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Jon Miller's1950 Chevy 5-Window 3100 |
09 February 2007 Update
# 1741
From Jon :
Hello all! My computer crashed in December just shortly after I submitted my Gallery addition for my 1950 Chevy pickup. It was awful because I had received several e-mails from Stovebolt members who had great suggestions on how do get the truck up and running once again. I received several e-mails, one from a gentleman who sent several pages on how to bring my '50 Chevy back to life and he was a Godsend. Sadly, I was never able to thank him for all his kind guidance. I hope I will be able to reconnect with him once again via e-mail.
As mentioned back in December, the truck belonged to a family up on a ranch. I promised I would keep the vehicle stock and rebuild it back to its original condition, if possible. Well, as of March 5th after replacing the distributor, points, spark plugs, starter, battery, fuel pump, fuel filter with new original AC glass units and completely rebuilt the potbelly carburetor, my 1950 five window Chevy came to life once again! It hadn't run since 1970.
After adjusting the carburetor and distributor, I was amazed how smooth and strong the engine now runs. Starts every time -- first try. 
To those of you were so kind as to offer your advice on how to bring her back to life, I am eternally grateful. it was your past knowledge of the subtle important items to look for that only an experienced person would know.
Now I'm starting on rebuilding the brakes. The electrical system will need to be worked on. The battery does not seem to be recharging at this time.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that the clutch and transmission are in working order.
Jon Miller
Ukiah, California
18 December 2006
# 1741
From Jon :
Here is my newly purchased 1950 5-window Chevy 3100. I am the second owner of this beautiful 99.9% original truck and am trying to bring the 216 engine to life.
This truck was handed down from Father to eldest son and then to Rudy the youngest. It always resided in Northern California on the Virgil family ranch. Rudy, (now in his late forties) told me stories of how he and his brother would ride on the Chevy’s stepside's as their Father drove around their family ranch. Many times they sat in the back to watch drive-in movies together as a family.
I spent a year looking for this exact year and make vehicle. Once I found it on a local Internet site “Craig's list,” I immediately called Rudy and offered his asking price “sight unseen.” He explained “I just posted this Chevy an hour ago on the web site and I have already received three emails from interested buyers!”
I expressed my desire to purchase his truck and would meet with him immediately with cash! I ran to the bank, withdrew the quite fair asking price of $1,500 and drove to his house which was just an hour drive south of me {adrenaline pumping the whole way}.
Rudy was quite reluctant to part with his old family friend and I assured him that I would do absolutely nothing to change its original splendor and would just repair and renew its OEM beauty and design.
He explained the vehicle had not run since 1979 but the engine could still be easily turned over by hand. I have had the beautiful 3100 since September of 2006 and now have her up and running but need to get a new exhaust and some brake work done. I'm looking forward to enjoying it with my three year old son Dylan here on our ranch in Ukiah, California. Hopefully by this spring!
I would be grateful to any advise on getting the 216 running strong again. I have gotten to the point where it turns over two or three times and quits. I would be grateful for anyone’s advice on this.
A special thanks to the good people at the The Stovebolt!!!
Jon Miller
Ukiah, California
