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| | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 16 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 16 | Hey, I was wondering what it would take to convert a 1954 Chevy 3100 to a 3800 so I could pull trailers and load ATVs in the bed of the truck.
Hey, I'm new | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | There have been numerous post about going the other way...
Best bet is trade trucks with someone who has a 3800 and doesn't appreciate it for what it is. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | It is easy to change the axles and springs, not so easy to upgrade the frame, etc, rather than modify a nice 3100, do as suggested above and swap for a truck already set up for your loade.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 16 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 16 | Would it require a new frame for the conversion?
Hey, I'm new | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 | Frame could be boxed in several areas for added strength. Make sure your welder knows what he/she is doing with older metal.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
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| | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 12 | Frame is also longer as is the bed. It is also of slightly thicker metal. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | They're quite different trucks underneath starting with the frame and everything under it, and if you have a 3 speed the 1 ton has a 4 speed, another difference.
It's really not worth trying to make one into another, the result will never be same as what you're trying to imitate. Short of swapping 1/2 ton cab and front clip only over to the 3800 chassis and bed. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 | Not likely get it certified in Ontario with the new regulations. Definitely check this out. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 592 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 592 | In the last couple of months, I have seen a couple of 3/4 ton rolling chassis for sale for $200 in Arizona...one in Tucson and one in Phoenix. Both were complete with axles, springs and rims. One had the SM420 and both driveshafts.
If you can find something like this to start with, it would be easier than retrofitting your existing chassis.
Matt | | | | | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 | It's a truck. It can already pull a trailer. How much weight is the question. And it can also carry cargo in the bed. Is your desire to convert partly because you want a larger bed?
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone, you're starting to freak me out."
1957 GMC 150
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | Don't know if it'll be technically a 1 ton, but you could swap in a 3600 front axle. They use the same springs.
In the rear, you could swap in a HO52 or 14 bolt. You would need to weld in new spring perches&shock mounts.
You end up with a short 3/4 ton truck.
Like others stated, the frame is the weak spot.
The next issue is your driveline. Yourt torque tube trans will need to go.
Stopping with an extra load is an issue. There's more brake options with the 3100.
You may be better off just adding rear overloads and adding front power brakes to the 3100.
Last edited by Whitedog; 03/11/2017 5:48 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 16 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 16 | What is the trailer weight rating of the truck? Also what would I have to do to put a longer bed on? 
Hey, I'm new | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | Longer bed=stretch the frame, weld in boxing plates.
You may have better luck finding a 3600 or 3800 truck to begin with.
Trailer weight? No good answer, depends on your driveline and being able to stop. | | |
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