1953 chevy wagon daily driver?

looking at a 1953 chevy wagon for my driver. It has a 6 with three speed all stock except for 12 volt conversion. I work from home and maybe drive about 50 miles a week. Most of my driving will not be freeway just back roads.

Going to check it out tonight. Any 53 chevy guys have any 53 chevy specifics to look for? Any body else running one of these daily or almost daily?

Thanks

 

any body?

 

Ran my '54 Chevy 4 door for two years daily... they are very reliable if well maintained... best part is a lot of parts can still be had at Napa, such as brakes, waterpumps, etc...

My tired engine (needs rings and a valve job) can put me just at 65 mph highway speeds without feeling like it's gonna blow up.. might just be me, but I do not like pushing the stock driveline much harder... (Although I have had it up to 85-90 mph trying to keep up with Surhsc 's AV8 roadster)

Seems to me a lot of standard ****** guys put the 53-54 auto rear ends underneath for better cruising speeds... at least, this is what i have heard...

 

Are you looking at the one on a fairveiw Ave car lot ? I think I know some history on the car pm me if interested.Nice to see another HAMBER here in Boise.

 

If it's in pretty good shape to begin with and you maintain it I don't see any issues with having it as a daily driver. As Retro54 said, most mechanical parts are readily available through normal sources.
Having spent many hours and miles riding in both my grandparent's and cousin's 54 Chevs I can say that those rigs are good riding old cars that are plenty comfortable.

 

I drove my 53 for 3 years daily. It was my only car. I never had any problems.

 

'53 235ci Manual cars had the splash-oil system with s****ers on the rod caps. Not a huge deal... especially in your situation but I wouldnt trust is on long hauls at high (freeway) speeds. Just my opinion though. Im sure plenty of people have driven with no problems, but its just me being picky.

- Jon

 

sounds like a cool daily. do it!

 

I had a '53 Sedan Delivery for years as my only running car. First with a six, then a small block. Looking back I wished I'd have kept the six for the cool factor.
And it's simple to put a later six in it if you want.
If it's a nice car I'd go for it.
Good luck.

 

i used to have a 52 chevy as a daily. 235 from 54. was pretty reliable, even with the tired engine. just remember. it was someones daily in '53. i'd do it. getting ready to make my 50 my daily with a little engine and brake work.

 

If ithas the original stock rearend Ibeleve it will be a 4:11. A powerglide rearend will be a 3:70. Makes a nice hiway cruiser with this change.

 

I have a '54 wagon and it's a Timex, If you don't get in ahurry you'll be just fine. Besides even if it breaks down you'll still be the coolest guy on the side of the road.

Good luck,

Tim

 

My Dad had a 53 wagon we drove all over the US.. I now have a 53 150 as a driver. No issues just keep oil and coolant in it and it will go forever.

 

Thanks for all the info guys.

Pinman 39, it's a different wagon.

how about if it has a 216? Are those still good motors? Going to look at it in about an hour.

 

Remember, all the folks drove those things daily when they were new and for 20-30 years after. If it doesn't have over 200K miles on it, drive it and have fun.

 

That would be cool to drive as a daily. Just make sure all the trim is there for a wagon. Can be difficult to find wagon only trim pieces. Good luck!

 

I owned a 53 wagon for a few years. look for rust in the lower tailgate, hard to repair. they love to rust in the rear inner fenders/ jambs as well as above the rear tire. trim is unique so make sure it is all there (you do find it on ebay at times)

they are great cars and I would love to find another decent car to build another. maybe SOLO will get tired of his.

 

I think the gas tank may be wagon and sedan delivery specific, and it's an odd shape and I don't think available as a reproduction.
Just something to be aware of.

 

Keep the front end greased and it'll last a long time..forget it and it'll wear out. BTW, here's a little photo of Boones old 53...was a cool car with a smallblock and a super lumpy cam.

 

I drive my 53 daily in the spring till the fall. Never had a problem that has left me stranded.

 

look at the body supports, make sure they're not rusted out

 

I hope you get this wagon, the dudes offered very good advice as to constant scheduled care. One of the major things I have seen ruin these trusty mills is pushing to high of speeds on the hiway, just keep the low and slow mentality and cruz with a big *** grin. They are such a beautiful body style and it will serve as a great utility vehicle. Best of luck on the deal. Long live the Blue Flame six!! ~Sololobo~

 

Rocky, thanks for posting, just makes me want another even worse. I think that picture was taken in Iowa ?? its was my two week car show road trip across america..

 

Run it!!
and as mentioned, check for rust in the body fastners...and keep maintenace on front end ch***ie parts,GREASE well! i used a 50´Fleetie the last 4y. as a daily, summer &winter with snow etc. Great cars, no h***le

 

i drove my last 54 with the same motor/trans combo for a long time without any major issues. 235's were widely used, reliable, and parts are readily available.

go for it.

 

These were workhorses in their day, I see no reason, if maintained properly why you can't/shouldn't use it.
50 miles a week is nothing........
Wish I could use mine,but I got to drive a van!