The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1954 3100 5-window Chevy "Blackjack" -- "Jumped on this truck!" *

Hiyas, I finally decided to become a member after the forums have gotten me through some uncharted territory.

Lifelong Mopar guy who was looking for a Dodge pilot house since just before the pandemic. Turns out, once the pan hit everyone, was looking for a project and things got dicey.

After having been sniped out of a few pilot houses on the web, i came across a 1954 3100 five window Chevy and jumped on it. When i went to look at it, he had it running, but barely. Was a Florida truck that wound up here in NY after the owner passed and it went to his Grandson.

The truck was in survivor condition. Only changes I can see are a replacement 235 of the same year, and it seems to have an older drivetrain -- the torque tube being of the narrower diameter, a (54 okie wouldn't fit).

And, well the wiring ... oh boy. Somebody kept her limping along by running new wires, even lamp cord... while leaving the old wires in place. So it's a jumble.

The 235 is an older rebuild but super clean and looks to have very little miles on it. Gaskets were all shot.

So far I've done...
* new original style fuel system from tank to carb
* rebuilt the little peanut transmission
* new radiator
* new gaskets on the upper part of the motor
* got all the lights working
* new dual cylinder master in the original locale -- kept the drums
* some temporary floor patches
* new door latches so passengers don't tumble out
* added seatbelts, also for the tumbling out thing, and to avoid dashboard eating

Runs great and drives well. Stops as it should.

Went to a few shows this summer and had some fun.

Currently doing modern tie rod ends, new tie rod (this things supposed to be straight right?). Trying to fix the pitman arm seal leak, found some great info in the forums.

I work seasonally so this winter I'll have time to address the wiring, with a 12v upgrade. Love the availability of parts for this truck and so glad I got her instead of the Dodge.

Thanks for letting me join

Mark

Welcome to the Stovebolt Collective. You'll find lots of member willing to help you out with issues you run across.

I like that B&W photo. Makes it look original. Nice looking truck.

Great write up, good details. A big plus that you figured out how to do pictures. We really like pictures. Looking forward to hearing and seeing your progress.

You're in good company -- a lot of closeted MOPAR guys here

Welcome to Stovebolt!

The thing I like most about your truck is the engine. I look at a lot of pictures of cars and trucks for sale and when I see the engine compartment has been neglected I wonder what else has been.

Can commiserate on the wiring issue. Definitely falls into the "YIKES" category. Looks like you are well on your way with the project. Looking forward to future conversation and more pictures!

I think im just going to pull out every bit of wire and start from scratch. I had entertained the idea of going one for one so i know who is going where but.. man there are so many dead ends where a wires just hanging.
thanks for the comment
Mark

I've always been that way, even as a kid when I had my old 1968 Fury -- it looked pretty rough but the engine was spotless and chrome. I've learned since that "Chrome won't get you home" and I like to keep 'em looking pretty, but stock.

Welcome to the 'bolt. I like the b&w pix too. My Mopar has a heartbeat tho.