Summary

Professional frame-off restoration. Powered by a 5.3-liter LS engine and a 4L60E automatic transmission. Upgraded with air conditioning, power disc brakes, power steering, Mustang II IFS, 4-link rear end, coilover suspension. Titled as 1953 Chevrolet J53.

Details

This five-window 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup received a no-expense-spared professional frame-off restoration with modern upgrades throughout, high attention to detail on fit, form and function, along with a complete stainless-steel nut-and-bolt replacement. Power comes from a professionally built EFI 5.3-liter LS V8 engine equipped with a Stage 1 Pro LS high-lift cam and LS hydraulic lifters. It is backed by a 4-speed 4L60E automation transmission with 2800-rpm stall converter that transfers power to an 8.8-inch rear end using a Fat Shaft driveshaft with safety loop. The frame was boxed in, sandblasted and powder-coated black. A Mustang ll independent front suspension (IFS) with 10-inch coilovers was professionally jig-fitted to the frame. In the rear is a 4-link setup with coilovers. Stopping is handled by 4-wheel power disc brakes. The engine is cooled by an aluminum radiator with an electric fan, and spent gases exit through ceramic-coated headers and custom dual exhaust system. Other equipment includes a custom 22-gallon fuel tank and power steering. This pickup rides on Foose wheels with 18x8-inch on the front and 20x9-inch on the back. The body cab was meticulously prepared with solid welded-in cab corners, along with new front and rear fenders, box panels, tailgate and running boards round out the new body parts. The Vibrant Blue PPG paint was expertly applied to all parts with the same pre-mixed batch for a perfect match across all panels. The bed box was fitted to the frame with precision cut billet aluminum pieces instead of traditional wood blocks. Meticulously sanded and prepped ash wood is laid in the bed and covered with a Sedona Red stain and four coats of poly applied. The bed boards are covered with boltless bed strips for a clean show-quality look. The running boards are covered with Vivid in the stepping area to preserve the paint quality. It also features new front and rear chrome bumpers with a 1954 Chevrolet truck rear bumper tucked for a clean look and a nice license plate reveal. The complete interior and doors are covered with HushMat and the headliner was padded with a high-density sound barrier foam. The luxury leather powered electric seats from a 2019 MKT Lincoln are fitted with Juliano custom shoulder seat belts. Other interior items include a polished Ididit tilt steering column, Dolphin gauges, under-dash Vintage Air system, electric door locks, all-new door handles and regulators, all-new glass and a RetroSound Bluetooth radio. Finished in the fall 2021, it has 1,250 miles since completion and has been stored indoors and covered. **TITLED AS 1953 CHEVROLET J53**