The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 51 Chev 3600 project, would like your opinions

Hello everyone.

I'm new to this forum, fortunate to be here, and looking for guidance.

I've got a 51 chev 3600, so she's the long box 1T. Goals are to make it as new and reliable as a daily driver.

I intend on buying a new fab'd rolling chassis, and a connect and cruise package from GM with manual trans.

I have many questions, and I'm searching the forum for everything I can find relating to this truck and anyone doing any similar work.

a few thoughts I had, and please chime in if you have an opinion.

1) I've found the 3600 aspect is not common with the guys fabbing new chassis. the 3100 1/2 T is most common. should I just convert the truck to a 1/2T? I realize some of the body panels are then different too.

2) Does anyone do a prefab'd chassis for the 3600?


Thanks for any help you can throw my way.

Yardsale, welcome to the Stovebolt page. Several guys here from Minnesooooootah so watch for them. Probably one next door to you or just across town.

OOOOK, This is the Welcome Centre so technical questions hardly ever get a fair shake here as not everyone comes through here every time they sign in.

I started to move your question to another forum but decided to leave it here for others to see and maybe extend a welcome.
We discourage "double posting" but in your case I'll make an exception here.

We have a One Ton forum so maybe post your question there for more experienced results. This could also be a good topic for the Hi Po Forum since your are doing modifications and Hi Po is where a lot of that takes place. Pick one of the forum's and post your questions there.
Good luck. See you around the garage forums.

Welcome!
Whereabouts in our fair state are you from?
I personally am a fan of the larger trucks. I grew up with a '46 1 ton long bed pickup, so I would lean in that direction. However, it's your truck to do with as you please. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks guys, happy to be here.

I think I've made my first mistake, the 3600 is the 3/4T not the 1T.

Regardless, same scenario. The dims are a bit different. From ye ole east side of metro.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Welcome yardsale,
Great information on here for all levels of repair or rebuild.
As was mentioned above just post in the appropriate forum, good luck with your truck!

welcome to the site! I'm afraid I can't help you as I have big bolts and left the running gear stock for the most part. When I had my 59 Suburban, I did put newer springs and axles and steering under it but left the frame alone.

"I've got a 51 chev 3600, so she's the long box 1T."

No such thing.

1951 Chevrolet trucks had three bed sizes:
1/2 ton - http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/51056.htm
3/4 ton - http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/51064.htm
1 ton - http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/52076.html (this is for 1952, but basically the same in 1951)

Welcome to Stovebolt.com, yardsale.

"1) I've found the 3600 aspect is not common with the guys fabbing new chassis. the 3100 1/2 T is most common. should I just convert the truck to a 1/2T? I realize some of the body panels are then different too. "

All 1951 3100&3600 cab/fenders/hood/doors/interior body parts are the same.

Beds and running boards are different.

New guy here as well, welcome Yardsale

Hello. I too am learning the 3600 is a rarer vehicle. I just acquired one myself. Good luck with your truck. I'll check back on your project.