Hiyas, I finally decided to become a member after the forums have gotten me through some uncharted territory.
Lifelong Mopar guy who was looking for a Dodge pilot house since just before the pandemic. Turns out, once the pan hit everyone, was looking for a project and things got dicey.
After having been sniped out of a few pilot houses on the web, i came across a 1954 3100 five window Chevy and jumped on it. When i went to look at it, he had it running, but barely. Was a Florida truck that wound up here in NY after the owner passed and it went to his Grandson.
The truck was in survivor condition. Only changes I can see are a replacement 235 of the same year, and it seems to have an older drivetrain -- the torque tube being of the narrower diameter, a (54 okie wouldn't fit).
And, well the wiring ... oh boy. Somebody kept her limping along by running new wires, even lamp cord... while leaving the old wires in place. So it's a jumble.
The 235 is an older rebuild but super clean and looks to have very little miles on it. Gaskets were all shot.
So far I've done...
* new original style fuel system from tank to carb
* rebuilt the little peanut transmission
* new radiator
* new gaskets on the upper part of the motor
* got all the lights working
* new dual cylinder master in the original locale -- kept the drums
* some temporary floor patches
* new door latches so passengers don't tumble out
* added seatbelts, also for the tumbling out thing, and to avoid dashboard eating
Runs great and drives well. Stops as it should.
Went to a few shows this summer and had some fun.
Currently doing modern tie rod ends, new tie rod (this things supposed to be straight right?). Trying to fix the pitman arm seal leak, found some great info in the forums.
I work seasonally so this winter I'll have time to address the wiring, with a 12v upgrade. Love the availability of parts for this truck and so glad I got her instead of the Dodge.
Thanks for letting me join
Mark
