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Looking for help. Me and my son have been wanting to buy an old truck to fix up. One fell in my lap this week so I bought it. It's a 1952 chevy truck. Engine is a 235 based on the block casted numbers. Excited about getting started on something like this but have no idea what parts I need to purchase. I will be sending the engine to a machine shop here in Dothan once we pull the engine out. So I want to start there. Not looking to drag race but looking for decent response. This will be a steep learning curve for us. Many questions running through my head. Anyone willing to teach via forums? Thanks, 52Steve.

Welcome Steve, good to do a project like this with your son. You started out good by dropping by here in this forum. Our motto is "Knowledge is the best resource". You would be wise to purchase a shop manual for your truck. Know what you have, get familiar with the whole vehicle, make a good assessment of what needs work and what, if any, you need to change. I'm a big fan of keeping the six cylinder engines in them, others prefer V8s. Look into perhaps getting a slightly newer 235 engine, up to 1953, they were splash lubricated engines. After that, they went to a full pressure oiling system. The newer engines are better for higher rpm cruising and will last longer. Again, varying opinions on this. Be sure to visit the "tech tips" at the top of the page, check out the "getting started" section and then go from there. There are also vendors listed there. All the stuff you need is available. There are some real experts here on the site, you will hear from them, just be sure to ask in the most appropriate forum.

Leo

Hello, Steve,

Welcome to Stovebolt.com.

Follow Leo's good advice above: If you have not looked around Stovebolt.com (a time-consuming and overwhelming undertaking), you might want to first check out "Getting Started" in the Tech Tips section. In particular, check out the one on Chevy Truck Manuals : 1947-1955 1st Series, The Advance-Design Trucks.

Welcome to the site! There is great advice above! You did not mention what kind of shape it is in, does it run now? You might just mess with it before pulling the engine and see if it will run and if you can get it driveable as-is. Then you can drive it a little and see what all it needs (making sure it stops as well before you go anywhere!)

Thanks for advice guys.
Leo, the engine is a 1958-1962 235c.i. based on the block number. I too am a fan of keeping it more original so I will keep the inline 6.

You are right Tim searching around stovebolt.com is a time consuming task. But, boy is there a lot of information to absorb and read.

Mike, as far as shape of body no rust on frame or body. One dent on the fender and all rubber is dry. As far as engine there is no radiator or water pump attached. But everything else seems to be in place. We will trying to get this running and we will go from there.

Seems like you're in good shape. Good luck!

Leo

Since you need a water pump anyway, now would be a good time to install the adapter that allows a 216-style water pump to be installed and put the fan position back up where it needs to be. One of the forum members here makes those items and sells them on Ebay. You'll need a water pump for a 54-early 55 235 engine with the narrow fan belt pulley to complete the installation.

Try getting the engine running and drive the truck awhile before deciding on doing a full rebuild- - - -just a freshen-up might be all that's needed depending on compression, oil consumption, etc.
Jerry

Steve, welcome to the Stovebolt. Each of them have pointed out some very good info. Hoping you can get it running because these old trucks will talk to you if you just listen to them. Its great you have a later 235 and Hotrod's advice about the water pump is a good on....I'm using an adapter on one of my restorations.
And perhaps the best advice is what Leo said about making sure you get questions in the most appropriate forum.....but no worry, if a moderator thinks you will get better results in a different forum they will move the post and let you know...and be sure to watch for others from your area. They are here!

Good luck and post up pictures when you can.

I agree get the engine running and the truck drivable first. Jerfrey

Hi Steve

I just got done with a 2 year rebuild on a 1953 Chevy truck with a 1958 Chevy 235 engine in it...I have a ton of pictures on my photo bucket account.

Try to rebuild or replace with new as many wear parts as you can afford to do...

Seat belts and disc brakes are a wonderful thing....

Jim Carter truck parts has just about everything you need to put the old truck back on the road...

These are cool old trucks for sure...My family members dont get it at all...

Good luck with your project...

MikeC

thanks for the advice MikeC. Definitely going to disk brakes and seat belts. I have so many directions I think I want to go, but brakes and 12 volt are two I believe are necessary for me. Any advice is much appreciated and considered. I will have to check out your photos. Thanks, Steve