The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Just purchased a 1950 Chevy 3100

The person I purchased this from was in the process of putting the body on a 1990 S10 PU (he only has the S10 stripped down except removing the cab). The Chevy 3100 appears to be completely original (haven't got it home yet to really check). He claims that once the conversion is complete and a few items fixed (bench seat, etc) it will be worth about $30,000. I'm not looking to get the Chevy 3100 back into perfect original condition because I want to be able to drive it some.

What is everyone's opinion, keep it stock or do the modification?

Keep it stock. Much easier and just as fun.

Keep it original or modify? That question draws passionate responses from both sides. In fairness to the hotrodders I moved this thread here so they would at least have a chance to plead their case. Most on this site will say leave it original. Modified can be tons of fun when done. We have a couple of Professional Shops as members and can offer some insight into the pleasures and pitfalls. Good luck whichever way you choose to go.

I originally planned to modify mine, but once I drove it, I enjoyed it too much! My kids love it and with minimal adjustments, I cruise with my 216 powered 51 3100 right past the smart cars!

It already has a frame. I'd get it going as is and enjoy it a little. You can always do the swap later if you choose to go that route.

John

I am in the middle of an S-10 frame swap on a 50' 3100 for a friend. The further I get into this project the more I wish he had just kept the original frame. The S-10 offers the power steering and independent front suspension, but the width of the track is not wide enough and the body mounts must but modified. If you plan to use the inline six it brings on more issues. he original frame came be modified later if you so choose, there are plenty of sources for after market parts. I would, as other have suggested, just get it going, make it safe to drive and then figure out what you would like to do.

. . . . "I would, as other have suggested, just get it going, make it safe to drive and then figure out what you would like to do."

agreed

My vote is to get it going as is, drive her for awhile then you can you truly evaluate which direction you want to go. And remember, it’s only original once.

Custom build, custom problems (sometimes.) You may wish to upgrade brakes.

63's brake comment is good advice.

Your older-style "huck" brakes (front and rear) have to be adjusted more often than the newer (1951 and later) bendix brakes.

However, if you keep a check on your huck brakes they will work just as well (and, they are just as safe) as the later bendix brakes.

I really appreciate everyone input. The guy really has his heart set on having the conversion done, health prevents him from doing it so he put up for sale in hopes the person buying it would do the conversion.

I think I will just getting running as is and see how I like it.

I really think the moderator should delete every single hue and cry about "keeping it stock" on this the HYPO site. The paragraph right under the Hypo heading says this site is dedicated to ones that want to modify their trucks. Is it okay if I scream at everyone wanting to tweak their 216 or 235 to "use an LS you caveman." Hands (and comments) off my site and I'll do the same for yours. Live and let live even if it means learning a harsh lesson.

Coil over,

All I was saying is to start stock, and then adjust as he sees fit. That is what I did. I ended up upgrading my brake system, lowering my truck, blinkers, and seatbelts. I am now happy with my truck with my first AD. Now that I have learned a bit, my next one will be modified!

Chris

The cool thing about this site is we can all rant about our ideas. I for one think that some upgrades are required to keep up with today's driving demands, braking and steering are a must. Power, who doesn't want more power (UHH UHH), be that a modified 6 or a late model LS. For me it's all about the look and feel of a lowered straight axle with a healthy small block, but that just me. You have to respect another man's ideas, that 's what makes these Old Trucks so appealing, just being able to make it your own.. Stock... well you need to start some where.

You are, of course, completely correct, Evan

However, what do you do with a topic-starter that ends with ". . . What is everyone's opinion, keep it stock or do the modification?"

delete the post - move the post?

If I may add a bad joke, you called this a HYPO site - that misspelling caused me to think you meant "Hypopraxia"

Folks, read my post above. I placed this thread here in HiPo for a reason. Let’s keep it civil.

Well, you got me twice, Tim. Once on spelling and again on not catching the "opinions" request. Darn, this was going to be the day I walked across the pond without sinking; not perfect yet.

If I need some hot Rod time I got an LS in my Camaro SS. My Camaro has 8,300 miles on it and it is a 2012. I have not changed a thing on it, and do not intend to. When I leave this place for the next, I am sure my Daughters husband will make all kind of changes on I and I will haunt him! I like tho old six banger in the '63. Everyone has their opinions about how they want to modify their truck, and it is entirely up to them. If they are happy, it thrills me to no end. I have installed power steering due to 4 rotator cuff operations as a result of numerous visits to DZ Sicily at Fort Bragg. Additionally, I have upgraded my braking system after almost driving through a restaurant window one day at the height of lunch hour. Please do whatever you want to your trucks, and don't forget to share it with us, inquiring minds want to know!

There are dozens, or maybe hundreds of half-finished resto mod projects out there turning into abandoned rust buckets. With a lot less work and expense than a frame swap, you can make an original-looking truck safe and roadworthy, and also keep up with most of the traffic around you. The hotrodders with their racing engines can fly by you and collect the speeding tickets, and/or crash when they come to the first unexpected S-curve that challenges their Rube Goldberg aftermarket suspension and steering systems.
Jerry

As usual, you got that right, Jerry

The fact is that a couple of us here on the site, maybe more, have been using these as daily drivers. I have over 115,000 miles in 22 years driving my '49. I did change the torque tube to the '57 3.90 rear and added a 3sp+overdrive but it was easy and easily reversible to stock. Many here have just changed out the differential to the 3.55 kit and have many carefree miles.

Good luck with your decisions. BTW, IMHO, there is NO WAY, "... once the conversion is complete and a few items fixed (bench seat, etc) it will be worth about $30,000." NO CHANCE, unless you are prepared to put extreme money into the truck, even if you did all the work yourself. Again, I represent one opinion.

"Good luck with your decisions. BTW, IMHO, there is NO WAY, "... once the conversion is complete and a few items fixed (bench seat, etc) it will be worth about $30,000." NO CHANCE, unless you are prepared to put extreme money into the truck, even if you did all the work yourself. Again, I represent one opinion."

Not in your (or, in the seller's) dreams, Coltonk; not even in your (or, in the seller's) pipe dreams.

I really didn't intend to cause any problems on this site about my post on HIPO. I love everyone thoughts and opinions and very much happy with the responses. I have experience with fixing/repairing vehicles I don't have any knowledge about worth or conversions of a great old truck like this one. Here's a couple pics of my truck as it sits right now. It should be moved to my house tomorrow so I can start looking at it and seeing what kind of condition it is really in. Thanks Everyone!!

I make some pocket change by doing pre-purchase inspections on restored and resto-mod vehicles, often for overseas buyers. I've seen some outrageous asking prices for hotrodded Chevy pickups, but when it gets down to actual selling price, few if any of them actually sell for what the seller is asking. I test drove a 1954 Chevy 1/2 ton in Indiana that was for sale for $70K. It looked fantastic sitting on the showroom floor, with immaculate paint, new upholstery and carpet, "Ididit" steering column, custom dash gauges, air conditioning, hotrod 350 V8 engine, Turbo 350 transmission, independent front suspension, alloy 20" wheels with band-aid tires etc. Within one block of driving, I discovered a deadly dangerous flaw in the steering system- - - -every 1/2 turn of the steering wheel, the steering tried to lock up because of a too-tight bend in a steering shaft universal joint. It also had a fuel pump with a bad oil leak. I doubt if the buyer paid the asking price after he got my inspection report. A few feet away was a similar vehicle, a fully-restored 1951 3100 with all-original running gear, looking like it just rolled off the assembly line. The asking price on that one was $28K, and I'm pretty sure someone would have been better off buying it than shelling out twice as much for a dangerous to drive resto-mod.
Jerry

You have a really nice start, the truck appears to be solid. No matter what you decide to do with it the folks here will a great help and will enjoy reading about it.

Going to deliver a 52 3100 down to Georgetown, Texas near Austin in the very near future. Has a Nova clip, coilover rear, a 435hp LS, 12 bolt 3.08 rear end, a/t, p/s, power disc brakes, heat and air by Vintage, calming sound system, 3 point seat belts, electronic gauges, self cancelling LED turn signals, Alston Trique Latch bear claw latches, electric wipers, and several other things that turns it from a crude 30 mile radius trip wagon into an unlimited cruiser that will easily go 200k trouble free miles. The speed limit on I35 is 75mph but you need 85 to run in the left lane. Any "keep um stock" rides are welcome to join in the trip but there will be no waiting and the 20+mpg LS at 85mph won't have to make a fuel stop for a mere 250 miles. I guess I'm saying is build them like you use them and let the other guy do the same. Why did the owner drop the big nickel on it?? So it will drive like his wife's Lexus but be the only one parked in the row of belly button new cars at the CC. I can't afford such toys but if you can then go for it, plus it pays the bills at my shop.

Thanks for the report, Evan

It sounds like that truck was built by someone who had expertise and $$$.
The best combination for doing/getting a good "resto-mod" to high-power driveability.

I know this thread is not a promotion for your shop, but, it does make it clear that these upgrades/improvements can be successfully done (notice that my purist's inclinations do not keep me from calling the work you have done are indeed upgrades/improvements).

Sadly, most likely, less than 5% of trucks that have undergone ambitious (and, too-often amatuer) "resto-mod" upgrades ever make it safely onto the road (and, those projects leave a lot of unusable and unsavable trucks)?

It pays to do the homework, as Tim said not all of theTrucks make it to the road again "SAFELY". You need to have a plan in mind and research the upgrades you wish to do. A lot of owners don't have $$$ to do it all at one time. Making it safe to drive is the first step.

You notice that the only participation that guy had in his resto-mod build was paying Evan to do it for him. I'm willing to bet my next prepurchase inspection fee that he isn't, and will never be a member here on the Stovebolt forum. More power to him- - - - -I'm glad he's successful enough to be able to afford a toy like that! I had just as much fun, or maybe more, round track racing when I was spending the other guy's money!
Jerry

Hey Hotrod, when are we going to put a road trip together down to Plano Texas to see how its done right? I know that you are a lot closer than me, but I am itching to see more of the country than the State of Virginia.

I'd love to do that! Right now, I'm waiting to see if the company I work for is going to accept my bid on an inspection assignment in Amarillo, which is very close to Evan's shop, and also just a short distance from the crankshaft grinder I need to pick up in Lubbock. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to get paid to make part of that trip! Apparently, the Better Business Bureau likes the way I do inspections on some of their arbitration cases, so they're willing to send me way out of my normal territory on occasion. Since I'm apparently the only master-certified heavy duty Diesel tech the company employs, that resulted in a trip to Spokane Washington a couple of years ago. That one involved an airplane ride, a rental car, and an overnight stay at a motel! Fun stuff!
Jerry