Good morning One Tonners! Newbie here wantin to know if I can join the group!? Well, not a Newbie to Stovebolt.com or to Stovebolts but just to AD’’s and more specifically 1 tons.
You see, this story begins back in September while a bunch of us were attending the Tri-State Antique Truck Show in Winchester Virginia, a show not to be missed and one that has turned into a big time Stovebolt/ODSS gathering. Most of the guys in this group knew that one day I dreamed of purchasing a one ton pick-up. I have always been enamored by the Stovebolt Flagship, Charlie, an unrestored '49 3800.There are lots of 3100’s around and I like being a little different (not too much of a stretch for me!) and love the 9’ bed. There is a swap meet at this truck show and Grigg Mullen happen to strike up a conversation with a fella that had a ton and a half cab and chassis for sale. He mentioned to Grigg that he had a few trucks that he purchased at an estate auction that he was selling. Yep, one was a 1950 3800 reported to be in unbelievable original condition. Grigg rushed back to camp to tell me about it and said, “we need to go to West Virginia see this truck tonight”!. Saturday is the last night of the show and I had dinner to prepare. Intrigued yes but, what about the burgers?! I think Grigg may have been slightly disappointed but waited for the gentleman to get home and take some pictures of the truck and text them to us. The burgers were on the grill about the time those pictures got to us and boy, the truck sure looked nice from what we could see. Still I was hemming and hawing and kicking the ground, wondering where I would come up with the money and questioning the timing of this whole thing at the same time thinking, if this truck is that nice, it sure would be a shame to let it slip away. You know, that feeling when both sides of your brain are in a fierce battle?? The next day, Grigg got up and left for, you guessed it West Va. to see the 3800. Meanwhile, I was packing up camp and trucks and getting ready to make my way back to Maryland with the motorhome, truck trailer and COE. About the time I was pulling into the garage with the motorhome home Grigg called. I asked him about the truck and he went on and on about how nice it was. He said the truck had no serious rust, no dents other than a slight crease in one running board, original headliner, rubber floor mat and seat cover, etc. etc. So, I asked how he left it and he said, “I bought it!”. Whaaat? I think I asked him how he was going to explain to his wife that he was coming home with another truck and he said, “I’m just going to tell her I bought this truck for my friend Billy Marlow”. I almost fell out of the motorhome seat᠁But, but? He said, “when you are ready for it, it will be here. If you decide you don’t want it, then I will keep it myself or sell it to another Stovebolter. No pressure”. Wow, what a guy! I think I walked around in a daze the rest of the day. Not sure how I managed to get everything put away and dried out. (Yes, it was a truck show, it always seems to rain at some point during a truck show, especially Winchester! )
The next couple of months were spent with Grigg getting the title corrected to match the vin number on the truck and it bought me some time to raise the cash necessary to buy it. Thankfully, we had a nice little snow storm in the early part of January that I plowed and that really helped with some pennies from heaven. So, on January 27th I hooked up the trailer and headed towards Lexington Va to officially become a member of the One Ton Owners Club. The truck is truly a survivor and in really nice shape. It runs fine but needs brake work. Even the underside is not all rusty or pitted. I really think with a new master cylinder and wheel cylinders I will be able to take a spin around the neighborhood. Long term plan? Not entirely sure at the moment. I really haven’t finished my big truck project nor have I gotten to enjoy it on the road yet and, that project dragged on for 8+ years so, I’m not ready to tear another one apart just yet. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...dnhrQ2l2SWJSXzZRYVZGZnkzWDkxbmJqX0lEZk5R I think I will most likely make the ‘50 mechanically sound and roadworthy and enjoy it as is for a year or so. Then I will decide whether it will become a full on restoration. I can't thank Grigg enough. He is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and generous and most importantly a true friend. Thank you Grigg.
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 GMC 450 FlatbedW/W, Air Brake equipt (25% Owner) | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
Your request to officially join the 1-Ton Squad will be approved upon completion of your Initiation Ceremony at Homecoming . In the meantime, you are granted "Temporary Probationary Status Pending Membership Application Approval" (and may thusly sign your correspondence). Oh, and I almost forgot ... The fee. You *do* realize there is a membership application fee, ja? We, the existing members of the 1-ton Club, will expect full payment of such (don't even ask -- you're not *that* dumb ... ) at Homecoming at the start of your initiation ceremony.
Seriously -- It's been a bit of a journey, but welcome aboard!! Can't wait to actually see it in person!
Charlie has a new friend!!
~ John
"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are"
1948 International Farmall Super A 1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
Welcome to the club Billy! Looks in really good shape. You going to bring it to the Homecoming?
Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery '46 2-Ton grain truck | '50 2-ton flatbed | '54 Pontiac Straight Eight | '54 Plymouth Belvidere | '70 American LaFrance pumper fire truck | '76 Triumph TR-6 Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
I believe my position as Camp Commandment and a top ranking official in the ODSS excludes me from any such initiation activities. And, any fees will have to wait until Mother Nature drops a few more pennies from heaven so I can restock my truck fund! Don, I think not bringing it would probably result in some sort of disciplinary charge and get me in trouble with the SAA!
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 GMC 450 FlatbedW/W, Air Brake equipt (25% Owner) | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
Wow, what a score. Same color as my long departed 1 1/2 ton. Almost the same patina. My 2 cents, get it safe and
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)
Wow! That's one nice looking truck! It's got your name written all over it, Billy. Certainly wonderful to have friends like Grigg! Now you will have something you can just jump into and drive anywhere! Congratulations!
~ 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
I can hear that one whispering "Gimme a 261!" Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 GMC 450 FlatbedW/W, Air Brake equipt (25% Owner) | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery '46 2-Ton grain truck | '50 2-ton flatbed | '54 Pontiac Straight Eight | '54 Plymouth Belvidere | '70 American LaFrance pumper fire truck | '76 Triumph TR-6 Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
The only thing better would be a "Cadillac Stroker" 261. W1th a 60 thousandths overbore and the 4 1/8" stroke crankshaft, the "261" becomes a "282"! I've figured out a way to do that with regular 261 pistons, not the scarce and pricey Cadillac ones! Put an 848 cylinder head on it and a 2 barrel carburetor (not two singles) and I'll go looking for some stumps to pull! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Jerry I have a 261 in the machine shop right now that’s going in a 47 1 ton. Going to to have edmunds 2x2 with langdons carter Weber setup, Fenton’s, bulldog cam and HEI. Entire reciprocating assembly will be balanced. Got a new process 540 direct drive 5 speed and a 3.07 ratio Dana 61 for rear axle. I had a 50 3800 powered by a 261 a few years ago. It would pull a house down!
I’m building a 392 Chrysler hemi for another project and using 6.86” big block Chevy rods . The early hemi rod journal diameter is very similar to stovebolt and GMCs at around 2.3125. Plenty of meat to offset grind to the 2.2 bbc size. It’s commonly used for ford and Chrysler stroker motors and bbc h beam rods are very affordable nowadays and available in several different lengths, one being 7.1” which would work well in stovebolt or jimmy 6. Might even adapt pistons from a small block Chevy,
HMMMMM- - - - -Interrrrresting! What's the width on those BBC rods? The 292 6 cylinder rod used in the 261 stroker is narrow enough that the crank journal needs to be welded up, or shims need to be added to the rod cap to center it up in the journal. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
HMMMMM- - - - -Interrrrresting! What's the width on those BBC rods? The 292 6 cylinder rod used in the 261 stroker is narrow enough that the crank journal needs to be welded up, or shims need to be added to the rod cap to center it up in the journal. Jerry
I don’t remember the width exactly only that it was .0004 narrower than the original 392 hemi size. https://www.ebay.com/itm/H-Beam-6-135-2-200-990-Bronze-Bush-4340-Connecting-Rods-Suits-Chevy-BBC-454/352270546804?hash=item5204f5f774:g:JFsAAOSwgLlac4dW:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!72126!US!-1 This listing on eBay says .990 how does that compare to 235/261? I know GMC rods have to be narrowed for use in a 235/261.
A 235 rod I've got handy measures 1.245" wide. That's probably the same as a 261, except for the wrist pin diameter. It looks like some adapting would need to be done on the journal to keep the BBC rod from flopping around like a catfish on the bottom of a johnboat! I made a steel spacer for each side of the 292 rod cap that attaches with flathead 4-40 screws and then gets silver soldered to the cap. Then the rod gets reconditioned to be sure it's straight and true.
Now- - - - -before we get our knuckles rapped for "thread drift", maybe we should continue our hotrodding talk somewhere else! I just picked up a 261 that didn't survive a break-in run after a pretty good rebuild for some reason, and that one's about to become a test bed for some modifications. Other than needing a crankshaft, it looks like the rest of the short block survived pretty well. Obviously, it's going to get torn down to bare bones and thoroughly inspected first. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
WOW!! This thread got way over my head quick!! But I read, listen and learn, just as Billy and John will. Jerry, I can make a detour thru Tennessee to the Homecoming, if Billy wants something you built up. Heck, Tim may even be riding shotgun with me.
Who knows? Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery '46 2-Ton grain truck | '50 2-ton flatbed | '54 Pontiac Straight Eight | '54 Plymouth Belvidere | '70 American LaFrance pumper fire truck | '76 Triumph TR-6 Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
Don, I'm still in the "plotting and planning" stages of that 261 buildup. No telling what I'll end up with eventually!
"I know the voices in my head aren't real, but man, do they come up with some good ideas!" LOL! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
That's a nice looking truck Billy, A good original unmolested 1 ton pickup just like I was searching for (for nearly a year) a couple years ago and couldn't find one anywhere from here to Idaho and back.
Billy you have quite a big fleet now you need a road train behind the motor home to cart them all to Griggs homecoming which is shaping up to be an event not to miss road trip sounds good Don all that snow has been good for Billy
Thanks you guys.Yea, Tim, not really sure how I got myself in this position and how I'm going to move things around! There's a little car show around the corner this spring. That might be the only event I have all three there at the same time!
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 GMC 450 FlatbedW/W, Air Brake equipt (25% Owner) | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
Bill Marlow, since I haven’t participated here on stovebolt in a long time I don’t think I’ve got much one way or another as far as you making the grade but I’m jealous of anyone starting out with a truck that nice! 😉 Please keep us posted.
Thanks everybody. Still working on two other projects so as stated earlier I won't make much progress on the 3800 for some time. I have been gathering brake parts for it regardless as I know it's going to need at least everything on the juice side. I pulled the seat out last night just for further inspection and found a nice collection ot tools layer out on a cool old seed sack!
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 GMC 450 FlatbedW/W, Air Brake equipt (25% Owner) | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
)
in the early part of January that I plowed and that really helped with some pennies from heaven.
) at Homecoming at the start of your initiation ceremony.![[elvis]](/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/default/elvis.gif "[elvis]"){kind=small}
That's a beautiful truck, nice score!