Hello all! I just bought my second 1954 Chev 3100 truck that's all original. My first 1954 3100 truck I replace the drive train with a SBC and used as a daily driver for 2015 years. Had receiver hitch and pulled a tent trailer with it. Also had a shell on the bed and carpet kit. Bought a new truck and the '54 just sat parked in the garage. I sold it and regretted it. I just bought another 1954 Chev 3100 truck that's all original and I'm keeping it this way. Starts and runs very good. New exhaust installed. Replacing all brake hardware now, and will also put alternator in . Previous owner has a 12V battery in it, but kept the 6V generator which didn't work out so well. All gauges work still, except the gauge lights. Everything else converted to 12V. Planning on rewiring entire truck as well before spring. Also looking for original rims and tire sizes to put on. Headlights have been frenched in, and Cadillac bullet style tail lights also frenched into the rear fenders. I'm not thrilled with this, but it is what it is. Inside cab is in very good shape - very little rust - just surface rust.
Nice original truck! Welcome and thanks for sharing.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
Darthintel, Welcome to the 'bolt. That looks like a nice start for a decent driver. Having the lights modified like they are might make a few people scratch their heads and wonder what is going on with them.
Before you rip out the existing wiring (assuming it is safe), please visit the electrical bay and research some of the methods to the madness of replacing the wire harnesses.
Please scroll through the various forums.
Make sure to check out the rules of the page as well.
Questions pertaining to your problem are welcome and will usually get answered quickly.
There are many "how I done it's" here as well that can be found using the search feature.
Another quality post. Real Trucks Rattle HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure!
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)
I've researched many electrical forums and now making a drawing for my wiring install. I'm looking forward to replacing all wiring. I'm an electronics engineer....so it's what I love doing. I have the shop manuals for the truck with wiring diagrams. Truck wire colors match the original wiring diagrams - which I will keep the same color codes. Planning on using POR-15 on rear end and rear suspension components while I have it apart doing brakes and axle seals.
if you are making your own harness, check out Del City wiring, they have great prices on wire and ends and such. I have been using them since the late 80s.
There are very nice 1954 matching wiring harnesses available from at least three different vendors. They supply you with enough extra wiring (of the correct colors), so you could add signal lamps (an easy addition in 1954). They cost about $150.00
I'm not "restoring" to win any car show trophies. Replacing the wiring with modern wire is just a safe thing to do. I will add an alternator and install bright headlights - as this is a weak point on original trucks. Also have an electric wiper. I hated driving in a snowstorm and having to let up on the accelerator pedal to provide vacuum to the wipers. So to summarize, the truck will be stock, with updated electrical system, (with everything fused) lighting, and wipers.
Key points for me are to keep the original drive train, wheels, and of course the good old foot starter! Would love to have the spotlight - as my previous truck had that. May look into that. This is not a required daily driver, just for fun. No freeway driving, as the top speed is around 50 MPH and thats fine with me. I don't even care if it has a fancy paint job. I bought it in primer - I wish it was still the original paint or "patina".
Thanks for all the comments / inputs - everything helps!
