54' Chevy Restore

[cooper98]

Last year I bought a 54 Chevy for my son and I to restore. When he turn's 16, it's his so long as though he does all the work with me. He's 10 now and so far he has stuck with the project. I joined this board in hopes I could get some ideas and help during this build being the fact that I have very little experience with restoration. A few months ago we started breaking down the truck.

[cooper98]

Removing the doors..

[cooper98]

Bed removal

[lv2tri2]

Are your plans to return it to original? Looks like you got a good truck and a great father/son project.

[Advanced Design]

Welcome! It is great to have a father and son project. Enjoy!

[cooper98]

Thanks. As for keeping it original or not, can't make up my mind. I want to stay true to my word with my son when I said it's his at 16. I've talked to a few people who suggested I modify it to make it a daily driver. Can't really decide but I'm leaning to keeping it original.

Any opinions regarding this would greatly be appreciated!

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by cooper98

Thanks. As for keeping it original or not, can't make up my mind. I want to stay true to my word with my son when I said it's his at 16. I've talked to a few people who suggested I modify it to make it a daily driver. Can't really decide but I'm leaning to keeping it original.

Any opinions regarding this would greatly be appreciated!

Cooper, you will likely get many opinions on this. Key thing is you do what you guys like. See if you can drive a stock restored truck if you haven't and a modified one. Which one do you like better? Which better fits your goals, budget and skills?

Also, if you haven't done a restoration or built one of these modified, be aware it isn't easy or inexpensive. There are many abandoned projects for sale because someone enthusiastically started in, then ran out of time, energy, money, skills or all of the above. Maybe before completly disassembling your truck, repair what is needed to make it roadworthy and enjoy it for awhile. Enjoy it some and make upgrades that don't keep the truck down for long periods of time.

It is awesome to have a father son project and I don't want to discourage anyone. Just sharing some thoughts for your decision about direction.

[cooper98]

Thanks for the input...I do appreciate it

[62 Barnfind]

Awesome father and son project! I wanted to do my 62 with my son but he wasn't in to it. Are you planning on keeping the six and does it run? I kept the six in mine and hopped it up a little. You can also get a auto conversion for the 216/235 if you want to keep the six and run auto trans.