This post is several years old and the OP has not been back since 2021. It is being preserved for posterity, but further commentary isn't needed.
I was looking to start an old truck project and was having no real luck in finding what I wanted. That's until I stumbled upon this beaut.
It seems that a good friend of mine's older brother (who I didn't know) purchased it from a local farmer who blew the motor after 29 years and parked it. He bought it when he was 13 years old and dropped a used 235 in. He gave it a coat of paint (originally that mustard yellow), got it running and drove it.
Not wanting this as his daily driver back then, he went, like we all did, right into the muscle car phase.
Needless to say, the truck has been garage kept ever since he bought it back in 1965 and only driven during parades up until I purchased it in 2018. To say is clean is an under statement. She has her beauty marks but for 85, she ain't doing to bad.
I want something I can drive so I am updating the front and rear suspension and new 400hp small block w/ a Muncie 4 speed. I am going to keep the exterior as is. I haven't done a car / truck project in a long time so it will be fun.
Looks awesome. Does da 235 run now? Drive it if so. Tons of upgrades for em also. Drive it as is while your gathering parts. Might be more fun than you think. Regardless. I love it. Keep us posted.
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure!
We have a separate forum for hotrod projects such as your. Lots of knowledge in the HiPo Forum.
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)
Nice truck and great story! Welcome to the “Bolt”. I agree with Glenn. Drive it for awhile, it may grow on you.
Last edited by Phak1; 01/12/20211:16 PM.
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
yes she still purred like a 85 year old kitten lol my wife and i have enjoyed it over the past two years and all(most) the parts are in place for the rebirth.
Beautiful.....I agree with Glenn & Phak. Drive it and have fun, it is your dream so do with it as you please. However from someone that has had many, many trucks and cars I only once sold one (modified), and broke even. The rest I lost money on and they were completely perfect. Old original or close to original brings far more money. I tell someone that wants a hot rod to go fiberglass and original cab if possible or just all glass. Never lost, always get my money and more out of it. Nearly 100 year old stock anything gets the bids up. Doc.
Currently making 1954 3100 better than new and Genetics
As far as looks, it’s perfect already. What a stylish look they had. The color and age is perfect!
~Charley 1954 Chevy 3100 with 235 “Bud” Follow along in the DITY 1963 Chevy half ton stepside short box 230 1954 GMC 3 ton 302 And several more Chevy camper and work trucks 1979 1987 1996
Hotrodding a well-preserved classic like that should get somebody 30 days in the electric chair!
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!
It still has a lot of termite food so frame flex with a higher torque engine could be a problem.A 400hp small block will have a radical cam, high compression, and get 12mpg on a good day. You can get a bone stock LS/LT with 400hp that idles baby butt smooth and gets 20 plus mpg if any of this means anything. Your wife can drive it to the store and let it idle with the a-c going.
Thanks for posting your pics. 
