1954 Chevy 1/2-Ton 3100

	Owned by Tad Wilson "wilsons54" Bolter # 15933 Prosper, Texas

From Tad :

           Here is an update on my 1954 Chevy 1/2-ton pickup truck. The truck has been down since February. I found some parts on Craig's list and some from Speedway. Some I got from friends and swap meets.

           I put power steering on it from a vendor I won't mention -- because I would still be waiting on the pitman arm if I didn't have a friend make me one. They kept saying "It's on back order."

           I put a 305 with a 350 auto behind it and a long shifter [ pix ] . I have everything in it but the driveshaft and the steering to box finished. I'm still working on the floor and consol.

           As far as the body goes, I took off the running boards and bumpers. Might put the bumpers back on but pull them in closer. I've straightened the fenders and primed them. I plan on getting the whole truck in primer with red and black pinstripes.

           My wife say's I can't leave anything alone. It ran pretty good with the 6 in it but it just wasn't enough. Like they say “Could of had a V8.” Had to have it! [ Engine pix ]

           I hope to have it back on the road by the end of July. I can’t wait!

           Love this site. You have a lot of nice trucks.

05 March 2008 Update
# 2150

From Tad :

           I have some updated pictures of my truck. These are some after I put a different rear end, wheels and tires. [ Driver's side | Passenger side ]

           I'm still not sure what I want to do with the motor. I'll probably run the 235 til it blows or I find a 350. I'd love to run across a 283!

05 December 2007
# 2150

From Tad :

           Here is my 1954 3100 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 pickup truck. I traded a 1965 Chevy Stepside big window for it -- even up! A friend I worked with had it. It was his Father's and the Dad had restored it. He drove it for a while and past away.

           I didn't think my friend would sell it because it was his Father's. He kept asking me what it was worth. I gave him some ideas. Then he came up to me and said we just need to trade -- so we did.

           It had a dent on the right rear fender and didn't run. It was suppose to be restored but sat up for about three years. It hadn't been started either. I had to trailer it home.

           After looking it over real good, I saw they had replaced a lot of things. They put patch panels on but not right. They put the floor panels on over the old ones and screwed them down. At least I have good ones to work with!

           When I got it home, all I had to do was rebuild the carb and buy a battery. It runs good.

           The first thing my wife asked was "When are you going to put AC in it?" I don't know even if I am!

           I drove the truck like it was for a while. I knew that wouldn't last long like that, so I put a newer rear end in it and a 3 speed transmission out of a 1955 car. All I need now is the yoke to get a drive shaft made.

           Next I'm going to repaint the inside and rewire it, put a tilt column out of a Trans Am I've had for a while. I'm going to keep the straight front axle and the 235 with the 3 speed. I'll lower it a little.  Don't know if I'll paint it or not -- ?

           I've taken the running boards off and plan on putting side pipes on it. I don't know what it will sound like but I put them up on jack stands next to it where I want them to go and I like the look.

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