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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 | New guy here with a 2 part question,
New owner of a 1959 Apache 31
What are some good sources of parts for these trucks? Any "must have" resources to share?
Anyway I can find information about the history of an old truck? I ran plate numbers and VIN through sites like bumper.com and other verification sites to no avail. States no info available.
I tried to run it through the CA DMV database as well. No luck | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,109 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,109 | Classic Parts They give a 5% discount if you use the code Stovebolt. LMC Truck Not sure, but they might have a discount also with Stovebolt. If you are looking for standard repair parts like brakes, plugs, tune-up, etc. you would be suprized what you can find on the standard auto parts places like NAPA and Rockauto. VIN/history search might be tough. I have not found a site that tracks this for older vehicles.
Last edited by dgrinnan; 02/06/2023 7:31 PM.
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,150 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,150 | As far as previous ownership, that won't get far, especially via DMV. Ours won't release any information they might have because of privacy issues. And they may not even keep that kind of information. It's not worth anything past one previous owner. You can research original part numbers (at least thru '57 - many being the same thru '59) HEREMany eBay sellers use the old part numbers for NOS parts. For other stuff, try the Swap Meet here on Stovebolt.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 | Thank you for the provided info so far! | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,109 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,109 | You might also want to look at registering your truck here. Chevy Truck Legends. this is an official Chevrolet site. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,109 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,109 | To Kevin's point, I have another vintage vehicle recently purchase and had the original Tennessee registration from about 20 years ago. All the numbers and dates, etc... I called them and they had no record of the vehicle.
Last edited by dgrinnan; 02/06/2023 7:46 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 Authorized Pest | | Authorized Pest Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 | You know, that was one thing we really tried to do since the beginning of this site. After awhile, it was hard to keep up with it. For *some* of the trucks listed in the static Gallery, we would include the PO info when someone acquired the truck. So, the info stayed and new info added from new owner. The first truck here, shows where Kevin Bremer bought John's 1939 1/2-ton. When I'd get an email that someone has sold their truck, I always asked if the owner would try to get the new owner to connect with us. Sometimes did; sometimes didn't. In the FWIW category. 
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804"Charlie" - The Stovebolt FlagshipIn the Gallery"Success comes in 'cans' ..." | | | | | Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 6,941 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 6,941 |
Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 02/06/2023 8:20 PM.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 2,243 Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator) | | Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator) Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 2,243 | I have had decent success with brother's trucks since they got bought out by Holley last year. www.brotherstrucks.comIf you want aftermarket parts/upgrades, speedway motors has a nice selection and generally good prices. www.speedwaymotors.comWhat direction are you wanting to go with it? All original? Minor upgrades (T5, disk brakes, etc)? Full restomod with coilovers and an LS? All of the above are completely valid, but we might be able to point you to some better resources with some idea of what your notional plans are. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 | Im going to leave it all original for the most part. I may entertain safety upgrades such as brakes, lighting, etc.
I will look to this groups and others knowledge on that kind of stuff. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Get to know all the wrecking yards in your area, if on a trip out of town, peruse all the wrecking yards there.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 | Welcome to Stovebolt Your chassis serial number will look something like this 3A59O100001...if you have a factory V8 engine there will be a prefix 'V' in front of the 3A. 3A = 3100 series 59 = Year O = Oakland Assembly Plant 100001 = unit number starting with 100001 The engine serial number will look something like this F415J. F = Flint Engine Plant 4 = Month 15 = Day J = regular production 235 in a 31, 32, 36, 38 series If you have different numbers feel free to post and we'll help where we can. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,999 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,999 | Rovertech, I came across this site recently Dezo's Garage that has a bunch of publications of interest to Stovebolter's. The site says "All brochures have been put into PDF format for convenient downloading." so apparently accessible to all that wish to see and download them. There is a large listing of various brochures posted for both Chevrolet and GMC trucks, although not all years area available. The primary one you may have an interest in is Task Force 59 Chevrolet / models and specificationsJust one of many resources out there to help us out. Dan
Last edited by Gdads51; 02/06/2023 11:14 PM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,150 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,150 | I'll throw this out there again.
I've harvested every Vehicle Information Kit for our Stovebolt years, including that Brochure that Dan linked to from Dezo's Garage. They're available to any Stovebolter that want's one via e-mail. Just send me a PM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 | Rovertech Watch for rough trucks with parts you need, people find out you have this and give you parts,maybe whole trucks,have recieved 3 that way out of the weeds. At swap meets be able to recognize parts you need,after 60 years of working on them you can do better on this. Junk yards have books that show interchange between years and even brands on parts. I have used the same junkyard for 58 years now and they still have some old stuff. A place like the frog follies in Evansville indiana at labor day time is a test of your recognizing ability lot of AD stuff probably TF too. A huge pile at Pamona California swap meet 2 or 3 times a year. Should be be stuff in AR in the weeds, I see a big yard in phoenix probably expensive. Could contact Mongo in Kansas City Mo. he is part of this group. It helps a lot if your running and driving it,when mine is apart don't feel as much like working on it. Of course there is the wanted ads on this sight,lot of coverage there from guys that know about your year. Good Luck with your hunt !! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2023 Posts: 33 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | You might be surprised at what will show up on a random google internet search. Like someone parting out or just someone wanting to dispose of an old vehicle.
Last edited by Peggy M; 02/07/2023 3:46 PM. Reason: boo hiss .... hehe
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 37 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 37 | What are some good sources of parts for these trucks? Any "must have" resources to share? Thought I'd add to the list already shared, and this one has the profile of a really nice truck: Jim Carter truck partsHere's one in Arkansas I've purchased from: https://hhclassic.com/if-1630-contact-us.html
Last edited by ascwrangler1; 02/08/2023 11:31 PM. Reason: fix link
1958 3100 Fleetside w/235 4spd
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 Authorized Pest | | Authorized Pest Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 | To be prejudiced here, Jim Carter and American Classic Truck Parts have been long time supporters of Stovebolt for many years. Always had discounts for Bolters and gave us plenty of prizes for our various doings.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804"Charlie" - The Stovebolt FlagshipIn the Gallery"Success comes in 'cans' ..." | | | | | Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 | Peggy M Your right about Jim Carter great guy,hit a snag on brakes his tech guy didn't know about but he said here I'll send you back to the switchboard I know Mr. Carter is in. Ask him my question he knew just what to do. Solved it !!! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 Authorized Pest | | Authorized Pest Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 | Indeed. I think at the Reunions, Jim Carter didn't stay at his booth very long. He wanted to ask about the trucks. He came and watched some of our clinics. If we were bold enough, we should have asked him to be The Answerman for a "clinic" so folks could know he is VERY approachable and very knowledgeable. When visiting his place, he seemed to know every part that was there. His down-to-earthness was also heart-warming. He seemed kinda shy, except when you asked him a mechanical question. 
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804"Charlie" - The Stovebolt FlagshipIn the Gallery"Success comes in 'cans' ..." | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,614 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,614 | A side note Peggy, Jim Carter came by the Reunion at Mongo’s two years ago.
I sat and talked to him for a good amount of time. Great guy and like you said, he has a lot of info and is really eager to share.
Maybe we can draw him back this next September?
Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck"The Flag Pole"In the Stovebolt Gallery1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most! | | | | | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,293 Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum | | Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,293 | As others have stated, there are many good suppliers of replacement parts for those parts that are available. Sometimes you may find that certain parts are not available through normal channels. When that happened during my restoration I followed this method: 1. Using the factory assembly manual, locate the part number.. 2. Using the GM parts wiki online, learn what model year and model the part number was used on and any supersessions to the part number. That helps when trying to find used parts at salvage yards 3. Search online , google, eBay, etc.. One of the many places I've used to find NOS parts is parts voice. Check it out. http://www.gmpartswiki.com/https://www.partsvoice.com/
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell."
"They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel." | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 | At the top of this forum there is a “Sticky” thread with numerous parts suppliers. Woogeroo has put together a good list.
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)
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 Authorized Pest | | Authorized Pest Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,091 | Besides looking at the thread (sticky) up top of this forum, be sure to click on to Woogeroo's link in there to The Chevrolet & GMC Trucks Parts Vendors List. Woog has done a great job with his list. Lots of details to make it easy to navigate. 
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804"Charlie" - The Stovebolt FlagshipIn the Gallery"Success comes in 'cans' ..." | | |
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