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How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1947-1955
The Advance Design era (1947-1955) was historic for Chevrolet, topping all the production numbers every year they were in production. And for good reason. The post-World War II economy demanded a tough and well-engineered solution for this growing economy. Selling more than 2.5 million units during this era, Chevrolet quickly surpassed and controlled the light-truck market with style, utility, and logical engineering.
This era has been overlooked for long enough, and Deve Krehbiel, a well-known restoration expert from DevesTechNet.com who specializes in these trucks, puts his 40 years of experience restoring nothing but Advance Design trucks into an extensive and complete single volume. With more than 500 photos and detailed instruction for every aspect of a proper restoration, this book will be the restorer’s best friend. Deve’s companion book, Chevrolet Inline 6 Engine: 1929-1962 (SA455), explains in full detail the engine aspects of your project.
The Advance Design Chevy pickup is one of the most popular and highly prized vehicles at any venue. The author’s hope is that this book will give you the confidence and the knowledge to put your old Chevy truck back on the road in style. There is just nothing more interesting and more inviting than an old Chevy truck!
The Advance Design era (1947-1955) was historic for Chevrolet, topping all the production numbers every year they were in production. And for good reason. The post-World War II economy demanded a tough and well-engineered solution for this growing economy. Selling more than 2.5 million units during this era, Chevrolet quickly surpassed and controlled the light-truck market with style, utility, and logical engineering.
This era has been overlooked for long enough, and Deve Krehbiel, a well-known restoration expert from DevesTechNet.com who specializes in these trucks, puts his 40 years of experience restoring nothing but Advance Design trucks into an extensive and complete single volume. With more than 500 photos and detailed instruction for every aspect of a proper restoration, this book will be the restorer’s best friend. Deve’s companion book, Chevrolet Inline 6 Engine: 1929-1962 (SA455), explains in full detail the engine aspects of your project.
The Advance Design Chevy pickup is one of the most popular and highly prized vehicles at any venue. The author’s hope is that this book will give you the confidence and the knowledge to put your old Chevy truck back on the road in style. There is just nothing more interesting and more inviting than an old Chevy truck!
Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Frame-up Restoration Philosophy
Choosing the Pickup
The Skills Required
Preplanning for a Positive Result
Plan of Attack
Final Thoughts
Chapter 2: Taking It All Apart
Frame Subassembly Removal
Chapter 3: Frame Repair and Restoration
Sandblasting
Frame Repair
After the Frame Repairs
Chapter 4: Putting a Rolling Chassis Back Together
Tools and Incidentals
Leaf Springs
Rear End
Painting Tools and Equipment
Front End
Brake System
Brake Lines
Wheels
Bumpers
Chapter 5: The Engine
Engine Improvements
Cooling System and Related Issues
Chapter 6: Transmission and Drivetrain
BorgWarner R10 Overdrive
Driveshaft
Flywheel and Clutch Assembly
Chapter 7: Preparation, Paint, and Color Sanding/Finishing
Prep for a Perfect Paint Job
Body Filler
Understand the Paint Products
After the Sheet Metal Is Reworked
Chapter 8: The Cab
Let's Get to Work!
Seat Belts
A Unique Drawer System
Cab Paint
Cab Glass
Sound Dampening
Gas Tank
Seat Pedestal
Electric Wipers
Parking Brake
Miscellaneous Items
Steering Wheel
Chapter 9: Fenders, Hood, Doors, Etc.
Inner Fenders
Fenders
Hood
Doors
Reassembly
Chapter 10: Heater System Restoration
Disassembly
Motor
Ranco Heater Control Valve
Chapter 11: Front Clip, Hood, and Door Installation
Front Assembly
Hood Installation
Door Fitment
Running Boards
Chapter 12: The Bed, Rear Fenders, and Aprons
Custom Bed Configuration
Rear Fenders, Aprons, and Taillight Assemblies
Bed Side Rails
Chapter 13: Electrical
Electric Wiper System
Overdrive Electricals
Electric Fuel Pump
Wiring Harness Electricals
Front End Electrical
Inner Fender Terminals
Wiring Harnesses
Testing Your Work
Radio Installation
The Critical Information System
Small Things Worth Mentioning
Chapter 14: Final Thoughts
Prepping for the Road
About the First Drive
What Would I Do Different?
Deve’s TechNet
Resources
Source Guide
Related Products
