I bought my truck over the old Inner-Web courtesy of Facebook's Market page. My truck is in Ohio and I'm currently in Alaska. I won't be able to get to it until April of this year and get a better understanding of what I have. All of the pictures I have indicate it's 100% original. My research to date indicate it's a 1/2 ton "Commercial" truck, but then again it's my understanding, they were all rated as commercial trucks. So, all I have right now is the paperwork to go off of. I'm trying to figure out what CID motor I have and if the transmission setup was specific for certain applications.
The title/registration states the following:
ID/Serial# H53J029946 (I've figured this part out already) Motor# is BLCP230649 The truck is a 53' 3100, 4-speed floor shift (is this common?)
I've been searching the forum all morning to figure this out to no avail. I can't tell you what the Plate on the door jam says, I can't tell you what the casting code is, I can't tell you anything other than what is on the document I have. Any help is much appreciated.
Can you share some pics of the motor, etc? I believe a BLCP is a 216ci, 3100 series, which sounds correct.
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
That's quite a feat of marketing, getting you to buy something expensive from so far away without a close up inspection. The seller's description of "commercial" is probably referring to the optional 4-speed transmission, which was an upgrade from the commonly used 3 speed column shift installed in lighter-duty trucks. It might also have heavier springs, but that's a lot more difficult to determine.
The "part-time" job as a mechanical inspector that I've had for the past 9 years includes doing pre-purchase inspections of classic and collectible vehicles for potential buyers from all over the world. It's a little late to close that gate now- - - -the hor$e is already out of the barn in your case, but for a few hundred dollars it would have been possible to have a professional inspector do an on-site evaluation and test drive of the vehicle before committing to the sale. Last week, I inspected a 69 Jaguar coupe for a potential buyer from Australia who has had me inspect 20-something vehicles in the past. I gave it a resounding NO! The car looks good on the outside, but under the new paint job it's a piece of rolling junk. Good luck, and I sincerely hope your truck is all it appears to be. 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!
The desicion to purchase was all on me (obviously). I was not in the market to buy a rust free barn find. As for cost, I don’t believe I mentioned anything about what I paid. I can fully appreciate what it is you do for other, I personally wasn’t overly concerned about this truck and what I got myself into. I was simply looking for knowledge on what motor I have in the truck and to learn more about it from people who know more about these trucks than I. The truck isn’t perfect but I knew that going into it. Its “My” project to play with. I thank you for your input on my question to the group.
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Hey, Alaska Tony! I’ll bet you’re excited and anxious to see the new Pickup. When you get down to Ohio in April, I’m sure all will become clear. The info that the engine is a 216, will give you some reading and research to do about that venerable engine. A good engine, I believe, and don’t let anyone convince you it’s no good because of “ dipper oiling”. These engines went many milles. Perhaps more dependent on careful use , oil changing and right driving.If operated within the engineered loads, : rpm etc, they are properly lubricated. And you have the option of removing piston rod journal shims as they wear! Many trucks this old have had a newer gm engine installed, and this would be fine.The four speed transmission is very common , and the most desirable. If you plan to trailer the truck home, that will be a fun trip. Actually driving the ‘53 back to Alaska, now there’s a classic adventure! And I would envy you if you do that! Charley
~Charley 1954 Chevy 3100 with 235 261 project engine “Ole Blackie” Follow along in the DITY 1963 Chevy half ton stepside short box 230 1954 GMC 3 ton 302 And several more Chevy camper and work trucks 1979 1987 1996 1931 Packard car, 327 i 8 auto
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!
That looks like a fine truck. Even has two spares, all set up for the Alaska Highway!
~Charley 1954 Chevy 3100 with 235 261 project engine “Ole Blackie” Follow along in the DITY 1963 Chevy half ton stepside short box 230 1954 GMC 3 ton 302 And several more Chevy camper and work trucks 1979 1987 1996 1931 Packard car, 327 i 8 auto
Please go ahead and buy a couple of memory cards for your camera and burn through 'em when you get your truck! Years from now after you fix 'er up those remnants of the past will be gone forever and you'll wish you had them back. Heck, you'll even wish you could record the smells somehow, I sure do. Congrats and have fun.
Matthew 6:33
1952 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 Late '55 235/SM420/torque tube 3.55 Dalton Highway survivor (using original 216) www.truckwithaheart.com
Yup, per the valve cover, it looks like a 216 alright. Very nice truck. It should keep you busy for awhile. Take lots of pics during your hands on projects.
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
hi Tony, that original radio is worth a lot! do not throw it out or have it "rebuilt or repaired" by just anyone, too many got damaged and poorly updated an lost originality. i do like the passenger side mounted antenna, i think it's better looking than the original antenna and in a better location too, that's the style i went with as well
i have plenty of information about rebuilding that radio so feel free to PM me later when you want documentation or have questions.
photo attached of my radio the plastic parts are original so they needed a coat of paint, they fit better than the repo parts i need to find or make a face to dash gasket still, i don't like the gap above the face so i need to mat it out black in there, i think there would have been a felt like gasket in there but i'm not sure yet. -s
