Hello, I’m new to the site and recently purchased a 1949 Chevy 3800 pickup.
I’d been looking for a while and ended up seeing this one on eBay and, to be honest, just threw a bid in sort of just for the fun of it. Well, as it turned out, I won and was tasked with trying to find a way to get her shipped here to Souderton PA from Minnesota!
The seller ended up setting me up with someone who seemed at first to be a great option but after many delays and unbelievable excuses, I had enough and ended up renting a trailer and going to pick it up myself.
I ended up making the round trip in three days. The day I loaded her it was a sunny and cold -18 degrees and had a heck of a time getting the trailer to tip as the hydraulic fluid must have been just about frozen.
All in all the trip went well. When I got home, I was anxious to get to work and hoping for good luck with the original engine. Unfortunately, it was no good. Ended up grabbing one from a 1950 3600 in Virginia that I’m still waiting to put in.
The truck was in good shape. Plenty of dings, scratches and dents but surprisingly no really bad rust issues. The front end needed some help, king pins were totally shot, tie rod was bent. I’m still trying to track down the right tie rod ends. Front wheel cylinders weren’t salvageable. Drums have a lot of meat on them but seem like they may be warped a little bit. The rear wheel cylinders seem re-buildable but I may buy new ones anyway since the rest of the braking system will be brand new up to the wheel cylinders.
That’s pretty much where I am so far. I must admit that I wasn’t looking for this much of a project but can’t say I didn’t expect it. I’m having fun and my daughters like to get their hands dirty with me every now and then so it’s definitely worth it. But that said, I’ll never buy a vehicle without seeing it in person again! Haha.
This is my first project, but I also have a 1930 model A Ford Sedan in the garage that is an older restoration that I purchased in that condition a couple years ago.
Guess that’s it for now. Looking forward to any advice anyone may have on these one tons.
Steve, welcome to the 'bolt. It looks like you have a pretty solid truck... and a good start. You will get plenty of advice by asking questions in the applicable forum. I'm sure the one ton folks will be salivating all over it.
Another quality post. Real Trucks Rattle HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure! One tons can be a bit of a challenge to get brake parts but the experts here will help.
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)
Steve, welcome to Stovebolt. Consider yourself at home now. In spite of all the "unforeseen" work it is a journey and we're here to help. A little patience and a little luck you will be surprised. It looks as if you have a good start on it and well on your way to a good daily driver. The time with the kids is invaluable no matter what you paid for it. Enjoy it, they grow up. ......and yes, pictures can hide a million sins on these old trucks but in real life they tell quite a story. Enjoy it and visit us regularly. We have a tremendous amount of talent here and folks willing to help.
Hi Steve, Great truck you have there. I too have a 3800 series with a 9' bed from 1950. I live in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, too bad we couldn't have met up when you were here. A lot of the sheet metal is shared with the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. Exclusive to the 1 ton are the bed sides, front bed panel, running boards, and running board aprons. Those parts are a bit harder to locate vs. the smaller trucks. Take good care of the brake drums - those are virtually non-existent for the 1 ton. Lots of parts are out there, just need to keep digging. Good luck with your work on it, and have fun with it. Tom
What kind of nut job would want one of *those* ???
Welcome Aboard!!
John
~ John
"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are"
1948 International Farmall Super A 1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
Greetings - just saw your intro. There's a bunch of us over in Lower Bucks County. Give me a holler. We always look for places to cruise to. Maybe a wrenching visit is in order.
Welcome Steve! As a fellow 3804 owner, glad to see another” icon” locally! Used to work in Souderton, now out of Harleysville. As Amtrak Joe mentioned, there’s at least 7 bolters in lower Bucks and Montgomery counties. As mentioned in another thread, looking to be a great summer getting together with our trucks. Good luck! Jim
~ Jim Schmidt, Bucks County, PA 1953 Chevrolet 3804 1-ton In the DITY Gallery
That’s good to hear guys, I should be able to pm soon and I’ll try to get in touch! I’m getting pretty close to being ready for the road. Thanks for reaching out Amtrak Joe, and that’s a great looking truck Jim!
Welcome from a fellow Montco resident (Lansdale). My project is a work in progress. I was practicing welding today until the cold chased me in. Hope we cross paths one day.
