Just joined as a result of my wife making the switch from her '55 Thunderbird to a '51 3100 with (1955) 235 straight six. We are in WV, in the eastern panhandle near Harpers Ferry.
The truck is in need of a total restoration and we will be starting this week by removing the front end pieces to show the extent of the rust damage to the lower front end of the cab. If anyone has suggestions on resources for replacing these parts I am all ears.
The wife simply wants the truck to be a dependable drive that can sit on the highway and cruise at 70. Whether this is achievable with the current drive train remains to be seen. Again, any suggestions welcome. A switch to an 8 might be in order but she isnt looking to race it, just looking for reliability.
I see a total replacement of the lower front corners of the cab and possibly one of the rear corners but that aside it looks fairly solid.
Looking forward to leaning more about these trucks as we move forward.
Paul
Last edited by Peggy M; 11/08/20239:27 PM.
1951 3100 5-window with a '55 235/floor mounted 3-speed Some of the story in ODSS Most of it in The Shops Area
Paul, welcome to Stovebolt. Your questions can/will be answered in the regular help forums. Remember to post year/model in each post. Be sure to post your questions in the appropriate forum. Be sure to read the site Operators Manual, lots of good info in there. Many helpful Tech Tips on that particular page too. Lots of good folks here who have knowledge and experience and are willing to share.ðŸ›
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! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Paul Welcome to the Stovebolt Garage. You have come to the right spot for help with your new truck. Like Martin says read the manual and make some posts. You will need 4 or 5 posts to start getting PM's.
Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery 1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
Welcome Paul! You are in the right place. I'm in Lovettsville but don't own any AD's. However, I'm always willing to lend a hand. You may want to consider going to Homecoming this year - the end of April. You can be like a sponge and absorb all the knowledge of the Bolters there and meet a bunch of great people.
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery 1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter
Welcome Paul, smart wife to trade a Ford for a Chevy truck, although those first T birds are hard to let go. Just heed the advice already given, especially the previous post about coming out to homecoming next month.
Check the ODSS Side Lot forum for details on Homecoming and other "local" events you may want to attend.
Thanks guys. I hadn't realized there was an event in MD next month so I will certainly be coming along to look and learn at the Homecoming!
Manuals arrived yesterday so I at least have some reference materials now. I will continue to post questions in relation to the repairs I am starting. Looking forward to moving forward.
1951 3100 5-window with a '55 235/floor mounted 3-speed Some of the story in ODSS Most of it in The Shops Area
