1953 GMC 3600 – Charlie K.

This 1953 GMC 3600 which was rescued from someones backyard, where it sat for 26 years, rotting away to nothing. It was purchased on 4th of July weekend and fully restored 12 months later, in time for 4th of July weekend. Late nights and crazy weekend hours. Mostly a solo project, but a close friend of mine painted the entire cab inside and out. I painted the entire bed. My kids helped aline the sheet metal while I tack welded things into position. My wife helped me set the glass and pick out some of the accessories, including the wheels (where I tried to go cheap, but she insisted that the truck needed those wheels). Really happy I listened to that advice!

Phase one was getting her running and driving. Completely stock – drum brakes all the way around with all new shoes, drums, brake lines, master cylinder and etc. New fuel lines, new fuel pump, all in stainless steel. Original 36,000 miles on the clock. Motor seems solid, runs and drives like a 73 year old tractor.

Phase two was a massive sheet metal adventure. Two spools of welding mig welding wire and a cylinder of CO2 Argonne mixture. Countless cutting disks and grinding wheels. Then a total of one gallon of filler to top off the welding areas only. No rust was left, just new metal. Floor boards, rockers, fender patch panels, bedside patches and etc.

Phase three – epoxy primer, high build primer, base coat & clear coat. Then 2 months worth of wet sanding and buffing out any chunks of dirt and any orange peel.

Wanted to thank LMC Truck for having so many parts for this truck in stock. Only had one issue with an incorrect order, but they made it right ASAP. Great people to deal with, great company to buy from. So very happy with the end result! Can’t wait to show it at local events, and maybe to AD Nationals here and there….