Baxter

Baxter, the 1953 Chevrolet Pickup

Ring...ring...ring...."Don't answer that, Frank!" "Hello!" "Meow, meow, meow, meow..." "Baxter!" Remember that commercial for Meow Mix? Even if you do not , Baxter was the cat that was calling his owner's car to remind him to get Meow Mix on his way home. Well, this 1953 Stepside Shortbed Chevrolet Pickup Truck is Baxter. He was procured from Oklahoma via E-Bay in May of 2005. Now, he is being restored in his new home town of Philadelphia. If you are interested in how he got here, e-mail me and I will fill you in.

Baxter has a 235 overhead valve 6-cylinder engine that purrs like his namesake. Now, being of the fire persuasion, I will be restoring his outer shell to a Philadelphia Fire Department Red and will, through removable modules, replicate the Special Services Unit that was operated by the Bureau of Fire in Philadelphia when this type of truck brought batteries, Ansul extinguishers and other supplies to the firegrounds upon request. The folowing pix show him as he was advertised on E-Bay before his trip to Philadelphia and his conscription to the Bureau.

This site will chronicle all the events that have led him to be the finest 1953 Chevrolet 3100 as originally conceived. I will date each activity as it unfolds.

Here are some Baxter Pictures Before He Arrived in Philadelphia (May, 2005)

Progress Report One:: May, 2005Baxter is moving toward being discharged from the mechanic's shop. The problem is that his rear (rear axle) was replaced with a 1950 heavier rear with accompanying "Huck Brakes." So, when trying to connect the mechanical parking brake that was, for some reason disconnected, the connectors cannot be found. So, the solution is to install a hydraulic parking brake! It is now July 13--so let's see how long this repair takes. That is all that is needed before he goes to the body shop for painting. I will be doing his cab interior after he returns with a new paint job!
   Report Number Two: August 18, 2005
    Today, he was discharged from the mechanic's shop. The picture below shows him in front of the garage at home...fnally! While coming home, I noticed that his idle was set too low, therefore keeping him runing was a real challenge--especially while waiting on a hill for a lgiht to change! Once home, I could crank up his idle and off we went! Down to the Getty station for 9 gallons of fresh gas; I am not sure if his gas gauge works or not. It just stays on Full. Maybe he has the secret to the ever-full tank. Probably not. Tomorrow, off to the body shop for an estimate. Progress report to follow! Runs like a champ!
    Report Number Three:September 5, 2005
     He is home and running fine! With one prss on the starter pedal, he is ready to move out. Now, in an effort to quiet the noise during shifing (and to make it a bit easier) the main bearing and the throw out bearing will be replaced at a really nominal cost, since aftermarket parts are super cheap. He is scheduled to go to the mechanic on September 17 for a clutch autopsy. That seems to be all the work he needs. I am still working wtih some Bulletin Boards to determine exactly which engiine he is running. As soon as I know, I will report it. The next picture set will show him with his new (non dry-rotted) Goodyear tires
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