The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk question pre purchase

I am looking at a 1950 chevy 3100 being sold from an estate. It is a pretty clean looking truck, pretty well maintained. It appears to have a 1954 engine and matching hydra-matic transmission. There is no other paperwork or info on the truck. The man died unexpectantly and other than a title there is nothing. So I have no history. I am unfamiliar with this transmission. Is there a benefit to having it over the original power glide transmission that I assume was original to this truck? Also does the engine/trans swap really decrease the value of the truck. I plan to try to keep it stock and just drive it.

First welcome to the site. The 1950 3100 never came stock with a automatic transmission. The powerglide did not come along until 1953/54 in the trucks. This truck sounds exactly like one being looked at by another new member (Babagunish) a day or two ago. Do your due diligence and know that it has been modified and is not stock.

I agree. It may be the same truck. I am a little hesitant because it has no history. It does seep some oil and I think I heard a little lifter click when it was running. I could not get it above 45 mph, but I was a little scared because the brakes were sketchy. There was a little rust in the rockers and I think a little Bondo there too. Its a nice looking truck, but I am not sure if it is worth 25k with an unknown history. Also, am I missing out on some of the mystique of a vintage truck if I go with with an automatic over a manual transmission?

A Powerglide was a car transmission and was not available in trucks until about 1960.
Fred

Several pretty major modifications must be made to fit a Hydramatic into a truck that was formerly equipped with a standard transmission, if the job is done correctly. That includes changing the shape of the firewall area of the cab and fabricating a different floorboard cover, and adding a crossmember. The rear axle ratio is also different. Unless the conversion was done by a very accomplished restoration shop, the truck is unlikely to be worth anywhere near the asking price.
Jerry

Could the rear axle ratio be why I could not get this truck over 45 mph?

Well it looks like Babaganush bought the truck. See his post.
Don’t give up the hunt, there’s one out there just right for you.

Thats ok, I decided against the truck. I am really looking for a manual transmission. I was skeptical because I could not get the truck over 45 mph and seller could not give me any history. I am glad someone got what they wanted.

BTW, a completely stock truck of that vintage will not comfortably exceed 50mph for long periods of time. They were geared low for a reason.

yes I realize that. But I would expect it to at least get there. Anyways lets stop this thread. There is an excited new owner and we dont need to ruin his fun.