1954 Chevy 3100

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Owned by Larry Elgin "Old Kansas" Bolter # 22190 Burlingame, Kansas Talking about this truck in the DITY Gallery

More pictures of my old truck

From Larry :

Back in 1953, our high school class went on a field trip to visit the Chevrolet assembly plant in Kansas City, Missouri. During the tour, we noticed some truck cabs with curved windshields. That was how we found out that a new look was coming for the next model year.

Now fast forward to 1967. I was looking for a second vehicle and decided to get a truck. Fond memories of that field trip influenced me to search for a 1954 Chevy.

When I found this old truck, it was being used at a service station. It had already been converted to 12 volts.

Once the truck was mine, I used it to drive to work, as well as other chores around the farm. I also made some side boards, and hauled grain with it to the local co-op elevator.

In 1969 the brakes needed some attention, so I started the repair but never finished. So I put it in the barn, and that's where it sat until last August (2009).

I was reading the local newspaper and came across an article about a young lad named Ryan Cline. He had been restoring the family car that had been parked in a fence row for many years. I decided that if I was ever going to enjoy my truck, I had better get it going. So I gave him a call, and nine months later it was finished.

It has had a full frame-off restoration. I had him leave it 12 volts, but converted it to an alternator. I also had him add electric wipers, electronic ignition, 15 inch wheels, and a sprayed in bed liner. I am very satisfied with the results.

Now, I only use it for shows and local parades. It won first place at the first show that I took it to!

My family likes the truck just fine, and it will eventually be passed on to my son.

Thanks for letting me share my story. I'm very proud to have it displayed in the Stovebolt Gallery.

Larry

Well, that's a great story and we are glad to have it here. That must have been exciting to visit the Chevy plant, especially with the new line coming out! Something many of our 'Bolters would probably enjoyed (some of them, IF they were old enough!) ~ Editor

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