So after owning it since probably 8yrs, I finally spent time on it over this past year and got my 1957 Chevy 3100 on the road. The original plan was a full rolling chassis with the IFS and 4link rear, discs all around, etc, etc. That didn't happen and the itch to just drive it outweighed the dream scenario. So I did what was necessary. I had a spare drag race fuel cell laying around so I put that in the bed, replaced the fuel pump, a new carb (Mike's Carburetor Parts - single barrel replacement), battery, brake master cylinder and all four wheel cylinders, the front hubs were 5lug while the rear were 6lug, so I replaced the front hubs with new roller bearing 6lug hubs and drums, replaced all brake lines, door hinges, locks, strikers, and most door hardware, and I think thats about it.
Maiden voyage was this past 4th of July and have driven it a few times since. It's still got plenty to be done on it and it rattles like a coffee can full of bolts and nothing related to instrumentation works at all, but I LOVE IT.
More interesting to me is how my thinking has changed. I wanted this beautifully resto/mod truck at first and now I just want it as is, minus some fixed and such. It's got so much charm and character. If i did all that work, I feel like I'm negating all that. Now I have to figure out what I'm gonna do with the 375hp Chevy 350 I had built for it.
Anyway, thanks to all the folks who helped me with a little advice on some of my questions..... god I wish my father was alive. He spent years as a mechanic and a body man as well. He would be such a help, and he would love this project. None the less, Stovebolt and Youtube have done a great job filling his shoes. Thank You all. Here are a few pics of it and I'm sure there will be more questions to come.
That's a beauty just the way it is. Nice to see another old truck on the road and not turned into a poor imitation of a car. Now go load her up with some stuff and drive the wheels off.
You're a fortunate man- - - -you actually figured out that "modified" is not necessarily "good" before you butchered up a nice old truck! Now, find a Chevy Nova somewhere in the late 1970's vintage, scavenge up a good Turbo 400 or a 4L-80 if you want overdrive, and a Ford 9 inch rear axle, and build yourself a stoplight racer with that mouse motor! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Congrats on your first ride and recognizing the charm of an original truck. Now that you are driving the truck, it will give you a good idea of what really needs to be fixed. Good luck and welcome aboard!
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! Can't add much to what's already been said. Nice truck you have there. Glad you got her on the road. Lots of good info on this site as you continue working on it.
How cool. You did everything just as you should. A truck on the road is always cooler than one in the shop. Too many projects go unfinished because of their owner's overly elaborate and ambitious plans. I'm glad you're getting to actually enjoy yours.
Thank you all for your positive feedback, and yes I am happy that I didn't get in to this by making mods and upgrades that couldn't be undone. I never thought I'd feel the way I feel about the truck now, but I have zero desire to upgrade/mod it. I actually regret throwing out the few parts I did replace, like the radiator. I want to try and fix everything I can rather than replace. Anyway I just posted about rebuilding the trans in the driveline forum. Thanks Again. Also if any of you have a 55-57 inline 6cyl, I'd love a picture of your accelerator/throttle linkage. My linkage rod from the pedal through the fire wall is dead straight. It rubs something fierce on the firewall and sometimes binds. I've seen shop drawings of it that make it look like there is supposed to be a bend (upward curve) in the fatter part of the rod closer to the pedal. Can anyone confirm this. I've searched for accelerator linkages used and new and have only found V8 ones. I can't even find a good pic of a 6cyl linkages anywhere including here. Also if you know about the GM 3speed manual trans please see my post in the driveline forum. Thanks
Just a suggestion- - - -take a look at the front cab to frame mounts. It's possible the alignment of the firewall to the engine is responsible for the draggy throttle linkage. A 60-something Ford pickup I once owned had front cab mounts rusted out so bad that it broke the rag joint in the steering shaft. That was an eye-opener of a ride! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
NJ57 project Yes that accelerator rod is curved where it goes thru the floor board felt,should be able to push on it and have it return to idle. Sometimes it's kinda hard to get it all to move as free as it should. Pedal pin can bind,it's keyed to the pedal with a little flat .
