The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Rethinking the '53 3100 Project

So after somewhat of a setback (three years ago this week we had a tornado), I am back at it, working on my Dad's 1953 3100. My original plans were a "resto-mod" with V8, Automatic, IFS, modern electronics and upholstered interior. I was going to make it for me and suit my tastes.

Now, I am thinking of going a more a "keep it mostly original with safety and reliability updates". The reason for the change is that I want my grandchildren (and my sister's grandchildren) to have the 1953 Pickup experience as close as possible to how it was when the truck was new.

My thought is, if I make it "too modern", it won't be much different than taking them for a ride in my 2016 Truck.

So I am thinking along these lines...
Keep the original front suspension, rebuild it and add disc brakes
Swap to a 6 cylinder that has an oil pump
Keep a 4-Speed Granny transmission, but with open driveline
Power brakes
Keep the original rear suspension, but add disc brakes. (I already have an open driveline differential for the original rear end)
Near original style wheels and tires, hubcaps
Paint an original color (I'm thinking Ocean Green w/maybe Juniper Green fenders and running boards) Okay, not totally original scheme, but original colors.
Ad chrome grille and chrome front bumper.
Repair and keep the original rear bumper my Dad made.
Bench seat with reproduction original material, add seat belts
Slight upgrade to door panels and headliner, close to original appearance
Add air conditioning (this is Texas after all) but do best to hide it

If you have thoughts, comments or suggestions, please share.

Sounds like a good plan.
If adding AC I'd also opt for a larger engine like the 261 and not just a 235.

Lynngrove, your plans seem right on the money to me, good luck and have fun on the project.
Steve

I like your plan. Find a good 261! I'm enjoying a fresh rebuilt 261 and Sm420 granny low 4-speed in my '53 1/2 ton. I'm non much for the 2-tone paint, but if it's your thing, go for it, I'm just glad you're not going for the chop job with a V8, etc. Sounds like you've got a nice project lined up!

And a bigger radiator. It is also far easier to run an electric fan. Had the mechanical fan on the 235 in my 52, but there was only enough room for fingers between the blade and radiator. After destroying a radiator, I went electric with an aluminum radiator.

I recall a highly modified 34 Ford roadster for sale at a car show, complete with IFS, IRS, AC, AT, PW, PDB, leather interior, high powered sound system, etc etc. I asked the owner how it drove. "Just like a new Lexus," was his reply. That poor SOB didn't realize that he was totally missing out on the old car experience. Needless to say, I didn't buy the car.

If using the late 261 also use a water pump relocation plate and the fan fits just great.
Electric fan might work fine but they never ever sound right in an old truck.

Looks like a good/reasonable plan, Tim

Just to get the terminology correct in your list:
“Swap to a 6 cylinder that has an oil pump”

Presumably, you are referring to a high-pressure insert rod bearing 235/261 engine, as apposed to the older babbitted rod bearings 216/235 engines?

Both type of engines have an oil pump.

Good luck with proceeding with your plans.

I agree with Grigg on using a water pump relocation plate.

I wouldn't worry about having rear disc brakes, I'd stick with drum on the back. Isn't worth the cost and aggravation in my opinion. Front disc brakes will be doing most of the work stopping.

agree with this one as well, until you get into the bigger trucks that use the rear brakes more than the front, but that is not what you are working on.

I'd stick with standard/original brakes.

Thank You to everyone for your comments and suggestions.

My take-aways are:

261 engine
I know someone who has a 292 that I could get very reasonable, I need to look into the fit of a 261 vs 292.

Bigger Radiator
From past experience, I am a firm believer in having ample cooling capacity.

Disc Front/Drum Rear Brakes
I rode in and drove this truck decades ago, so I would like a bit more stopping power than the original setup.
I plan on power brakes, so the Disc Front and Drum Rear may be the way to go.

A 292 will require modification to fit in a Thriftmaster truck, since that engine is from the 1960s-1970s trucks. The experts will be able to give you the details.
The 261 is nearly a bolt-in fit. You might need to use your bellhousing from your 216 or 235. Also use the 216 water pump and adaptor plate from "Pre-68 Dave" on ebay. PM me if you want to see pictures of what mine looks like.

If I use the original bell housing with a 261, I suppose then the original flywheel/clutch setup will work also?

This brings something else to mind, if all those original parts are used, I suppose I can keep the stomp starter?

Yes, the 261 (or a 235) is as easy a swap as it gets, little if anything to figure out, not even the water pump if you find a 1954 or early 55 engine.