Page Last Updated 05 June 2005
My interest in restoring vehicles started in 1973 when I purchased my first car, a 1973 AMC Gremlin. I was 15 years old and worked in fast food, riding my bike to work every day (a 6 hour shift after school) desperately saving my money so that my first car was brand new. To the left is the only existing picture of it after I made a few important changes. It came with a 6-cylinder 232 engine but it ended up with a 304 V-8 out of an AMC Javelin. Back in the day, we had pride in our vehicles and worked hard to customize them because back then, a man's car was a direct reflection of his character.
A few years later, I joined the U.S. Air Force and, soon thereafter, purchased a 1955 1st Series Chevy 3100 for $75. To the right is the only existing picture of it. It had weeds growing through the floorboards and was sitting in a farmer's field dying when I resurrected it. I was 21 years old. Thanks to High School Auto Mechanics, I went through the engine completely, and my Dad built the stake bed for me before towing it down to Biloxi, Mississippi where I was in Tech Training.
This is a picture taken circa 1955 of my Dad's original 1950. Advance Design Trucks have been in the family for generations.
Prior to getting serious about restoring old Chevy trucks, I got my pilot's license and purchased a 1964 Piper Cherokee 140 (left). The plan was to restore it and fly it as a hobby. It turned out to be too expensive, so I gave it up in favor of a more down to earth past-time: restoring old Chevy Trucks!
Anyhow, this site is about Advance Design Chevrolet Trucks (1947-1955) and my opinions, philosophy, and experiences. I do not declare that everything I do or say on this site is correct or socially acceptable. If I say something and it's unsafe or not recommended, its my opinion and has no bearing on your reality. Please understand that on this site, it's an amateur's experiences in learning the restoration process from the ground up. One of the things I try to remember in all of this is that PRESERVATION is as important as RESTORATION. My interest is in restoring these vehicles to their original condition, but there are some things that common sense and preservation require me to deviate from what was done in 1950. I firmly believe my restorations will be superior to most of those out there with this philosophy in mind.
I hope you enjoy the site, and I appreciate all input I can get to enhance its usefulness.
