Hello All!
I've just recently purchase a 51 Chev 1434 (3800). I've been reading through this site for a while, and it's been a huge wealth of knowledge. This is my first old vehicle, and it's lived my lifetime twice.
My goal with this truck is to leave it reasonably stock, and just use it as it would have been used and maintained in the 50's. There's a lot of work to be done to get it road worthy and inspected so I can register it and take it on the road! (It's not going to be easy to get an old truck like this Safetied!)
I bought the truck a month ago, not running. Although it had ran a year ago. I'm a self proclaimed backyard mechanic, so it's nice to have a truck where there's no computers involved.
When I got the truck, I couldn't get it to even try to fire, so I started with some ignition work, I put in a new 6v coil, and tuned up the distributor with a cap/rotor, points, and condenser. After that, it almost wanted to start, but the 6 volt system just wasn't enough. I boosted the starter (starter only) with 12 volts, and after a few minutes of work, I got her running. It will now start under it's own 6v power.
The radiator leaks somewhere in the fins, just below the cap/neck, so I'll either have to try and get it repaired at a rad shop, or buy some that I've seen on ebay. None of the local shops can locate one.
The next thing that needed attention was brakes. The previous owner started by replacing or rebuilding the master cylinder, but hadn't dealt with the leaky brake cylinders. He included 2 rebuilt front brake cylinders, which I just put on the other day, but then I realized the back ones are leaking bad too. So the back cylinders are on order now.
After brakes are done. I need to work on the front suspension/steering. When I was working on the front brakes, the play in the kingpin area was very alarming. So I'm reading up on the replacement on that, and the tie rods, etc. I just need to figure out if I need the "oversize" kit or not, and which part#'s to order!!
After that, the wiring needs some major love. Electrically, I think all that works is the heater blower, the horn, and windshield wipers. None of the marker lights turn on, and there are no tail lights.
The major trick is going to be figuring out what parts are interchangeable from the 3100, and which parts are specific to the 1 ton.
Anyways, lets see if I can attach some photos of it being picked up, and it in it's new home.
I hope to be able to get this thing back on the road in the next couple of years. If there's anyone in Alberta with a similar truck, I would love to be able to pick your brain about locating parts, and some other info.
Paul
On it's way home Its new home A video of it finally running again 
And I'm sure you'll get "addicted"! 
