Matt Droege's 1955 Chevy 3100 Second Series Stepside

10 April 2006
# 1207

From Matt: 

          Hey there! I've been answering alot of tech questions lately, so I thought I'd better send an update on my in progress on the '55 Chevy 3100 Second Series truck.

          The original truck is a big window deluxe cab with all the trimmings. It had some rust problems and had cab corners and some floor put back in. I ended up pitching the whole box, including the custom-made spare tire fender on the passenger's side. I had the truck sheetmetal dipped prior to starting body work.

          It's got a custom IFS put in by Messler products and I added monoleaf springs in the rear with a 9' posi 38 spline rear end. The housing came out of a '60s Ford pickup and is 1' narrower than the factory rear end. This was perfect for me because I don't want the bed tubbed. The frame was then powdercoated red.

          The fuel cell is a 16 gallon from Summit Racing. The brake booster mounts in the original location and uses the original pedal. The 327 motor came in the truck and had just been rebuilt. It's now dressed up with some Edelbrock performance parts including aluminum heads.

          I plan on doing the truck in flame red and bombay ivory with the truck looking original on the outside.

          This is my first total resto attempt and I'm still learning but I'm happy I have still stuck to my original plans this far.

          Thanks for the site and to all that have helped me along the way.

Thanks,

Matt Droege
"tri5trucking"
Bolter # 6585
Creswell, Oregon

Matt has had quite a few Bolts. Added to the Gallery in 2016: a 1953 GMC 450 Pumper Tender; a 1957 Chevy 10500 Fire Engine; a 1957 Chevy 10700 Tandem Short Logger. In his collection: a 1955 Second Series Chevy 1/2-Ton Short Box; a 1955 3100 Second Series Stepside; a 1955 Chevy 6500; a 1956 Chevy 6500; a 1957 Chevy 3100 Shortbox; a 1957 Chevy 6500 Dump Truck; a 1957 Chevy 3800 1-ton and "lots of part trucks." A few he has let go (but they are still in our Gallery): a 1955 Chevy 3100 4 x 4 (sold to a good friend); a 1955 Chevy 4400 (sold and dismantled); a 1956 Chevy 3100 Shortbox (sold); a 1956 Chevy 4400 1.5-Ton Napco (sold)

Matt is 6'7" and wants to "fit comfortably in the cab." Matt says "They each have their own personalities. Even the worn out '55 6500 just keeps plugging along. I guess that's why I enjoy collecting them. I like a truck with a little history, and I know most of these trucks histories. It would be hard to call any my favorite" .~~ Editor

24 August 2005
#1207

From Matt: 

          Here is '55 3100 pickup in progress. Just got the frame done. This is the dream truck for me, a big window stepside.

          I have the complete truck from teardown to where it is now, mostly in photographs. I have the drive train complete. I will try to get more pictures.

          This truck will run a 327 turbo 350 trans, 9" ford rear end with posi 350 gears. The front end IFS was custom built by Messler products in my town. The IFS was notched 2" into the frame.

          I'm not a lowrider fan. I'm running monoleaf springs in rear with a 3" drop and a 16 gallon fuel cell.

          This truck will retain the stock appearance otherwise, with all the trim and stainless. Also a two-tone paint job of flame red and bombay ivory.

          I've had the truck for over three years and I'm happy I have stuck with my plan. I probably could've been done already if I would quit getting side tracked on these other trucks but what fun would that be? I hope to not bring any more trucks home for a while so I can finish their home (a 48' x 36' shop). There's nothing I hate worse than seeing my tucks out in the weather.

          Also included my helper Amos. Here he is checking a '55 6500 parts truck out for me.

          Thanks for checking on me. I appreciate all you guys at Stovebolt do for us out there.

Thanks,

Matt Droege
"tri5trucking"
Bolter # 6585
Creswell, Oregon