Greetings from the Bay Area!

Hello folks,

My buddy just bought some land that came with a few pieces of equipment including a 1953 D6 PU that we'll be attempting to rehabilitate as time permits. I've just come across the operators manual and in the next coming weeks will be changing all of the fluids/filters prior to attempting to start her up.

Any tips or things to watch out for would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the Forum, you will find lots of help and information here, membership includes access to the library too. There are many things to consider, personally, for an initial startup, #1 priority - Oil in the Main and Starting Engines, as long as you have oil in the other compartments, I would delay changing them until I knew the Engine was good as well as the "running gear" (tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets as example). No need in spending money on fluids until the conditions are known. Check the oil in the injector pump galley too. #2 - Air induction System, no intrusion from the "critters" and also have something at hand (immediate) to shut of the air supply in case of a run-away situation. That is important, there is no time to be looking for something if that were to occur. #3 Fire Extinguisher at hand - never know, cheap insurance. #4 -- ensure that nothing is interfering with any of the moving parts, fan, clutch compartment, etc. You do not want to start turning the engine to find something is bound up or lose and causes damages. I would suggest checking for water intrusion in the fuel system. Please, remember to always ensure the machine is in neutral, I prefer to have the clutch released too, less drag with the transmission that way. ( be conscientious of the starting engine and limited cooling capacity - some forget and run those engines for long period of time. I am not opposed to a light quick whiff of starting fluid if the main is hesitant to start, especially in cold weather. Don't overdue starting fluid - it will pre-detonate and can cause other issues.) PICTURES and Progress reports are always welcome and appreciated. - cts

Welcome! If you do not mind, please share photos. Plenty of shy folks here that like to "look". What part of the "Bay area"? There are several members in the Northbay or even Vacaville/Fairfield areas that are pretty savvy and occasionally take time from their busy lives to help fellow enthusiasts/newbies. It might be beneficial to share your approximate location.

If you ever purchase a J series machine, Mr. CTSnowfighter could share a lot about those critters. He is quite fond of them. Just ask him!

Thanks for the insight! Now that I'm seeing the required fluid capacities we'll definitely make due until we know its worth investing in.

Sure, it is a small world isn't it? He bought a property in Fairfield that belonged to a gentleman named William Green. If anyone knew the man please don't hesitate to share. Here's a couple photos. I'll add more as we progress (time permitting).

Nice looking machine. Electric start pilot motor is always a bonus. Good luck with it and keep us updated on progress please, we are all interested.

Sweet! One of our chapter leaders (Brett Atkinson) lives in Vacaville, CA might be a good in the flesh person to help out on occasion. He isn't familiar with the previous owners name, but he has done a lot of site prep, you name it by Lake Berryessa, Dixon, the entire Solano County area. Myself, I am a Sutter County person, only 1.5 hours from that area. We would love to help out in any way we could. (530)Four one five-0504 if you wish to call or text. Have fun with your D6, one of our favorite machines to operate. JM

Good looking machine for being 70 ish years old. With just a bit of luck there should be some hours of use left in that machine.