The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1953 Chevrolet 3100 - Daily Driver turns into a full frame off resto

A few weeks ago, I picked up a 1953 Chevy 3100 and towed it home. It runs (1961 235), has some usual rust and needs a lot of TLC.

First, I just want to get it running reliably and drive it.

So far, I have the carb getting rebuilt, new manifold gaskets, all the new floors and various sheet metal waiting to be installed (need to find someone to do this), old wood bed removed, brakes repaired/replaced, and building my parts list.

Sometimes I wonder what I have gotten into, walk away for a few hours then get back to it.

This site has been invaluable for tech tips. All I need now is to win the lottery!

Some details to follow.

gsharum, welcome to the Stovebolt. There is no backing down now. Just admit your hooked and keep on trucking.

The 1961 235 engine will serve you well as a daily driver. Most all of us have been through the floors and doors. You can do it.

It's amazing what just 15 minutes, EVERY day, will accomplish in a few weeks.

We're here to help so ask questions in the garage forums and let the Stovebolt Resources work for you.

Watch for other Bolters from Arkansas. They are here.

Welcome to the site. Nice truck. Is that an SS El Camino in the background?

Yes, just keep at it and don't stop. If you get stumped, just come here and ask. In the meantime, work on something else. It's supposed to be a fun hobby. Good luck!

Leo

Yes, it is an SS El Camino. It belonged to the guy I bought the truck from.

A little more info.

The truck ran and I drove it a big but the brakes (photo 1) were shot and had to be replaced with new wheel cylinders. The carb was leaking all over the place and would only run with the choke pulled out. The carb is out getting rebuilt now. I have cleaned up the engine (photo 2) and replaced the manifold gaskets (photo 3).

I also got the heat riser freed up with a new spring installed. I'm replacing the engine mounts (photo 4) and transmission mount (photo 5) this week. Wow, that driver side mount was fun removing!

I also removed the rotten bed (photo 6)and will start prepping for a new one.

My next big goal is replacing the rotten floor pans (photo 7) and kick panels (photo 8). I'm trying to find someone to do this for me.

I'm removing all the rust (photo 9) I can with Evapo-rust but will either blast or wire wheel the frame.

The more items I take apart to fix, the more problems I find. Now I know why a good, clean AD truck goes for $20k or more. Anyway, it will all happen with time and good help from this forum.

Way to go. Looks like you are well on your way to having a nice driver. Thanks for sharing. Those pictures sure to bring back a lot of memories for me!

rebuilt the rear transmission mount this evening

Got my carb back and adjusted the valves and she purrs like a kitten. Went for my first drive and guess what, the clutch slips bad and second gear grinds unless I double clutch or shift slowly. I know I need a new clutch but any chance that could be my issue with 2nd grinding or do I need to go ahead and put in new syncos?

I pulled the clutch and transmission this weekend and found my clutch slipping problem. Some of the pressure plate springs seem to be broken.

I will have the transmission rebuilt while it is out.

Since my last post - new clutch, pilot bushing, pressure plate have been installed with resurfaced flywheel. A new gas tank was installed along with a new fuel pump. I also replaced all the seals related to the torque tube. A new oil pan gasket was installed as well. Its the first time since I bought the truck I don't have an oil leak! Although, wiggling the fuel lines around when removing the old tank did cause a leaky fuel petcock and 7 inch rubber line connected. Those have been ordered.
I almost forgot, I got the windshield wipers all working again with new transmission arm bushings and a good cleaning relube of the vacuum motor. Almost time to start some body work.

The truck didn't have parking brake cables when I bought it. Those were installed tonight so I can leave it running without rolling away now. I've been fighting a fuel gauge problem that's driving me nuts. I bought a new sending unit and gauge and with the tank full to the top it only registers 1/2 to 3/4 tank. If I remove the sending unit and move the float by hand it almost goes to full. I guess I will bend the float shaft to compensate.

New exhaust front to back!

Next big project will be replacing rear main seal. I'm tired of the leak.

I've been taking lots of short trips trying to figure out all the "issues". Today I went on a 60 mile round trip and it ran great. I love this old, rusty, loud truck! I've yet to go anywhere without someone giving me a compliment or asking about it.

Picture - Trip to the country

This weekend the dash got a coat of Rustoleum Flat Chestnut.

welcome to the site! Great to see pics and hear about your progress! I love these old rigs as well!

It has been two years since I updated this posting. I started posting about this old truck and making a daily driver but that has changed. I ended up doing a complete tear down and starting over with complete frame up restoration. Below are some pictures of my progress over the last two years.

A few photos. Frame. Cab. Cab on Frame.

It may be another 2 years before I am finished but it will be worth the wait.

Almost every nut and bolt has been replaced and I found a really good body guy.

The color is Aspen Green.

Looking good! Don’t wait another 2 years to update.🛠

Interesting color, I'm anxious to see it finished. Keep up the good work.

John

Yep, I tried to do it the same way, but ended up doing a cab off frame too. The thing is, it seemed the expectation level went up after you fixed all the little things and got it road worthy. Then the natural evolution of making it look nice took over.
Keep up the good work and keep us posted with regular updates. Us guys with trucks that are done have to live on through other people's projects. Nobody knows the amount of blood sweat and tears, not to mention the money unless you have walked the walk.

It has been about a year with significant progress.

I'll get it back in a few weeks and then to the upholstery shop!

WOW!
Most excellent job.
Thanks for the update.