The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 1936 Chevy Lowcab (PA)

Hello all,

I'm a lifelong car enthusiast, and have owned quite a few over the years that I wish I still had, as I'm sure nearly everyone can relate to. I've had two Mustangs, a Camaro, a Formula Firebird, a '35 Ford 5 Window, and I currently still own a '52 Chevy coupe project. I've worked on cars since my teenage years, but got more heavily involved in building motorcycles. I did a good deal of my own fabrication work, including building tanks, fenders, exhaust systems, seats, and lots of small brackets, mounts, and adapters of various sorts to make things work.

Life then took me a different direction and I took a hiatus from both bikes and cars for a number of years. I started getting the itch for a car again a couple years ago and began casually looking. I've always liked traditional hot rods and led sleds, and even antiques in stock form. I was looking for a car, but trucks started getting more and more of my attention. I finally found a '52 Chevy truck that I was interested in buying, but I didn't act on it quickly enough. I continued to search for another one.

Then I saw a friend of a friend's '38 and I couldn't get that truck out of my head...that is until I started looking at the '36's. After a couple years of looking at, and considering, quite a few different cars and trucks of various makes, models and years, I kept coming back to a '36 Lowcab, so I began searching mostly for that specific truck. To sum this all up, I finally purchased one this summer.

The truck is an older restoration, driver quality vehicle. Not perfect by any means, but nice enough for me. I was hoping to find something that already had an engine/driveline swap, but everything I came across was either a street rod type of restoration (not really my thing), or was out of my price range.

So I settled on a stock truck, thinking perhaps I'd be satisfied with it as-is. It's definitely a lot of fun to drive this old girl around, but it's quite limiting only being able to do 45-50mph. I want to drive it further, and do it safely without getting run over, so a driveline swap is in the plans. I'm reluctant to do this, as part of me hates the thought of taking apart a good working vehicle, but I really want to spend more time behind the wheel going longer distances. 'm going to have lots of questions for you guys. I'm completely new to antique Chevy trucks, but I've learned a good bit already.

I do have a 350 engine that I've had for years, and also a Ford 9" rear that just happens to be the correct width. But I'm not so sure about the SB Chevy swap. It would be the most economical since I already have it, but it I'm thinking more about a 250 or 292 to keep it an inline 6. That's a lot more interesting! I don't need, nor want, a speed machine. I just want an enjoyable truck to drive. Don't need a mustang II, or power steering, or anything fancy. I just need a bit more speed. I want to keep it a manual transmission, so I've already picked up an S-10 T5.

So, to wrap up this post, be prepared for lots of questions on a possible 250 or 292 swap, a T5 swap, front disc brake conversion,a brake and clutch pedal setup for the T5, etc. etc. I've got lots to learn, and a lot of research to do. I've already learned a lot from this site, so thank you all for that, and thank you all in advance for any future help and advice!

Nice truck. You're well down the road if you already have the T-5 and the 9" Ford rear. That setup, with an inline six and a decent suspension, is an enjoyable ride. It sounds like what you're going for is like what I had. 235 with 2 Model Bs, a T-5 with a 3.57 limited-slip rear, gas shocks, 4-wheel power disc brakes, stock rear suspension, and aftermarket front leaf springs. You can travel 60-65 all day and enjoy doing it.

Sweet looking truck. I like it.

A pretty gorgeous looking truck from the pic you posted! Would love to see more pics/views as you are able to post them.

Before you get to asking your questions, give this Welcome and Where Do You Go... post a read as it will help you decide and post your questions in the best forums for on-topic answers and suggestions.

Welcome to Stovebolt!

Welcome and a nice truck. I agree with your premises. My 54 has all the things you want 235- t5- and more and it has allowed me to share the joy of these trucks. Best of luck.

Great looking truck! Don't put an 8 in there, yes it's cheap but you'll be surprised how many people are drawn to the sixes. Just my opinion. Good luck with it.

That's so good to hear, as this is the direction I want to go. I don't need, nor want, to do 75/80 on the high. A safe 65 is all I'm after, while retaining the antique look and feel. Thanks for the reply!

I'd sure like to avoid the V8. Been looking around Facebook Marketplace for rebuilt I6's and got a little bit of sticker shock. I'm patient, though, and will keep searching for the right one at the right price.

Gorgeous truck, RB!

The gang has good advice and it seems you are going in a reasonable direction. If the gang here takes your posts and moves them around, please know that we do this only to facilitate you getting the info you need. It's done to help. The few rules we have here are designed to help, not to hinder, so don't let them slow you down or inhibit you. We're just trying to help. The rules serve us, not we them.

On the sixes ("Six in a row makes it go"), even a 235 would make that truck cruise nicely with the T-5 and a good rear (that the resident gurus are advising you on).

It continues to amaze me that with only a few simple tweaks, that don't destroy the originality, these trucks can become far more modern road capable. It doesn't take much!

Welcome to our site and we're glad to have you aboard. From your past, it sounds like you have been around the block a few times -- don't hesitate to share what you know. We're all here to learn.

And did I mention that your truck is gorgeous??

Regards,
John

Thanks John! I would certainly consider a 235 as well if it accomplishes what I'm trying to do. Are they still poured babbitt motors? That's a whole other discussion...should I stay away from those engines, or nothing to worry about. Also, is that a 4 main bearing engine? If so, anything to worry about there if I would want to do some mild power upgrades?

BTW I have a 1979 Chevy Nova rear end with 2.73 gears and I can cruise all day long at 65 -70 or better. BTW original 235.

Welcome to the 'bolt... leave it as is and drive it!!

With the stock transmission? If so, is your tallest gear ratio 1.00? I thought about putting the T5 behind the stock engine in mine, but I highly doubt it even has enough power to take advantage of overdrive unless I'm going down hill.

RB,

The pic of your truck is fantastic! Thanks for sharing. I do love that particular color!!!

You asked earlier "Are they still poured babbitt motors?" (about John's suggested use of a later 235).

Short answer (without getting into the weeds) is yes, you can choose a later "insert bearing" 235 or even a 261 (same basic block) that will easily fit your truck.

If you are interested in more info on this topic, post questions over in the Engine Shop forum as that's the best place to have that conversation.

Same suggestion applies to when you want to discuss other items like "driveline", "electrical" and other such changes you may want to make to your truck.

Keep the pictures coming!

We've got Ron and his '36 started in a DITY Gallery thread. He is getting some more help in the SHOPS forums and he'll post his updates in the DG. He's got a few more images over there already. Of course, I'm sure he'll post more. Follow him there. (Got the link in his signature line, too. )

*Welcomes* and *Wow* posts still encouraged.


Now on a personal note: What a great looking truck. And good location for the shot. Hmmmm ... I see a calendar entry.