What a Crazy Story!
Believe it or not, it was an impulse buy. While out for a stroll in my neighbourhood, I saw it out of the corner of my eye. A classic love at first sight cliché. I love old pick up trucks so I asked the owner if I could take a photo of his truck for my Pinterest Board. He said okay, and told me the history of the truck.
Long story short, his father had bought it brand new. It was manufactured in Canada and back then it was navy with tan interior. They worked on it over the years and the hope was to keep it in the family for the next generation to continue the legacy.
I assured him I was not looking to buy a Pick Up Truck. That would be crazy!
The following week, there was a For Sale Sign the window of the truck. Turns out his son was not interested in taking the truck. So crazy me, I bought it, hoping this would be a mother/son project.
My vision was to keep the truck as original as possible, but it needed some work. Trouble is, there just aren't many skilled people around who know how to do this work and do it well.
The truck sat in my son's back yard for three years until by chance I stumbled upon the man who would bring it back to life. My son acted as my consultant and the very knowledgeable and resourceful,
Rick @ Old Time Garage did the restoration. This man is beyond fair and reasonable! I can't say enough good things about him and his shop. If not for Rick, I would have throwing the towel for sure!!
Rick's expertise has given this '53 GMC a new lease on life. Much to my dismay, the original inline 6 engine block was cracked. Rick found us a used small block Chevy engine, so now the truck will be even more reliable and roadworthy. He converted the manual transmission to automatic and installed front disc brakes to replace the old drums. The fuel tank was cleaned up and saved, new rad, wiring and exhaust installed, period appropriate wheels and tires will be added and OMG, did I mention the RUST?! ! That was an unforeseen and costly nightmare, fortunately, Rick and his team really stepped up to help me out there.
A BIG thank you to Rick and his team at Old Time Garage in Greendale, they brought this truck back from the brink of a slow and painful decline.
My second amazing find was Derek @ Custom Creations . He and his team restored the interior back to original. He has a similar truck (Chevy) and so has first hand knowledge of what needed to be done.
It's what's inside that counts, right? Down the road she may have some cosmetic work done, perhaps a total make over to take her back to the original Navy Blue. I hope that someday my son who is a talented fabricator, will do the bodywork. Until then, we love this truck, imperfections and all. It is the beauty of the imperfections and it's story that makes it so appealing and special.
My dream is to work with others who have a passion for vintage to create timeless country wedding photos, portraits and films for them.
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Cathie
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