Hey guys, I recently joined these forums and introduced myself in the introduction section. But I'm 27, live in New Jersey, and recently purchased a 1954 3100 for an ongoing project. I'll be posting a ton of info, pictures, and questions. So let me begin!
So Iv been shopping for an AD truck for a while now, and a few weeks ago I found a 54 listed locally on Craigslist. It has a pretty decent amount of body rust, but we put a new battery and some gas in the carb and she fired right up after sitting for a few years. The brake master cylinder was locked up so we didn't have brakes, but I was able to back it out of the driveway and drive it up onto the trailer, then get it into my driveway at home where the work began.
Last edited by Phak1; 10/25/20231:29 AM. Reason: Deleted links and added photos
So the first major step was getting the brake master cylinder fixed. Upon inspection I found that the brakes were in pretty bad shape, so I replaced the master cylinder, all lines and hoses, pads, drums, springs, cylinders, parking rack cables and rod. So far I have the passenger side finished up and am working on the drivers.
While I was waiting on brake parts to arrive I figured I'd tackle some other things. I wanted to clean the cab out some, and this lead to me finding out that the gas tank was a rusted out mess, which has led to a new gas tank and fuel lines. I'm also replacing the fuel pump, and I need to identify the carburetor to find a good rebuild kit. Any recommendations?
I ripped the rotted wood out of the bed, cleaned up some of the frame and coated it in duplicolors rust barrier
So that's how far Iv gotten in the first three weeks! My goal is to get the truck running and driving reliably. I want to use it to run errands and go to car meets. Once it's mechanically sound, then I will start working on body repair and eventually make her look nice again. But I wanted a project that I could drive as I go, I didn't want to jump right into a full on restoration. After the brakes and fuel system are done I think she will be ready to start driving. Then I'll change all fluids and filters and ignition tune up and what not. So let me know what you guys think!
I'm also replacing the fuel pump, and I need to identify the carburetor to find a good rebuild kit. Any recommendations? There's a number 45 stamped toward the base of the carb, a 28 RP on the side and a 4468 on the bottom.
A photo of the pump.
And I'm guessing this is not the factory fuel filter setup? Any references to the correct parts I need?
And could anyone help me identify the air cleaner? Is it the oil bath filter?
I ripped the rotted wood out of the bed, cleaned up some of the frame and coated it in duplicolors rust barrier
So that's how far I’ve gotten in the first three weeks! My goal is to get the truck running and driving reliably. I want to use it to run errands and go to car meets. Once it's mechanically sound, then I will start working on body repair and eventually make her look nice again. But I wanted a project that I could drive as I go, I didn't want to jump right into a full on restoration. After the brakes and fuel system are done I think she will be ready to start driving. Then I'll change all fluids and filters and ignition tune up and what not. So let me know what you guys think!
Nice truck looks nice and clean .You are diving right in good job. I have the same year only the gmc model purshased in 1982 I was 18 at the time, wish i had the time and energy you have i am going to follow you progress for some incentive to get mine back driving again.
Thanks for the comments. Time is tight, I usually get to spend 1 day a week working on the truck and the rest of the week working. But Iv just been chugging along
Kyle, Youve got a nice solid truck there to start with. Youre lucky! From the work shown, it looks like youre doing a good job. Dont get discouraged, walk away for a few days if you need to. Ive done numerous 54s and theyre "one of a kind" of the AD trucks. And a joy to drive. Keep up the good work,, Lookin Good!!!
Congrats on a fine purchase. Looks like you want to get it road worthy fast like. Enjoy the experience, they are a ton of fun to work on.
1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY Gallery Video of the 261 running
1964 GMC 1000 305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
I see someone has resparked this thread. I’ll try to add pictures this weekend but Iv sure been busy! I got the entire brake system and fuel system replaced/rebuilt, and got the truck running. It runs great at idle but really bad under throttle. Pretty sure it’s ignition related, so I rebuilt the distributor, replaced the coil, plugs and wires, ballast resistor, and fixed some of the hacked up corroded wires. Also made new battery cables and replaced the non existent ground straps for the body and engine. I had a bearing lock up on my generator so I rebuilt that whole thing. Right now I’m waiting to drop the distributor back in. I’m hoping with that the truck will be running good enough to go for a real drive. Once the mechanics are straightened out, I have some maintenance to do. I also rebuilt the seat frame and got the slide adjusters working again. Modified my air cleaner to take a new specter performance filter. Got a new muffler in there. I’ll post pictures this weekend!
Kyle, be careful when re-installing the distributor. It needs to drop into the oil pump to insure proper oiling.. If you dont have one,,, you should get a54 Shop Manual. Usually available on ebay new/reprint or used. Good Luck, Marty
Did you figure out the air filter? It is not a standard/optional filter for a small 1954 truck. It has the spark arrester (oil-wetted) element. Is there oil in the big base?
Thanks, I do have the shop manual for the truck. Iv read many different articles about the distributor, getting different point of views, I think I have it down now. Yes the air filter and Rochester carb is the same as the 1954 bel airs (only difference in the carbs is where the fuel inlet is). I think there should be oil in it but it feels empty. I’m running a bigger spectre performance foam filter. Yes the truck is converted over to 12v. It wasn’t done completely right by the previous owner but I got it all fixed now.
Well there’s been a big change in plans for the 54. The other day I was hoping to drop the distributor and get all the ignition hooked back up. Well i popped the valve cover off and I found two snapped off rocker arms, and about 6 bent pushrods! Upon taking the lifter cover off, I found some lifters that weren’t seated correctly and some rust buildup inside the motor. So now the project has shifted. I’m gonna pull the motor and do a full on rebuild. While it’s being rebuilt I’m gonna do some upgrades for reliability (pcv system, hei ignition, full flow oil filter, Carter yf carburetor) among other things. While the motor is out I’ll be restoring under the hood, adding a new wire harness, and a few other odds and ends. So now the truck will probably be down till atleast the fall or winter, maybe even next spring (I’m anal about redoing things so I’ll get under the hood looking pristine). I’ll try and stay up to date on my progress!
Hey guys the plan looks like it might be changing, I might be starting a full on frame off restoration on the truck! Iv been trying to do little things here and there but I just don’t think I’ll be happy with it until I do everything. So my plan is going to be to separate the cab from the frame and get it on a dolly, then roll the frame into my garage. Do a full restoration on the frame, suspension, drivetrain, etc. then I’ll be doing the body work myself. I’m currently enrolled in a 9 month welding course, so I hope by the time I get to the body my skills are good enough to do the needed patch work. Iv painted cars before so I plan on painting the truck myself also. I’m not going for a trailer queen show car restoration, just a nicely redone driver. I plan on almost daily driving the car except for going to work. So during the rebuild I plan on adding power brakes, air conditioning, alternator, hei ignition, things like that. I’m also considering a t5 transmission and new rear axle, but as of now I think I’m keeping the 235. I just love the old feeling of the truck! So one of the things I’m considering is starting a website to document the restoration. I would love to do it here on the forum, but the process for posting pictures on this forum isn’t really convenient, and I don’t like having to click links to see one picture. Other forums like my CorvetteForum you can just post a picture directly to your post so it’s easy. Iv seen some nice restorations documented on their own website so I may consider doing that. So if you guys have links to good sources for restoration information, please link them to me, thanks!
