How to Restore your Chevy Truck: 1947 - 1955

Everything you need to completely restore your 1947-1955 first series Chevy pickup to better-than-new condition is shown in complete detail!
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!

Chapter Layout:

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