 1956 GMC
Stepside - Continued
By: Alvin Shier
<BACK
TO PAGE ONE
A second job was required to finance the project and with every
check from that job new items were purchased toward the restoration. It took three years of scrounging accessories and purchasing new parts before, in 1984, the project began in earnest.
Credit for the minor body work required and for returning the paint to its OEM specifications goes to Pegasus Autobody of Calgary. The original powertrain has not been touched, and with only 68,232 original miles, Audrey is able to keep tabs on minor tuneups and maintenance herself, something her father taught her to do as a young girl.
The most obvious feature of this beautiful shortbox is the rare panoramic rear window. Add to that the equally rare four speed hydromatic transmission and without even mentioning the other features a genuinely unique truck emerges. Those other features include turn signals, radio, arm rests, white wall tires, chrome hubcaps, oil bath air cleaner, locking gas cap, door handle shields, rear license plate trim, traffic light viewer, steel exterior sunvisor, fender skirts and stock rear bumper. Worthy of mention is the original seat upholstery, which is still like new.
A 235.5 CID six cylinder provides adequate motivation, and never fails to provide the owner with dependable service, a characteristic of all General Motors powertrains of the era. Since the completion of the restoration the truck has only logged 3,000 miles mostly in parades and driving to and from show and shines. Audrey is proud to point out that she has stepped up to the podium a number of times in competitive showing to accept awards for her restoration efforts.
Equally proud was she to enjoy her dad's company on a few occasions while attending some of these events before his passing a short time ago. Trucks are generally thought to be a "guy thing" but Audrey's love for her diminutive S.W.B. stepside 1956 G.M.C. helps remove that stereotype.
CTS
<BACK
TO PAGE ONE - ARTICLES SECTION HOME>
|
