The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Hello from southwest Louisiana.

Just wanted to pop in here before I go anywhere else in the forum. Kinda like Forest Gump Jr., I can't get on the bus till I introduce myself , haha.

Glad to be here and have access to your minds and maybe I'll have something to add aswell.

I'm new to auto restoration. I'm quite capable of heavier metal work and ok at problem solving/re-engineering. The thinner metal will be a challenge. Not so much because of its thickness but the intricacy of the work involved. I've been known to be a lil impatient, so this will be a good experience and actually hope to turn this into something one day.

My son is 12 and would like him to get into body work. I'd love to help set him up in that business, and we could have a car resto business together as a spinoff for my pleasure, as I'm wildly in the mood for a career change, and I love old autos.

I'm doing a 48 Coe now. The donor truck is a 2001 dodge 3500 with the cummins and auto tranny. Just got the cab pulled off chassis (the 48). The cummins is still in service in my business. I can pull it anytime but for now I'm just gonna rework the cab on the 48. The mice have done a number on this cab. It was a grain truck, so you can imagine, there is grain in every part of this cab and has rotted some key areas, but oddly enough, the cab corners are solid, go figure.

Well, I've lost my train of thought, so I'll bow out now....oh wait, forgot to give Huns a lil personal info.

My name is Chance, I'm 36, 5'10', and good looking as a mofo....lol, jk!

That intro was kinda bassackwards aye? Again, thanks for having me.

Chance

Chance, welcome to the stovebolt. Going forward or bassackwards this is the best site for old Chevy and GMC trucks. I think you'll fit right in. Lots of info and great minds hang out here and feel free to contribute and jump in any time.
There have been more than one that has use the diesels in their modifications. The big bolt guys have done it and some 1/2 ton guys have stuffed a diesel in theirs.

Garage Forums are the best place to ask questions as there are lots more folks visit there first when checking in.

Good luck and some pics when you can would be great.

Welcome Chance, nice to work on it with your son. Hopefully it will be a good experience for the both of you. Nice to have a COE, good luck with it.
Leo

Thanks fellas.

I gotta ask, what does AD stand for and why are these old trucks referred to as stovebolts?

Chance

The AD's were pickups known as Advance Design from 47-54.

Art Deco's which is from somewhere around 40 to 46...not sure about those years maybe it was 42-46? and referred to as Art Deco even though the initials also spell AD.

The inline 6 cylinder was known, or so its said, that the bolts holding the side covers on looked like stovebolts and the name stuck.....Now days Stovebolt generally means anything Chevy whether its a 6 or 8 in todays world.

Check out the tech FAQ and links ect and there is actually an article here on the site that describes it all for you.

http://www.stovebolt.com/faq/#stovebolt

Thx chip,


Also, and you'll laugh. I've got this question asked in paint and body but no replies. What gauge sheet metal do I use for my 48 coe?

Thanks
Chance

Chance, I understand about you not getting an answer and you'll understand why as you stick around. Most of us bolters spend time here, mainly during week days, and on the weekends we have to spend time with the lady of the house....or folks you want an answer from or working swing shifts or turn around's.

I'm not sure but the gauge is probably 18ga. Pickups are COE's. I've never heard of the gauge of metal being different from one vehicle to the other. I'm sure the "bracing" may be different due to the loads and flexing/bending.

Hang it there. Sometimes things move TO FAST for me then other times I'm ready to go and everyone else is dragging their feet

Keep pecking away on it. You'll make it. For years I tell everyone to do at least, just 15 MINUTES a day and you'll be surprise at the end of the month. I promise!

Alvin

Chance,

Be sure to check out the other forums (like you did with Paint and Body). Another spot I think you'll want to hang is the Big Bolts section.

This here is pretty much the "hi, howya doing?" spot ... then folks using pick their nitch from there (like the 60-66, 1-tonners, Big Bolts, Panels and Burbs, etc.).

Even do a search for Father and Son in menu bar. We have a lot of Gallery stories that are Father/Son; Grandpa; Daughter/Dad. They have been some cool stories. I think once they spot you, you'll find there will be some folks with good ideas.

Stop at the Greasy Spoon, too. That will be a good place for some not-really-truck-related chatter but will give you some ideas for fellas who are already doing what you are aiming at!

The Texas Bolters (in the Side Lot) may give you an idea of who's down there in your neck of the woods.

Welcome ...

Peggy M

Thx Peggy.

Glad to be here.