Hello everyone! I'd like to start out by saying thank you for letting me into the community! So here is the deal, my uncle is in his early 70's has had his 54 3100 3 window sitting in the garage since he was in high school shop class. Well he finally sold me it after years of bugging. It's gonna need a frame off restoration but I can't wait to jump in! Just need to figure out where to start. Complete rookie at this but I have always thought they were a beautiful truck! Any tips on a starting point are greatly appreciated! Thank you and have a great day!
I second getting it mechanically sound before tearing it apart. I’m doing the same thing with my ‘52 3100. That way you can see what you got.
Nice truck, good luck and welcome to the “bolt”.
Last edited by Phak1; 06/01/20209:31 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure! Stovebolt.com has a Tech Tip on getting started. Browse around the site, you might be surprised what you find.ðŸ›
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)
Looks like soap and water and some fresh gas might do da trick. Get it on the road 1st. Maybe its better than you think. Frame off restoration might not be the route that truck needs quit yet.
Get it to GO.....and then to WHOA. It'll talk to you and tell you what it needs.
However, if your set on doing a full resto from the git go don't spend your money yet on brakes and such only to have a problem many months later when you do get it on the road. All things in order............
AND take plenty of pictures of EVERYTHING and bag and tag it all as well.
Welcome to the Bolt! Looks like you've got a good solid old truck there. Even more special that it has a family connection. I would second the motion of getting it running and driveable first. Take it in small steps. It's easy to tear something apart into a million pieces and then get overwhelmed by it and lose interest. Being able to drive it while working on it helps keep the enthusiasm up. Plenty of good advice and help on these forums.
Hey y'all, thanks for the insight! The panels are worse off than they look though. I'll take more pics when i get home tonight. Theres 2 small holes in the frame toward the back of the bed. Cab corners are rotted out. He had electrical issues im guessing, the starter, alternator and the little black box on the driver side of the firewall are off the truck. The 3spd linkage looked prettt sloppy. Completely new to all this. So I greatly appreciate the help. I'm waiting to be allowed to pm people!
Not to mention it will never pass inspection. I'm not even certain about how to insure this thing? I haven't even transfered it yet with all thee nonsense going on
That thing is a rolling time capsule, I'm with the rest get it going and make it safe. You can always do a frame off later if you still want.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
Come Bleed or Blister, something has got to give!!! | Living life in the SLOW lane
Nice truck i have a 1955.1 in the same condition . One of my first times on the road to the store, an older gentleman commented that he used to drive one when he was younger. He asked a few questions and we parted ways. As i was just about through the store doorway he yelled out "Don't paint it ". I didn't think much about it but eight years later i still have strangers say the same thing. Something about the rust that people love. You might grow fond of it too. Good luck with whatever you do and remember it's YOUR truck
Hey guys, just got home. I'm going to snap some pictures of the body and frame damage. If y'all still think get it rollin then worry I'll take your advice. Y'all know what you're talking about. I'm new too it!
Anyone have any info of how to insure it? Or a recommendation on a company to insure it with! I'll have to order the maintenance manual for the truck and start tinkering with the motor and try to get it to move under it's own power. Thanks guys!
I went thru USAA For insurance and they directed me to American Collector’s Insurance Company.. I have it registered as a historic vehicle so I’m limited to 1,000 miles a year, to going to events and an occasional jaunt about town. This does sound a bit limiting but I have collision/comp and liability for less than two hundred dollars a year. If I registered it as a daily driver it would be well over a thousand.
Last edited by Phak1; 06/03/202012:24 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
I am just now seeing this. That is a nice 54. You have come to the right place for help. These guys will not steer you wrong. There is a wealth of information and knowledge here and as I can see from your other posts you are quickly finding that out.
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
