1953 Chevy 3100
Here's the story of how I acquired my '53 Chevy 3100. On a rainy summer day in 2014 I was sitting at the computer looking at pictures of trucks online, as I was prone to do. My 11 year old granddaughter asked me why I was "always looking at pictures of old trucks" and I told her that I had wanted one since I was a teenager. After cogitating on that for a few minutes she said "grandpa, what are you waiting for?" Boy, from the mouths of babes! I figured that this life ain't no dress rehearsal and I decided to get serious about a search.
At the suggestion of a friend I subscribed to HMN and saw an ad for a '53 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup to be sold at auction in Chillicothe, Ohio that September. The widow of a respected gentleman there was selling this truck as well as several other vintage cars that he had restored. I checked out the truck prior to the auction and was amazed at how clean and rust-free it was. The auction was exciting and I wound up taking home my prize.
When I got it home and checked it out thoroughly I found that the PO had replaced the original 216 cid with a 1960 261 with an 848 head. After tuning it up, rebuilding the carburetor, replacing the fuel pump and sealing the gas tank, it ran well.
Since then I've converted it to 12 volt, replaced the Rochester B carb with a Weber 32/36 progressive 2 barrel from Tom Langdon. I also installed his "mini HEI and the truck runs like a dream! I've reupholstered it, installed three-point seat belts, replaced the fuel tank sending unit, installed electric windshield wipers, a repro radio and some other interior upgrades. A couple of years ago I had it painted by a local restorer and had the stock 4.11 rear end upgraded to a 3:55. It's no trailer queen as I put on about 1000 miles/year but never in bad weather. It's been a joy to have and Stovebolt.com has been an amazing resource for needed info.
I just love the color. Nice job on the engine bay as well.