Hello and thank you for allowing me in to join this wealth of knowledge! I just recently picked up a Chevy 54 3100 after a long time of looking off and on. I'm really looking forward to learning more about this truck. The bodies in pretty good shape overall considering, has a more recent paint job that's in ok condition with some scratches and chips, but the original engine is in pieces. My wife was excited for the purchase as well and was looking just as much for one as I was for a truck so that's a bonus. The plan is to get the truck on the road next year. In doing so my wife would like an automatic, which I have no problem with, so to make the truck a little more drive able also I'm looking at putting in a 350/TH350 combo and switch out the rear end also. I'm hoping to find a ZR2 axle for that. I'll also convert the front over to disc and replace the master cylinder. Also thinking about power steering on it. Truck will also be converted over to 12 volt. I'll need to find some vintage style wheels also after the conversion. Other than that I really like the look of these trucks basically stock so little else will be done on it.
One thing that I have found interesting is that my truck is a 54 but has some characteristics of the previous years trucks. The top of the bed sides are slanted not flat. I wondered if a different box was put on at some point which I think would be harder to do if it was a 54 frame. The paint on both the bed and cab have the same paint color under the top coat paint so they've been together for a long time. I also noticed the lugs are 6 bolt instead of 5. The cab and plate in the drivers side door opening are definitely from 54. Truck was made in Baltimore. So I 'm guessing maybe this is an early 54 and they basically were using some of the leftover 53 components. Any information on this is appreciated.
I'll have questions along the way so get ready, haha. I really am excited to learn about this truck and get to get it back on the road. Thanks again for the add!
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure!
The 1/2 ton trucks had 6 lugs for many years after ‘54.
Using the specific forums will get you knowledgeable answers usually very quickly.
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)
I notice the Chevy tow vehicle AND the Chevy emblem on the trailer. The complete package.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Trying to learn the ins and outs of this forums procedures. Seems like the several forums I’m part of every one has a different way of doing things. Which is fine. I just need to learn what’s appropriate and proper on each.
It helps to have your wife on board with your project. My wife is on board and we have had a blast meeting people and talking to people about these old trucks. She has been a big help and we are enjoying the adventure.
As you probably know, the bed is not a '54 and is from an earlier model. With that said if you are not going original and you like it, just go with it.
You will find plenty of help from this site for whatever direction you decide to go.
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
