O.K,
So I just purchased a 1953 3100 (1/2 Ton Stepside) from a friend for $4,200. It is in very good condition with little rust, rebuilt 54 straight 6 (what kind I don't know) good interior and good paint job. It doesn't really need anything but I am planning to rebuild the bed. A couple of questions, which will probably betray my ignorance on this truck but that is why I am here.
1. It has a four speed on the floor with a granny gear. Would this have been the original transmission style?
2. It has a 54 straight 6, how do I determine what type it is?
3. It appears that the previous owner converted it to have two carbs, though everything else appears to be stock, in the engine bay. The vacuum advance does not appear to work. I have confirmed that there are no leaks and that the valve does work, using the human suck pump (mouth). Is it possible that the two carbs are reducing the manifold vacuum by having lower pressure drop and thereby preventing the vacuum advance from working?
4. During in-gear deceleration (acceleration in the oposite direction for physics fans) it grumbles and backfires very weakly. Could this be caused by the vacuum advance not working?
Anyway, I have already read a fair amount here, been lurking for a while. I have found the site very valuable and have already purchased some books and basic parts from recommeded suppliers. My 1 1/5 year old son already loves the truck so we are doing great. Now I just have to figure out how to get the car seat to work.
Hugh
