The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre New guy from France

Hello everyone,

First of all I just wanna thank all people who work on this forum. Stovebolt is one of the best I've ever seen. I've been lurking arround for a while now and I really enjoy reading all stories...so I'd sign up.

My name is Charly. I'm 35 and I live in a small village in the center of France. My dad used to be a big fan of classic cars and own several models(particularly Volvo). By my side when I was a child, I always loved and had a picture of a car in my mind without knowing which brand and which model it was. Also always promised me than one day I'll own one. Spent many time on internet finding this misterious car....Definetely, it would be a CHEVY 3100 TRUCK!.

I've started searching for French, then European adds....but found nothing convincing. Moreover I was looking for an original Truck and those I found were most of the time badly modified. So I decided looking in its original country, USA. After moths and moths of research, finally found my Beauty.

A 1953 3100, unmolested, with only 43,000 original miles. Bought it from its firts owner in Oakland CA, a man of 91years old who can't drive it anymore but still love his Truck. The pick up was in amazing condition. Never rebuilt engine, No rust. Drive perfectly. Always well maintained. Came with many invoices back the 50's, including original sale receipt. Also it was well optioned : side spare wheel, heater, 4speed gearbox...

I decided making only minor modification to the truck, kepping it the most original than I can. Only Have it resprayed in its original ocean green color, changed the bed wood and fit a personalised seat upholstery because original one was a little dried by the sun. Apart from that all the Truck is stock. I cleaned E_V_E_R_Y bolts and nuts, painted E_V_E_R_Y frame parts....during loooong weeks of labour. Found some nices NOS parts too like visor, Spotlight, Butterfly steering wheel...

Now my Little Chevy is exactly as I've expected. I love the way it is. Love its story. I'm always in touch with the previous owner who became a friend of mine. I'm really addicted to this Pick Up. I always find Advance design Trucks were one of the most representative car of American industry.

Really happy to share and join you group.
Look forward to discussing with all of you !
Here's a link to some pictures hope would be ok.

Best Regards from France
Charly

http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/charly43000/slideshow/1953%20Chevrolet%203100%20Preview?sort=3

Welcome Charly. You are very fortunate to have such an unmolested truck. Good to leave it that way. Have fun with it
Leo

Very Nice. Think you and the Mrs. should take her right into Paris, and park between 2 Lamborghini's on the Champ Elysee to see who gets the most attention. I would love to see that picture. I think I would even post it in my shop if you could see a glimpse of the Eiffel tower or Arc De Triomphe in the background ! What do you think Charly?

welcome to the site, that is a VERY nice truck!!

Charly, the chance to get a truck like yours only comes once in a lifetime and then only to certain folks. Cherish it, keep it original and you will ALWAYS be a class act. Congrats on such a lucky find. Patience does pay off as you have shown.

VERY nice truck!
Welcome to Stovebolt!

Bonjour Charly! That is an enviously beautiful truck mon ami. You did well. Hope to see it on the road next time I am in France.

Welcome Charly,i'm just a short hop over the Channel in the UK,it's always great to see another 'Eurobolter' joining the best truck site available..
Sadly I can't see your fine little truck as for some reason your link isn't working for me.

I'm not sure about parts availability in France but there are plenty of vendors in the UK now should you need anything,it's not that far way after all!
If ever you need help in having anything sent or sourced just send me a message as I have many contacts both here and in Europe.

I also have a connection to your fine country too,my wife has dual Nationality as her dad was French.
There's an 'International zone' here too should you wish to post or comment in that sub forum.

Welcome to the 'bolt.

-W

Bienvenue Charly! That's a gorgeous truck! I think you are our first French 'Bolter!

And from all the staff and volunteers at Stovebolt.com, you are quite welcome! Getting this post from you has made my day!


John

Thanks for the welcome everyone, for the compliments on the truck and for your kind words. This forum is amazing, barely registered and I have the feeling I'm already adopted and never be alone!.

Allen Lane: Indeed that coul be a nice and meaningful picture. If I ever go to Paris on holiday or for a car meeing, you will be the 1st informed!

Achipmunk: I realize that I'm a lucky guy. Don't worry, the Chevy's landed in a good familly and I'll take care of it like the apple of my eyes.

Tango: Hope to see you on the French roads!

Jockbolter50: Thank you so much for your kindness....it's always a pleasure to see there is helpful guy arround there. If I ever need help regarding spare parts, I'll contat you!.

John Milliman: Thank you for the welcome. You very friendly. I'm proud to be the 1st French Bolter

Welcome from downunder you have come to right forum you will never know where this could lead you homecomings and Kansas City have new meaning in my life as well now and it's all good

Charly,you're more than welcome,i'm just paying back in kind,as you'll find out,there are many,many helpful people here in 'Stoveboltland'.
People i've never even met have sent me parts all the way from the USA even before i've paid them such is the faith and trust in our fellow American truckers.

P.S. Your truck is stunning!

Hi Charly, Which part of France are you? I grew up near the French border, Swiss side, am currently living in Zurich. My truck is a GMC 100 1952. Is it correct, that I saw your truck in Autoretro, a few issues ago? Best regards, SwissNic.

Really really nice. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Charly;

Sweet ride!!! Where are you in France? I'm just over the German boarder in Kaiserslautern. Looks like someone needs to organize a European Stovebolt reunion!