shifter)
- Fresh air heater with defroster
- Oil bath air cleaner on Carburetor
Accessories: Usually added by the dealer: - Front bumper guards
- Rear bumper with right taillight
- Park brake warming dash red light shows
between Headlight and Choke Knob - Under hood light
- Windshield washer reservoir
operated by driver’s left foot - Glove box light
- Utility tray behind seat
- Chrome hub caps
Lastly, the results of 10 years research, personal rebuilding, and driving as far as
Oklahoma to remove hardware from the underside of a less used pickup in a “bone
yard”.
You can contact Steve and Theresa Maveal at smav@charter.net
The answer to the question on page 2:
“The rear license plate light that attaches to its own bracket.”
