New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Hi:
I'm working over a '53 chevy that has been in the family. To my surprise, everything works; engine (great compression), tranny, guages, etc. Pulled the bed out to replace and will be doing body work. The original color was the stock juniper green. I want to get back to the original look, will add no chrome but am wondering if I can get away with a different color as 10 were offered at the time under the title RPO 234. Anybody know what "RPO" means and what it took to get a different color in '53??

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome to the board from a fellow Texan

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

What a fun and knowlegable site you will have much support!
Welcome aboard

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome from another Texan..post some pictures on the 47-59 forum. I have no idea what RPO means but I bet someone will know pretty soon.

Bernie

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Pretty sure RPO means Regular Production Order. I think the most famous RPO used began in 1967 "z28"-it's used to denote styling trim, suspension packages etc. If 234 denoted body color for these trucks, then there should be some corresponding paint code with it to show the line workers what color to paint.

Not sure what was available as factory colors for these trucks, or how the color was documented on the body, if at all. It may have only been on the build sheet that was used at the factory?? My personal feeling is to just select the color that you like most and get it painted. To me, there is no sense in paying top dollar for a paint job and using a color that you don't like just because "that's how it came from the factory." Of course, I'd probably feel differently if I were into "factory original" type cars/trucks...

BTW, welcome!

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

bretcopsey: I do hate the juniper green. My dilemma is that there is nothing on this truck that is not original or not working. What to do, what to do.

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome from Ky,
here is a pretty good site imo
http://1954advance-design.homeip.net...gn-Colors.html

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

MK,
fix it up with todays standards, under the skin, and leave the outside the way it came from the factory

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

:agree:
"Regular" Production Order as opposed to a "Customer" production order. This is what the factory just decided the truck should have. (I think).

A BIG HOWDY from Wallburg, NC.

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome from FT Worth.

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

:welcoem: from Kelowna

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

:welcome2: From West TN :hi2:

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

:welcome2:

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome To The Boards From The Great White North!

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome to the board from West Tennessee.

Re: New to site: rebuilding a 53 chevy half ton
 

Welcome from Washington State