A 'virtual garage' of antique Chevy & GMC trucks from around the World

1954 Chevrolet 3100

26 November 2007
# 2138

From Patrick :

           My Stovebolt is a 1954 Chevy 3100. As far as I know, it is completely original with the 235 and 4 speed tranny. I was getting really tired of my 2003 2500HD gas hawg, so I sold it and started looking for an ol' truck.

           Since I needed something I could drive everyday, I couldn't get a project truck. I found this beauty on a local classified web site, so I drove the hour to look at her. It was love at first sight. (I'd never tell my wife that.)

           The ol' man was pretty firm on the price (I won't tell my wife that either). I gave the guy the money and told him I'd be back the next day. I couldn't sleep a wink that night. I had the first day of school syndrome.

           After work, me and a buddy went to pick her up and he would follow me back. We were hoping to miss the Salt Lake City rush hour on the way back but no luck.

           It was about 8 pm and it's pitch black already. The good ol' 6 volt lights were burning as bright as they could. Thinking back, I should've brought a spot light or something.

           Here I am bouncing down the highway, praying it won't rain 'cause the vacuum wipers aren't working for me.

           The drive usually takes a good hour but this trip was more like two and half hours. It was worth every minute. It took me back to when I would go on late night wrecker calls with my Grandpa in his '67 GMC 1-ton tow truck.

           Since Uncle Sam had me leaving for a Temporary Duty assignment to Florida that Sunday, that meant I had one full day of driving the ol' girl. Another sleepless night for me. I rush down stairs like a kid wanting to open his Christmas presents. I pull it out of the garage. About that time it starts raining. Boy, I'm madder than a hatter.

           So I leave her outside for a few minutes to check to see if she leaks. No leaks, but it starts snowing and it didn't stop until Sunday morning, just in time for me to head to the Airport.

           It's been almost two months since I left her parked in the garage and I can't wait to get back and run the roads.

           I really enjoy your web site. It's given me a ton of ideas. Thanks!

Patrick Bowden

           Glad to hear you found an old truck that suits your needs. That's a rare truck you've got there as I'm sure you know. Chevy only made that style until march 25th 1955. Then they went to the second series '55 body style. The '54 had a lot a good upgrades like the fully oil pressurized 235. It was much better that the old 216 babbitt poured bearings with weeping oiling system. The '54 also had a one piece windshield and a cool grille. That's quite a unique color scheme, too. I like it -- looks good! Hope you get to drive her again soon. Maybe when you get to visit your truck and wife over Christmas. ~~ Mike "Burgandybolt" Allen, Stovebolt Welcome Panel Wagon

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