Introducing the Chevy First Series... this is gonna be awesome!

We’re excited to be welcoming this 1947-53 Chevy shortbed, stepside 1st Series (we believe it to be a 1951 model) to the workshop for a full rebuild. The truck came over from the States around 2018 as a running, driving wagon. However, perfectionist Nigel had other plans! Although the truck appeared sound, a closer inspection unveiled some alignment issues on the rear axle, with one rear wheel sticking out considerably. While fixing these geometric issues, Nigel decided to delve deeper and before he knew it the Chevy was stripped down for a full rebuild!

Sadly, in 2019 following a sudden illness, Nigel passed away never seeing his truck finished. His son Tom decided to take up the challenge and arrange for the project to be completed as a tribute to his dad. And that is where the team at Dusty’s Speed Shop come in!

A great base vehicle with plenty of potential we are excited to jump into this build! Some solid running gear gives us a fantastic starting point – a small block Chevy v8 crate running around 280 bhp coupled with a 4L60-E GM automatic gearbox with electronic overdrive. Extensive work had already been undertaken on the chassis, so the backbone was in good condition. The bodywork has been stripped of its blue paint and smoothed ready for a makeover, however the inner wings had seen better days, so some work is required on the front end.

With a van full of stripped parts, we have a bit of a jigsaw puzzle on our hands as well as some awesome upgrades. This beauty will be painted in deep blue with chrome bumpers and grill. A full interior refurb with a late Chevy leather bench seat with blue stitching will have Tom cruising in comfort as will the air suspension upgrade. Air conditioning will keep the driver cool on those (rare in the UK) summer days. A custom rear truck bed lifting system will raise the new bed and show the chassis work off to spectators at shows and meets. An upgraded Edelbrock carb will give the solid engine a bit of extra grunt along with block hugging headers. Conversion to 12v electrical system will accommodate the newer engine and support the upgrades more efficiently. As well as running smoothly, a Wilwood power assisted braking system will have the Chevy stopping on the button. Whether riding the roads or parked up this truck is going to looked awesome! Watch this space for updates at each step of the build!