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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
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with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 12 | Hey Guys, Starting my first build tread on the peach! Just a little background on the truck, I bought it in the fall in Salmon Arm BC and brought it back to Calgary. It was pretty complete, everything was there but just barely held together with a couple bolts. We originally thought it looked pretty good but once the tear down began we started to realize we got ourselves into something way bigger then anticipated. Lets just say a magnet would have been a wise thing to bring with when we bought the truck! Anyhow I've slowly been buying all the tools I need from a sandblaster to a plasma cutter and much more. I've completely torn down the truck and am currently rebuilding the front cab rockers and door hinge mounts at the moment. I've got one side nearly done and about half of the other side. Once they are both complete I will move on to replacing most of the firewall, the entire floor and cab mounts. The plan is to move it to a newer S-10 chassis and either a small v8 or if we can find a reasonably priced newer diesel to put in it go that way! Anyhow, hope everyone enjoys the ride and please, constructive criticism is more then welcome! I'm learning so if you guys see something that you would have done differently let me know. Ideas are also great! Here's my photo album of the truck so far! Matts 54 AlbumCheers, Matt
Last edited by Themoneypit; 01/16/2016 8:33 PM.
1954 Chev 3100
“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.” R. Buckminster Fuller
| | | | | 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 | Thanks for the pics Matt. My, you been a busy man. Your work looks good. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 12 | Todays update. I welded in a couple more panels on the drivers side of the cab. Don't know the technical names for all these piece but here's some pics... Front Left Cab Lower PanelFront Left Cab Middle PanelFront Left Cab Mirror PatchFront Left Cab SideMy question of the day is, how much bondo is reasonable to use. I have noticed grinding down some of my welds that at times they have a bit of a concave shape and are hard to grind, at times leaving "pits" behind. I'm guessing most people just bondo that stuff but I'm unsure if it is something I'm doing wrong welding or if it is common and not to be worried about. Here's an example from today, I welded in a small patch by firewall/hood area and I could not grind out the little pits with reasonable confidence in the strength of steel left behind... Pits
Last edited by Themoneypit; 01/17/2016 6:03 AM.
1954 Chev 3100
“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.” R. Buckminster Fuller
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | The main considerations with using body fillers and stopping rust are are:
1. all sides of the metal can/will rust if exposed to any air/water
2. you want to grind/buff/sand/media-blast to shiney metal on all sides
3. you need to seal all sides of the metal with a water/moisture-proof sealant - a 2-part epoxy primer - is the best choice for sealing the metal
4. body filler (compatible with the primer) is used over the epoxy primer
5. sand
6. if any metal shows after sanding, you need to cover with another epoxy coat
7. maybe someone will comment on sander-surfacer coats
8. someone will correct and/or add-to/clarify the brief items in this list
Maybe someone will post a link to a good tutorial on the Internet? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,146 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,146 | Not to change the topic but ater looking at your photo album. I noticed in this PHOTO the starter solenoid is on the side of the starter. The solenoid is normally mounted on the top of the starter. The stock 1954 Chevrolet 1/2 ton truck was equipped with a foot operated floor starter. No solenoid. Obviously someone installed a different starter. I've never seen a solenoid mounted on the side of the starter. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | The 1954 stock 6v GM solenoid starter used on DD, and Hydramatic-equipped trucks (and on COEs) had the solenoid on the top (as described by jorb).
Maybe it is a Canadian starter, or a different clutch-housing/flywheel for a different transmission/drive-train? | | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 12 | From what I understand the engine is not stock, I believe it is a 235 if that makes any difference. I think the transmission and everything else is original/stock. I'l be using a more modern frame and engine in my build so I haven't really done any research into the old straight 6's. Anyhow thanks for the info Tim! Here's todays work, not much just tacked the front drivers side fender mount piece onto the cab. Took a while to get it formed to my satisfaction. Drivers Side Cab fender Mount Piece
Last edited by Themoneypit; 01/18/2016 6:27 AM.
1954 Chev 3100
“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.” R. Buckminster Fuller
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 | Hi,
I need a speedometer gear for my '54 3100 3 spd transmission [ closed driveshaft ]if your old one is available. might even take the whole transmission if I have to.
Thanks for the consideration
JB | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | personal buying/selling should take place in email or in Private Messages | | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,420 Former Workshop Owner | | Former Workshop Owner Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,420 | Hey Matt,
Looking good, I really like the chrome grills on the 54's and 1st series 55's. Thanks for sharing the pics.
John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWBIn the Gallery My Flicker Photos! | | |
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