I guess I should have properly introduced myself before I started posting in the other forums. Everyone please forgive me since I am new to this concept.
With that out of the way, I am the proud owner of what I believe to be an original 1954 3100 pickup w/Hydra-Matic that I purchased in 1976. I drove this truck back and forth to work until 1988 and she never failed me, or rather never left me with something I couldn't fix on the side of the road with simple tools. (Well except for the points tool!) You can't say that about cars today. The commute was sometimes about 30 miles one way so that says a lot about the durability and simplicity of these wonderful trucks. I am sad to say that a lot of life got in the way with two kids and college and a move along the way and I eventually neglected this jewel of a truck. This was partly due to my ignorance at the time about the effects of ethanol based fuel.
When I purchased this truck she already had a somewhat crude restoration and that is now showing up in the bodywork. In addition, my attempts at preservation by using tarps over the years may have done more harm than good. There are rusted panels that will need attention but the good news is that the motor is not frozen and she still turns over!
I probably held on to her when I have sold her but I am retired now and I am finally ready to give this sweet truck the attention she deserves. With the time I have now to devote to this project, and a special place in the garage instead under a tarp, I am ready to begin this adventure. From what I can tell with the forums associated with this site, and the plethora of information contained in them, this will be an enlightening and much less painful process.
I will add a picture as soon as I figure out how. Please don't be too mad at me though, she looks pretty rough!
Last edited by Peggy M; 06/24/20244:35 PM.
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure! Photos are easy. Just follow the instructions posted in the left margin of every page. Unless you’re using a cell phone. Then your on your own.
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)
SmithLakeChevy, welcome to the Stovebolt. Consider your self at home. The guys and gals in the garage forums are more than willing to help. Congrats on hanging onto this iconic piece of history.
Well everyone here she is in all her glory, and like I said don't be too mad at me for neglecting her for all these years. I have always had plans to restore her to her former glory and and now I am prepared and ready for the challenge!
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
Welcome to the Bolt! Good luck with your project. Do it in small steps. Otherwise it's easy to get discouraged. Lots of good help on these forums. Keep us posted on your progress!
"Alabama" covers a lot of territory. I'm about 40 miles northwest of Huntsville on the Tennessee side of the state line. Welcome to the party, where the inmates are in charge of the asylum! 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!
Thanks for the warm welcome, help, and words of encouragement everyone! Sorry for the late responses, but here I go...finally!
Martin, Thanks for the photo help! I hope I did it correctly.
Mike, It is cool to have this truck for so long and to know the history of it. I have many fond memories and I can't wait to make more.
AChipmunk, Thanks for the welcome! Ya'll will be hearing from me in the other forums, if you haven't already.
Rich, Thanks for the welcome, and as for the small steps, I started with the Antique Vehicle Tag that I purchased back in 1988. It was pretty rusted, but it looks pretty good now. Is that small enough:) Next comes a complete fluid drain and refill, fuel system cleanup, oil canister addition, points, plugs, wires, etc.
RTR (Real Trucks Rattle), Wow! I like the sound of that, or Roll Tide Roll! (I am a big Alabama fan!) I will try to be a good steward of the site, but please have patience with me since I am a "New Guy".
RK53, Back at you! Welcome!
Jerry, I am located northwest of B'Ham in the area of Smith Lake and yes I saw your post, not your favorite city! Well, they are tearing down the CBD bridges (Central Business District) and that part of the interstate will be out of service all of 2019. You just thought it couldn't get any worse! That said, they are totally redoing the "malfunction junction" so hopefully things will get better eventually.
John, You are right! It doesn't get much better! You have quite an extensive collection and I am really digging that Apache Fleetside!
Frank, I love your truck! Kind of like an older brother or sister to my truck, and maybe from the same mother. My truck was born in Atlanta, with the heartbeat (engine) from Flint, Michigan. One question though, is that color Mariner Blue?
Phillip
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
Great to have you here. I live in the Memphis area, but come over to Smith Lake for family gatherings once or twice a year. I actually bought my 261 & 4 speed transmission from a gentleman northeast of Huntsville this past Thanksgiving, and about have it ready to install in my 1953 1/2 ton.
Shoot me a private message when you get a minute, maybe I can stop by and see your truck when I'm in the area next.
Patrick
-Patrick 1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 / 4-speed / 4:11 / Commercial Red
Thanks for the welcome Patrick! As I stated in the original posts, she is in pretty bad shape right now. You would need to be current with all your shots, tetanus, flu, diphtheria, etc. Just kidding...well not about the tetanus! Let me get all the vermin and other residents out of her and get her into the garage first. I did not show the interior in my post. If you did see the interior you would completely understand what I am talking about.
Not sure I can PM anyway since I am a "New Guy".
Phillip
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
Yes I do recall Newbies not being able to send PM's until a certain number of posts are reached. Feel free to text or call me (662)418-8334. Your truck looks pretty good, just needs some freshening up.
-Patrick 1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 / 4-speed / 4:11 / Commercial Red
Everyone in this thread has more than enough posts for all amenities of the site to be enabled. Have fun.
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)
Thanks Rich and Martin. I guess I need to hop on the Short Bus and get up to speed!
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
In that photobucket picture is does look blue, but it is green. Brewster or Juniper green. My first old Chevy was a 55-1st series and it was blue. This is not a very good picture but it's the only one I can find. https://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/brown_franklin_1955.html
