Drivetrain in a 1953 Chevy Pickup

[TXCTD]

I just became the proud new owner of a 1953 Chevy Pickup that is sitting in the scrap pile at the ranch I work on. It is 2wd, possibly 3/4 ton (it has 8 lug wheels) and a 235 ci inline 6. That is about all I can figure out. Anyone know what the transmission is in this truck and what the rear axle is. Not going to restore the truck, just use it to putt around town on nice days. Appreciate any info you guys could throw at me.

 

[wcaldwell]

This one would have most likely had the 'granny 4-speed' and an enclosed rear end/drive shaft combo. Don't know the rear end numbers, but for a 235 I-6, it would pull a mountain (for it's time). Not a 70 mph truck, but it will get you almost anywherre you want to go. You'll have lots of fun with it - they were good old trucks.

 

[TXCTD]

Thanks for the info. I found the owner's manual in the shop and you are correct even though I was incorrect. It is actually a 1949 year model. It has the 4speed transmission with a 7. 05 to 1 first gear and a 4. 57 rearend. Now I just need to find some new rear springs for it and see if'n I can't get the engine running. If I can't maybe I will just swap in a 4Bt cummins

 

[TPCDrafting]

Is that a 5 window cab? I towed home a late 40's early 50's chevy stepside for a neighbor last summer. It as no motor or transmission, but it was a 5 window cab. The body is in really good shape and the neighbor thought it would be good to re-sell or re-build. Not sure what he's going to do with it. I like them old trucks, it would be fun to have one to putt around with.

 

[wcaldwell]

35 years ago, I had a '49 GMC and a couple years later a '51 Chevy. Both short beds, 5-window, I-6, granny 4-speeds. I even had one of those 'hang on the passenger window air conditioners'

 

[TXCTD]

Not a 5 window cab, just 3. This one is not in good shape bodywise, seeing as it was a ranch truck. It's got ranch brands painted on the doors and is all faded. This truck ain't gonna be pretty, but it will have a lot of character. I need to find some replacement rear leaf springs, but everyone wants close to $450 for a set. To rich for my blood, I'm thinking about just custom mounting some springs from a three quarter ford we have sitting right beside it. The coolest thing I have found on it so far is the lack of tubular shocks. It was the last year model chevy with the old lever action shocks. Gonna have to leave those for cool factor.



Hey Tpcdrafting, if your neighbors truck is a 3/4 ton model, see if he wants to sell me the rear springs off of it. Thanks.

 

[big jake 1]

watch ebay



there ought to be a lot of good parts for those trucks floating around... .....



I use ebay to find a lot of parts I need for a 57 English Ford Anglia Panel I am restoring



good luck



big jake

 

[TPCDrafting]

I'm certain it's a 1/2 ton, and I think he's trying to sell the whole thing. He's working on 2 model A's and doesn't have time for another project. I wished I had a bigger garage, I'd buy it for myself. Told the wife I'd save us money from building a hot rod and just bomb the CTD. I think she's goin for it.