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| | | Forums66 Topics128,196 Posts1,057,390 Members48,471 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 6 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 6 | Pretty excited to start my first post on here. If this site is anything like Backyardchickens.com then I should be set.
I have purchased a family heirloom from my wife's Great Grandfather in northern Minnesota. Its her families 1954 chevy 3800 1 Ton that was the first new truck the family farm had purchased. I live in Rhode Island, and we went to a family funeral in her hometown of Madison Minnesota where her relatives showed us one of the original mechanic sheds. In it was "Rudy" (my wife's great grandfathers name was Rudolf), and Rudy had been in a weather sealed shed for 40 years never seeing anything more than a breeze. We have been blessed so far as the rust is very limited, and most of the bolts have come off without to much manipulating. We are going to keep the original color which was Ocean Green though now it has a beautiful sunburnt patina to it.
Questions I have to get this started:
The owner manual states it has 17.5 wheels with the 3 piece rim. What is the most economical tire and rim to purchase to convert this truck to a modern rim without losing the look of the truck.
Secondly the rear drum is frozen solid, and I have tried adjusting the gear to loosen the brake shoes, but that didn't work. I have sprayed enough WD40 that it should have freed up. Any ideas? I even used a drum puller, but its stuck on.
I'm not to mechanics, but a lifetime learning who picks things up quick
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,217 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,217 | Welcome to the site. Every now and then we get someone new who acquired a truck from the family. Way cool!
There has been a lot of discussion about those 3 piece rims, check the 'big bolts' section for more info. Visit the one ton section too.
Many of us love the old patina better than shiny new paint, but it's all up to you. Maybe check out the gallery to see what appeals to you.
Enjoy the journey as you get this truck back into shape. Just remember that we are here to help. Good luck!
Leo | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | A big Stovebolt welcome to you. Man, what a great truck to find. I'll bet you have it up and running in a short period of time. Leo has given good advice. Besides, since this is the welcome forum not everyone comes through here when they log in. Just post in the most appropriate forums and you'll be all set. Folks here glad to help.......and pictures, we love pictures. Be sure to share when you can and good luck on a great truck. | | |
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