The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 51 pickup

Hi guys. As always, I was looking through Craigslist to see if there were any good deals. I came across this 51 3/4 ton (I think) and I was wondering what everyone thought of it. Not sure if I'm supposed to post the link, but I'll copy the description. He says the engine, tranny, and rear end were rebuilt but he doesn't have reciepts. The whole frame is restored apparently, and he's asking $3000. Just wanted to know if this was an ok deal or not. Thanks.

"1951 Chevy pickup can be a nice rat rod project, chassis has been blasted and coated, the rear fenders are available just not installed, solid cab, solid floor boards, have all the glass for it, the engine has been rebuilt and painted 235, the transmission has been rebuilt its a 3 on the tree, the rear end has also been rebuilt and fresh gear lube, this is a great buy at a great price, half the leg work has already been done"

Not without looking at it. The red flag is the "can be a nice rat rod project" comment. Does that mean that it isn't quite good enough yet to be considered a nice rat rod project? I would rather read something like, "very restorable" for that kind of money.

Thanks for the advice. I'm planning on possibly seeing it tomorrow since it is local. If I do see it, what are some key things to look at? How would I be able to tell if the engine was rebuilt? (Compression test?)

Go over it just like you were buying it for a daily driver. Inspect every nook and cranny for rust and wear. King pins, tie rod ends, springs and other suspension parts. As for the engine by all means run a compression test if the seller will allow it. Otherwise you are kind of on your own as to "rebuilt" or not. Pick, poke and prod everything. Ask LOTS of questions and think through the sellers answers. Good luck.

I will look into this further - but I don't recall a 3 speed colum shift for a 3/4 ton. Others might weigh in here about that detail.

Hello, Tom,

In 1951, the 3-speed transmission was standard equipment on 1/2 and 3/4 ton Chevrolet trucks.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/51148.htm

Thanks Tim.

3/4 ton will be long bed,8 lug wheels and most likely 4.56 rear gears.
3 or 5 window cab?

NOT the original engine. 235 wasn't introduced until '54 or '55 if I understand it right. So, that is not necessarily a problem, as the 235 is a good engine, but it is not the original 216.

I would look at break lines and such too make sure that it stops ha ha. I have had a rusted line pop on me in my dad's truck as I'm sure many if not all the guys on here have, that's scary.

Also check cab corners, I've heard that can be a bad rust spot.

2 ton's had the 235 in 1946. Jeffrey

The low-pressure 235 was available in large trucks from 1941 onwards.

The high-pressure 235 was introduced in trucks in 1954.