Our Feature Truck this month is a 1959 Chevrolet ½ ton pickup with an extended bed. It was one of those that was bought much beyond its running condition! The person that kept it from a questionable future is Donnie Gideon in Surprise, Arizona: An Air Force Military, retired.
His father said, “Don’t buy something like that. It is too far gone!” Donnie looked very close at the total package and saw nothing that could not be fixed with the currently available new and used parts on the market. Years later his father was very proud that Donnie could create such a special pickup!
So Donnie made the seller very happy! He bought it. The prior person bought it one year prior because it was a 1959, the same year he was born. Big mistake! He must not have shopped long because he soon realized it was over his head to put it back to the condition he wanted.
Now, the fun begins. So much of the mechanicals required attention. Its original 235 six cylinder engine was found to have a blown head gasket (probably why it was for sale). Yes, Donnie could have pulled the engine head and replaced the gasket, but the concern was how strong was the lower end of the motor? Fortunately, the 4 speed floor shift transmission was good and original 3.90 ratio differential needed new paint, but no serious repairs. If Donnie was going to use the1/2 ton often, he had the fear it might have major problems during an important activity! A tow bill, the embarrassment, the unplanned expense, canceled future activities, etc. was a strong concern.
The only way to prevent a possible future down time was to pull the engine and give it a major rebuild. He thought, “Now it will outlive me!” The famous 235 six cylinder (1954-1962) was one of General Motors greats! Even more reason to make it new again. Therefore, the 235 six cylinder got a complete rebuild.
Donnie could at least feel good that the 4-speed transmission and the 3.90 differential were good. They would just require a fluid change and much exterior cleaning before applying NEW black paint.
KEEP IT COOL
Here is a very unique add-on. Donnie thought, “The summers are very hot during Arizona summers, so why couldn’t I add air conditioning?” He studied all the companies that offer this aftermarket accessory! His pick “Vintage Air” has been great with no radiator boiling. He was able to place most of the in-cab air components to under the dash, most out of sight, and against the inner firewall. All you 235 and 261 engine owners should take note of Donnie’s creation! With patients he made it successful. We hope he writes a tech article on this one!
The 8’ long plank bed was replaced with a one piece wood sheet. See how nice Donnie made it with his new idea. “Only one in the world!”
Custom made bed floor. A real attention getter.
The name “Run around Sue” is what Donnie named his pickup.
WRONG WHEELS
Donnie bought this pickup with very over size Non-GM 20” wheels. These had to go! Finding a set of correct 15” six hole wheels with the attaching hubcap clips was not easy, but well worth the effort. See photos.
NEW PAINT
All the exterior uncovered paint had become dull from the summer sun but Donnie knew the correct color to do an all-over repaint. The inner cab door posts had never been repainted. The pickup is now the one color when it was new, “Baltic Blue!”
For 10 years Donnie considered it his full time hobby! He continued to find things that should be fixed or at least checked:
- The time was right to replace brake lines and inside drum parts.
- Learn how to repair small dents in the cab sheet metal and bed sides.
- Light bulbs, large and small, were replaced.
- And the items go on and on.
The longer bed on Donny’s pickup really looks good!
Donnie got an unexpected surprise during the pickup’s restoration. As the older seat upholstery was removed, there were small plates showing some of the truck history as early as the late 1980’s.
These on the dash plates appear to be newer than the one from 1988.
This 1988 plate was found under the seat when the upholstery was replaced! These were sometimes given to the owners that displayed their vehicles at a show. (In this case, Santiam, Oregon, almost 40 years ago.)
When we talked with Donnie, he said about the same as most all truck and car owners that have what appears to be a show vehicle, “It’s still not done but it’s getting there!”
Have you ever liked your vehicle so much, you gave it a name? Donnie calls his one of a kind, “Run around Sue!” (A popular song in the late 1950’s)
Buckeye, Arizona.
You can contact Donnie at Americanhillbillyinc@gmail.com