Central Oklahoma Classic Chevy Club

The Dashboard A publication of the
Central Oklahoma Classic Chevy Club.
A not-for-profit corporation.
A chapter of Bow Tie Chevys
and Classic Chevy International.
April 2002

1954 wagon major surgery
A complete undercarriage within 24 hours!

By Rudy Escalera
COCCC Member

With the help of Larry Myers and Curtis Welch I was able to completely update my 1954 Chevy wagon in only 24 hours.

We changed the motor, transmission and rearend for starters. We then installed a rebuilt 235cid '58 to '64 straight 6 cylinder engine, a '55 308 rearend and a '92 S-10 5 speed transmission. The car
was then converted to a 12 volt system and a new V.D.O. speedometer was icing on the cake.

We also built a transmission cross member mount, redid the motor mount brackets to fit and made the drive shaft the right length. With a lot of sweat and a dash of luck everything worked out all right.

I would like to thank Larry for the use of his shop and all his help. And to Curtis, thank you very much for your help and input. And last but not least a Big THANK YOU to the wives for putting up with us want-to-be-a-man tendencies. Without your help it might have taken me longer than 24hours.

Curtis Welch (right) lends a hand as Rudy Escalera works on the engine

Curtis Welch (right) lends a hand as Rudy Escalera works on the engine
in Rudy's 1954 Chevy.

Rudy works to position parts on the front end

Rudy works to position parts on the front end

Curtis Welch works on the new engine as the old has just been removed

Curtis Welch works on the new engine as the old has just been removed

Bill Washam has stopped by just in time to see Larry Myers and Curtis

Bill Washam has stopped by just in time to see Larry Myers and Curtis
Welch working on the new engine.

Rearend work can be an exacting science.

Rearend work can be an exacting science.

Owner Rudy Escalera helps Larry Myers with steering wheel column work.

Owner Rudy Escalera helps Larry Myers with steering wheel column work.

All cleaned up and ready for a new power plant.

All cleaned up and ready for a new power plant.

 

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