Just joined! Just bought a 53!

[bruno17]

Hello to all! Just bought my first older pickup. Not home yet but very original with lots of "patina".
Would love to keep it as it is on the outside but definitely want to upgrade the suspension and install a small block and auto trans as well as big wheels for the slammed look.
Any input on getting the most bang for the buck would be greatly appreciated.
Considering a Camaro front clip for starters but open to your experienced suggestions.
Thanks in advance,
Bruno

[Maximus]

but on a serious note, Alot of people have used the Camaro clip on the "AD" truck but some think its a little too wide. It will put your rims further to the outside of the wheel well. I'm not sure what clip is narrower but offset rims can make the trucks perfectly functional.

oh yea, and Welcome/Congrats on the new pickup!

[bruno17]

Thanks!

Here ya go..

[Wvgearhead]

Looks alot better than my starter-53.
Welcome to the site!

[LPB]

Nice, I have a '53 also.
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[1959 Apache 3600]

Looks like it's in pretty darn good shape. You're already ahead of the game!

[Maximus]

NICE truck! Cool gas station too!

I love the AD trucks, if I didn't have 4 projects id go buy one!

[xpickup]

bruno17, very nice looking truck to start with. Sounds like some nice upgrades. And welcome to the site.

Shannon

[Narxoleptic Customs]

Good looking truck. Welcome to the board.
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[pinecrest]

Good find!

But I can't help but notice more than a few problems- sorry to burst your bubble.

1. No visible bullet holes.
2. The tires have air in them.
3. It is not sunk several inches into the ground.
4. The front bumper is WAY too straight- don't people KNOW that you are supposed to pull these things around by wrapping a chain around the bumper?
5. I'm only counting 9 pieces of glass. Those windows need to be in MANY more pieces.

Still, a pretty good find. Good luck with her!!!

Oh.... and welcome to the site!!

[ruby57]

Originally Posted by pinecrest

Good find!

But I can't help but notice more than a few problems- sorry to burst your bubble.

1. No visible bullet holes.
2. The tires have air in them.
3. It is not sunk several inches into the ground.
4. The front bumper is WAY too straight- don't people KNOW that you are supposed to pull these things around by wrapping a chain around the bumper?
5. I'm only counting 9 pieces of glass. Those windows need to be in MANY more pieces.

Still, a pretty good find. Good luck with her!!!

Oh.... and welcome to the site!!

Any more 'bubble bursting' thoughts? Those were priceless and hilarious!! And a very cool p/u, Bruno! -Doug

[bruno17]

Thanks for the warm welcome and belly laughs. Can't wait to get it home get started!
Bruno
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[63 & 64 Bowties]

Wow, nice truck
Richmond Hill.... in GA?

[Daze57]

welcome - good luck on your project !

[bruno17]

Richmond Hiil, Ontario Canada ....eh
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[Atomsplitter]

Bruno, Welcome from Newcastle, the right side of TO!

Is it a Canadian truck or American?

[bruno17]

American truck......farmers pride in Iowa. Its Been in Minnesota for years since retirement.
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[bruno17]

So my truck finally gets home and much to my surprise, someone has just recently gone through the whole truck.

New King Pins, shocks, complete brake job including master cylinder,drums, shoes and wheel cylinders....starter, fuel pump, distributor and everything works including lights, horn, wipers and heater.

For a sight unseen, ebay purchase....I'm really impressed by what I got for my money. Thanks again to Ryan at Classic Plus Auto in Minnesota

The fun starts now and this is where I'm relying on your past experience to guide me. I'd like to lower it......install late model GM fuelie/overdrive auto.....17"rims and enjoy it just as it looks. Body and frame are very solid. Floorboard corners are the only weak spot. Most of the original wood is still in the bed.

Please offer me your experienced opinion on which kits offer best bang for the buck.

[1953chevyroc]

nice looking truck, a lot better than my '53, some farmer tried pushing a hay bail and bent up the bumper,grille and cowl. The mods you have planned should make it a great driver.

[Johnny49]

Looks pretty clean! Good luck with it!

[booger1949]

welcome,an nice truck, ide drive it just laike it is till i figure out what i wanted to do , i installed a 1988 malibu sub frame on my 49 an its nice an drives good, but its a whole let easier an faster an less work with a ifs frontend an that means alot

[pgf545]

Hi Bruno, Welcome to the site. You will find good people here and lots of information. Before you get to set on the Camaro clip look around a little and see what other options are out there. I did a MII from Heidts but there are other brands out there. IT was very easy to install and could probable be knocked out in a weekend if you weren't going to do anything else. I think Scotts Hot rods posts on here also and he has them in stock.

Good looking truck and I don't see a lot of the typical bad area that seem to infect these year trucks....lol.

If you have any questions ask and I am sure someone will be able to answer them

Bernie

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

You will probably want to up grade the rear. A good choice is a 70s/80s Camaro. With that you can bolt on 2002 Firebird/Camaro disc brakes back there. Add to that a 700R4 overdrive tranny. I suppose you are considering a small block. Good luck.

[focusedontheprize]

Great looking truck Bruno. Great patina to it, in my mind I would almost drive it like that.

As for your upgrades (and I have not done this personally, just have seen everyone here do it) have you considered looking for an S10 frame swapping on that?

Everyone loves the auto trans. Ha, I always picture these trucks with a lever out of the tunnel.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Wvgearhead]

Welcome! That's a great looking 53. Wish my sheet metal was that straight.
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