Chris Bafford's 1954 Chevy 3100

01 August 2007
# 2004

From Chris :

          The truck I am restoring is a 1954 Chevy 3100 series. It's almost been two years since I've had truck. I got it from a friend for $500. It was all in pieces and missing alot, too. Thanks to eBay, I found almost every hard to find parts (O.G.) not after markets -- some worked and some didn't. I probably have over $8,000 invested in this bad boy. Here's a bit of a front view. And an interior shot from outside and an interior shot from inside!

          I did everything myself with a little help from my friends, of course. Hopefully in another year, I should have this pig painted. Right now, it's just primered. I intend on painting it same colors, but metallic gray with glossy black 2-tone.

          It sure has been a headache finding out were everything went, since I've never done anything like this before. I tried to buy any book related to this truck to learn were everything goes. Here's a picture of the engine - and a different angle.

          I also recently rewired the truck with a new wire harness. For now, I'm keeping it 6 volt. I'm trying to keep it as ORIGINAL AS I CAN. I even got the accessories book to see what they had back in 1954.

          I sure am glad to have the pics of my truck on Stovebolt -- for all the hours and troubles I put into this truck. Plus, my six year old daughter wants to see it on Stovebolt! She's already calling it her truck! Of course, I told her it is her's -- you know how that goes.

          I would love to hear back from fellow Bolters -- with extra pointers on what I have done or what I should do. This is my first time rebuilding a truck or any car. So getting some other opinions on this headache -- I mean, Little Project -- will be a big help. I know I need some help on the wiring to the motor. It looks simple but yet so confusing. I am a fast learner. I was wondering how many wires go to the solenoid. The solenoid is the kick start on top of the starter. Do I need to just crank this motor over? I got it out of a running vehicle and installed it in mine. I haven't gotten it to crank over. And, I do have the wiring book ... but could still use some help.

          Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Chris Bafford