My truck is gonna be with the big boys

[Lonnie in Orlando]

In addition to my half fast attempts at woodworking, I also have an old truck that I show occationally. Well, this Sunday (Nov 6) it will definitely be out of its league! It will be in the Winter Park Concours d'Elegance. The half million dollar cars in the show will have a fit when they see my old rust bucket parking next to them. My next door neighbor was one of the promotors, and she may have helped move me through the screening committee. Still had to pay my $100 entry fee, but hey - I'm in.

This is really a good show. If any of you in the area plan to attend, please stop by and say hello. If I'm away from the truck, call my cell and I'll come running back. (407) 670-9679.

I've been tweaking and cleaning the truck for two months. No woodworking. I guess I can't multitask. It's either saw dust or grease. It made me understand how much I enjoy woodworking and missed it.

Hope to see you there,

- Lonnie

[JimD]

I like your truck. Please provide more information. What year is it? Is it all original? Any improvements?

Jim

[Cochese]

It's a '54, correct?

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Jim -

Some info about the truck:

As CocheseUGA correctly stated, it is a '54 Chevy model 3104 half ton pickup. This style of Chevy truck was built from 1947 to early 1955. It was the largest selling truck in the US every year of production. It is mostly original except that it was converted from 6v to 12v electrical system by a previous owner, who did an OK restoration. I've owned it for about 12 years, but let it sit most of that time. Started wrenching on it last year mostly to fix some mechanical problems and to replace or correct items that were not appropriate for 1954.

Truck facts:
This was the 6,554th 1954 truck (all models) built in the Oakland CA plant.

235.5 cu in. 6-Cyl in-line, Comp Ratio 7.5:1
112 HP @ 3700 RPM
200 pound-feet Torque @ 2000 RPM

4-speed transmission with Power Takeoff
(Three speeds + “Granny”)

Enclosed Torque-tube drive train

3.90:1 Rear end

Cost $1,496.98 new as it sits. See option list below.

Thanks for your interest. Hope to meet some Central FL BT3ers at the show.

- Lonnie

[dbhost]

For some reason when I read the thread title, I was thinking you were having it lifted, with some Dana 60s under it and at least 44 inch rubber... Silly me...

[radhak]

That's an awesome looking truck. Something tells me she'll stand head held high amongst any other cars or trucks.

[cabinetman]

It's a great looking truck. Is that the original color? Is the six the "blue flame special"?

.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

C-man,

Chevy had no paint codes on the vin sticker in '54, so I don't know for sure what the original color was. Juniper Green - like this truck - was the standard color. The truck also has some Transport Blue in some hidden spots which may or may not have been original

Not sure, but the Blue Flame may have been the Corvette 6cyl. The engine in mine is called the Thriftmaster 235 with one Rochester B single barrel carb. Although my engine is blue, the correct truck engine color for '54 was dark gray. Passenger cars had blue engines.

It's kinda easy to let your "Picky Gene" come to the surface if you get too involved in this restoration thing.

- Lonnie

[Pappy]

From what you said about the minor descrepancies from the perfect original specs (Engine color, charging system upgrade, unconfirmed paint variations) you may not fair well with the judges. My bet is that the spectators will be as interested in her as they will any of the snob's 'perfect' vehicles....

Shove your nose in the air and enjoy the day!

[Sweet Willy]

'54 Chevy trucks are the best. Here's mine but it's not all original. It's done the way I wanted to do it. It's got a 350 sbc, 700R4 tranny and a 12 bolt rear with 373 gears. I'm taking it to a show tomorrow but it's not the Concours, it's in South Pittsburg, TN, the home of the National Cornbread Festival. Almost as good as the Concours. Good luck at the Concours Lonnie!

[Lonnie in Orlando]

> Pappy - I know that the judges will turn up their noses when they see it for all the reasons that you mentioned plus more. Thanks to my neighbor for helping me get accepted. I'm amped up about getting to be in the show. Hope the spectators will enjoy my old truck. As part of the event, Jo Ann and I are having breakfast with other participants this morning (Sat) then going on a two hour drive with other show cars to a "secrete" lunch location. Big party at a local airport tonight with airplanes, boats, and cars on display.

> Sweet Willy - I saw your post on Stovebolt.com. Thanks for the publicity and for the good wishes! I've already made a sign with my phone number on it so that Stovebolters can call me if I'm away from the truck. I'd like to meet them.

[JimD]

Thanks for the information. I've started to think of getting an old truck built the year I was born - 1955. I probably won't but I like this style truck.

Good Luck in the judging. Maybe the judges will surprise you (in a positive way).

Jim

[cabinetman]

'54 Chevy trucks are the best. Here's mine but it's not all original. It's done the way I wanted to do it. It's got a 350 sbc, 700R4 tranny and a 12 bolt rear with 373 gears. I'm taking it to a show tomorrow but it's not the Concours, it's in South Pittsburg, TN, the home of the National Cornbread Festival. Almost as good as the Concours. Good luck at the Concours Lonnie!

Nice truck, and I like how the engine just looks right in there. Is it a coincidence or what, but your green looks about the same as Lonnie's. Was that a popular color?

.

[Sweet Willy]

Mine is not the true factory color, but it's pretty close. I don't know if they even came in other colors or not. BTW, didn't win today but had a good time and that's what it's mostly about for me. That's the first truck and last truck or car that I'll ever do. I only wish I had started doing this thirty years ago.

[jabe]

Great looking truck!!!