HI!, and finally glad to join Stovebolt after eavesdropping for some time. This is probably the most helpful site on vintage GM/Chevy's that I've ever used ( thanks to Stovebolt for ideas on body sheet-metal re-installation sequence etc). I've had my '53 3600 3/4 ton pickup for about twenty years now, the majority of it being in our pole barn awaiting restoration completion. Picked it up from our township fire chief when my youngest daughter was in eight grade. Being retired for three years, I have no excuses for letting it sit any longer. Everything but the cab is off the frame (which I've cleaned, fixed and resealed/painted) and I've FINALLY painted the body sheet metal with what is in between the original burgundy and red. It was an old farm truck and had a sufficient amount of rust on it that required replacement panels and lotsa welding, but doing manual things, like my father did with us growing up, has been somewhat therapeutic, having been in IT those many years.
It was last running about three years ago and ready to pull it out of the pole barn when the temps let up. Meantime, I'm putting the body back together starting with the hood. Posting this also on the DITY gallery section ==> To make sure I don't screw things before turning her over after the 3 year 'sleep': I've already given each cylinder a shot or two of WD and let it sit for a couple day. Then I was thinking of an oz of kerosene mixed with 10W30 in each cylinder and let it set for another day or two, then try and hand-crank the flywheel just to coax things loose. Does this make sense...other suggestions? Thanks!
TS3600, welcome to the Stovebolt and thanks for the pictures. I love the color....it sure looks like the color I'm painting my 50 Chevy Coupe. (Chrysler Crimson Red)
Perhaps your daughter can still be a part of the project. My youngest daughter still remembers quite well helping me on my 37. Good luck, post questions in the garage forums and we'll do the rest.
Welcome to the 'bolt.. I love the "ticket magnet red" paint! There are previous threads that discuss how to "wake up" an engine that has been sitting for a while... use the search function.
Another quality post. Real Trucks Rattle HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure!
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)
First, welcome to the”Bolt”! Your absolutely right that it is the best site to help restoring your Stovebolt. Your well on your way to getting your truck on the road and I love the color!
Originally Posted by TS3600
It was last running about three years ago and ready to pull it out of the pole barn when the temps let up. Meantime, I'm putting the body back together starting with the hood. Posting this also on the DITY gallery section ==> To make sure I don't screw things before turning her over after the 3 year 'sleep': I've already given each cylinder a shot or two of WD and let it sit for a couple day. Then I was thinking of an oz of kerosene mixed with 10W30 in each cylinder and let it set for another day or two, then try and hand-crank the flywheel just to coax things loose. Does this make sense...other suggestions? Thanks!
Now I know that this is not the forum for giving advice, but since you haven’t posted your question to the correct forum and I believe that it’s imperative that you perform this step, I going to break the rules. Make sure you prime the oil system until you see oil coming out of the both the furthest rockers, front and back. If you don’t know how to do this, either do a search or post a question in the “Engine” forum and I or others will walk you thru the procedure.
Welcome Centre moderator “Achipmunk”, please forgive me!
Last edited by Phak1; 01/23/20215:01 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
You're already helping- I'm headed out in a few to check out the oil and engine. And will be utilizing the DIY forum for help and hopefully also to offer advice down the road. Though it sounds like you've all got lots of experience, vehicles, and good memories, in your 'portfolios' :^). The deep red looks a lot like the chassis paint chip I pulled off years ago. I was lucky that my family staged an intervention after my first spray this past September on the body panels, and convinced me to forgo the "Big Daddy" Mysterion yellow that I'd pruchased 20 yrs ago (and still good!) thinking it was Cream Medium- not! :^O. Thanks for the words of encouragement, warm welcome and advice again, everyone.
TS 3600 Nice truck lube your valve guides and watch for gum,once changed out a 235 drove the doner to the shop in about a week went to start the donor engine heard a clash got out just in time to see another sticky valve fly shut and kink a push rod right over.Well that is not so bad but if a piston gets to one that can be disaster ! Good Luck with your project---- more pictures please !!
I remember my dad paying very particular attention to the valves, clearances and lubrication many years ago. Thanks fixite7...your post will serve as good caution when I get under that hood soon (and the metal doesn't freeze to my hand 😆)
