I decided to make this restoration a 3 Phase project. Phase I was to put it back to stock configuration. Phase 2 would be some subtle mechanical upgrades. Phase 3 would be adding a few bells and whistles to set it apart from just any other resto project and make it a bit unique. The running gear was solid, the engine clicked on all six but a 50 year old truck in stock configuration has no business on today's highways. With 45-50 being the top speed, 4 wheel drum brakes, single chamber master cylinder, 6 volt lights, no seat belts and conventional tires it would be better suited for an occassional parade or putzing around the block. Completing Phase 1 gave me all the 54 had when it rolled out of the dealers shop. My first venture out onto the highway convinced me that it was time to dive into Phase 2. The engine would stay...no small-block cookie-cutter mill for me....however the "Granny transmission" and "closed 3.90 differential" were going to be replaced. A modern GM T5 overdrive manual transmission and a Camaro IROC-Z posi/disc diff. brought my rpms down and made driving the little truck a real hoot. Front discs, a dual chamber master cylinder, adjustable proportioning walve gave me braking comparitable with my later model trucks. Conversion to 12 volts and a completely new electrical wiring system with relays and modern circuits powered the modern head and over-sized LED tail lights.