The overall objective is to make the truck look mostly stock yet add most of the modern conveinces of newer vehicles, such as A/C, power windows, power door locks, fuel injection, keyless entry system, etc. I would like to maintain the older look, yet clean the body up a bit. So their will be some moderate body alterations. Nothing big, but things like removing visible bolt & rivet heads, plugging the open bed end rail holes up, welding the center of the hood to increase it's structural integrity (I'm still going to maintain the center hood strip) & full interior (including door & kick panels) except for the dash.

Modifications I have no intentions of doing are:

• Nosing/shaving the hood.
• Welding the hood center section & removing the center strip moulding.
• Chopping the top is out of the question.
• Installing a different/more modern bed.
• No rear or front roll pans. The bumpers are staying.

Specifications:

Engine: Corvette LS6 Z06, possibly LS2/LS3
Exhaust: Ceramic coated full length headers or factory Z06 exhaust manifolds (they flow quite well for stock)
Transmission: 4L60E/4L65E, possibly a T56
Differential: 3.73 or 4.11 (depending on tire size), 10 or 12 bolt limited slip
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes, double piston calipers
Front Suspension: Independent
Rear Suspension: 4-link, coil-overs
Chassis: 1990 or newer S10/S15 long bed pickup truck
Sway Bars: ZQ8, 33MM front, rear
Steering: Saginaw, quick ratio (part of S10 ZQ8 package)

Body: Mostly stock, bolt & rivet heads shaved (such as on the bumpers & bed). Some structural integrity improvements, such as strenghtening the hood by welding the two halves together, yet still maintaining the center strip. New 1/4" one piece floor board to prevent "oil canning" and to improve cab strength. Newer style cab mounting using the rubber doughnut type design. The original "hinge design" has a tendancy to lean.

Seats: Bench, split folding back.

Doors: Stock, with vent windows. Bear-claw door latches (possibly S10 latches).

Exterior Paint: Semi-metallic maroon or darker red equivalent.

Interior Paint: Two-tone light grey with medium grey. Dash will be medium grey and the seats will be medium grey with a light grey middle section. Simular to the way the mid to late 50's Bel Air's interior colors where done (two-tone).

Wheels: Probably 16" x 7", 6-lug Centerline aluminum rims. Another possibility is to just use the factory rims with stainless replacement wheel covers & beauty rings.

Spare Tire: Factory side mounted with original 16" x 6" wheel, mounted between the cab & rear driver's side fender for easy access. 1953 was also the first year for the factory option which makes this option period correct for this year truck. The side mounted spare tire, will then be covered with a 70's/80's van continental kit, to give it a finished appearance.

Plans:

5 3/4" Fog Lamps
DeLuxe Suburban/Panel Truck Front Fender Stainless Spears & Stripes
6" Spotlights (Preferably with Ivory Color Handles)
Soft Tonneau Bed Cover, Black Button-On
4 Centerline Aluminum Rims
Hagan Round Driver's Side Rear Fender Fuel Door
Continental Kit From a 70's - 80's Chevy Van for the Side Mounted Spare
Late 50's Car Round A/C Vents with After Market A/C Setup
New Glass
Door Handle Accessory Scratch Guards
Rear Step-Bumper
Gas Hood Shocks
1955 to 1957 2nd Series Stainless Firewall Mounted Battery Tray & Hold Down
Fire Wall Mounted Dual Master Cylinder with Power Booster (4 wheel disc)
Electric Windows & Door Locks
16" Electric Cooling Fan PCM Controlled
H4/9004 Porjector Head Lights, possibly HID
S10 Boxed Frame
Hadley Dual Semi Truck Air Horns
3.73 or 4.11 Limited Slip 10/12 Bolt
4L60E/4L65E
Electric Cowl Ventilator
Hanging Foot Parking Brake Assembly
Courtesy Lights
Shaved Front Chrome Bumper (remove carriage bolt heads)
Hinging Ash Tray
4" Peep Mirrors
Stainless Accessory Door Window Visors
Hidden/Power Radio Antenna
Rounded Rear Bed Corners