Originally Posted by Chevy3800Nerd
Okay, sorry to post general questions in one post. I've tried to find my answers but no luck. Hopefully, someone will point me in the right direction. Here goes nothing... I recently purchased a 1957 Chevy 3800 (from the emblem on the fender) VIN was taken off, so I don't know how to confirm. Truck frame has "57L122383". Truck currently has a custom telephone utility ladder bed (dually) Here are the questions...
1. How do I confirm model?
2. Engine ID is F723HE (another number 3837004). How do I check to see if this is the original engine?
3. It's a dually truck. What regular bed will fit best if I want a step side? I have about 58 inches from back of cab to mid wheel.
4. If I want a flat/stake bed, is there plans online for one or does someone sell a kit online?
5. Brakes have to be redone. Any recommendations to buy online? Where do you guys buy parts online?
6. Save the best for last. So it was running when I bought it, and I left the (jimmy rig) switch on (previous owner to bypass ignition switch) and burned out the coil and other wires all the way to the points/distributor. I replaced the spark plug wires, points, condenser, coil and wired it back to the ignition switch and key, and it won't start. It tries to start but won't. Points issue?
I'm no mechanic, and I usually work on my VW beetle (through youtube) but can't seem to find any youtube videos for this awesome classic truck to reference.
Thanks for any help guys! smile

Welcome wave

I'll try to answer your questions;

1. Here's a couple ways to tell what you have.

All 1/2 ton (3100 & 3200) have 6 lug wheels.
All 3/4 & 1 ton (3600 & 3800) have 8 lug wheels.
All 1-1/2 ton (4000) have 5/10 lugs.

The 1/2 & 3/4 ton (3100, 3200 & 3600) have 6 leaf front springs.
The 1-ton (3800) have 7 leaf front springs.

2. Engine ID is F723HE

F = Flint
7 = Month (July)
23 = Day
HE = 235 w/ HD Clutch (4000 Series & 3000 Series RPO 227))

3. Your 60" CA tells me you have a 1-ton, the 3/4 ton was only avalable with a 48" CA.

4. Chevrolet's model 3804 had a 108" Step Side Bed and the 3809 had a 109" Stake Bed. There are no kits to my knowledge, you can custom build it or have it built by any local truck body company.

5. As mentioned by others, NAPA and Rock Auto can get almost all of the mechanical parts you need for your truck.

6. Did you gap the points when you replaced them?

Hope this helps,

Mike B smile

Last edited by Mike B; 03/31/2016 12:58 AM.

Mike Boteler

1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod
1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep
1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo
1984 Jeep CJ7
+++++
Silver Spring, MD