I am the second owner of this great truck. I've owned it
in California for 37 years, and bought it from an
individual who bought it new from a local Bay
Area Chevrolet dealer. The truck has been
garaged for all the time that I've owned it, is now started
about every month and driven only occasionally. It has never
been driven in the rain and has never been in an accident.
The identification plate shows that it was built in November
1963 in Oakland, California, and was vehicle number 1,303 off the
assembly line. As far as restoration goes, if "1" was a
wreck and only good for parts, and "10" was concourse condition,
this is about a 7.0-ish. In other words, it is not perfect –
but in good condition.
What's been done:
- Re-built to close to original, all the way to the
mirrors. No modifications other than: the braking system, now
with power front disc and rear drum brakes, non-original wheel
rims, the transmission was changed to a three speed (when I was
remodeling my house), and the oil filter holder, rear springs.
- The back bed was removed and completely stripped and painted
and has an oak deck with galvanized deck rails.
- Body was taken down and repainted its original Chevrolet Forest
Green with the white top.
- New chrome and aluminum trim, re-chromed grill, etc. New
stainless-steel chains for rear drop door. The bench seat was
re-created in the original style, material type, and color.
- Steering wheel is original, radio is original (electronically
restored in 2013), as is the speaker. All dials, speedometer
and turn signals work perfectly.
- New wrap windshield, all rubber trim, side windows trim, all
cab, bed rubber mounts and engine mounts are new.
- New floor matting and interior rubber and pedals, visors, glove
compartment, door handles, etc.
- Dual braking system with discs on the front (as mentioned
above), stainless brake lines replaced the original brake line
system for safety reasons (installed in 2006).
- All the suspension and non-power steering is tight and trouble
free, and clean.
- The engine is a small block V8, with extensive rebuild and
maintenance work completed over the years (most recent
2017).
What's not right or stock:
- The engine compartment is clean, rust free, painted with
POR-15, but not restoration perfect. Everything there is
original except for the chrome battery holder, (plus dual braking
system addition).
- Wheel rims are not the originals.
- Tires are now Bridgestone Dueler A/T 255/70R15s with
low miles on them.
- The paint: Inside sections of the back tray are not
perfect (poor application). Roof gutter needs
refinishing.
- Transmission is now a three speed (changed from a two speed).
- The original speaker for the original radio is a little “tinny”
(it is the original 1963 speaker, after all).
- Column shifter is original and the chrome is poor. The
instrument cluster and steering wheel/column are original and
have not been painted/restored.
- Underneath the truck has some debris and old road grime, but
generally clean. There are no hidden rusted out areas.
I have all records and invoices. The truck has been fully
serviced and maintained (since 2012 by A1 Auto Technology in
Mountain View, California). Original perfectly restored
license plates may not be included in the sale.
All in all, a very nice truck that starts every time, runs
well, and is a prospect for further restoration, just driving
forever, or modification.
To a good home.
