6 JULY 2024 CLEANED AND PAINTED DUAL HEADER PIPES WITH CHERRY BOMB GLASS PACKS
Today sanded and painted red those cherry bomb glass packs already attached to the dual header pipes that Cosmo had given me. And I thank him for those and I thank Dan and Ed for comments, as well. See pic.
7 JULY 2024 FUEL LINE AND PASSENGER FRONT INNER FENDER INSTALLED
Today was able to get the 5/16 Fuel line cleaned up and installed using an adapter to the fuel tank. Also put the passenger inner front fender in its place. See pics.
Nick, Good to see your work continues to progress. I would offer one suggestion though for safety sake. In your 3rd pic it looks like the steel fuel line may be in contact with the edge of the frame rail. Movement/vibration of the engine during operation could cause damage to the fuel line without a little clearance between it and the frame rail. Should be relatively easy to gain space between them to prevent failure in the future. Keep up the good work.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow 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)
12 JULY 2024 HEADER PIPES WITH DUAL CHERRY BOMB GLASS PACK EXHAUST ATTACHED TO FENTON HEADERS
Today I got exhaust piping connected to the engine headers. See pics. Thanks Dan on your comment regarding fuel line clearance required away from the frame.
Just a comment regarding your installation of the inner fender - I did the same but found it nearly impossible to get the outer fender in place because of the way the inner and outer fender mount to the radiator support at the top. Someone suggested they installed the inner to the outer fender first which made that portion of the installation much easier.
Today I was able to get the front passenger side fender installed. It was a tedious slow going effort so as not to damage the paint finish and had some help from my eldest son. See pics.
Great to see the progress continue and very glad your son was able to help.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow 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)
17 AUGUST 2024 FUEL NECK CONNECTED TO UNDERNEATH GASOLINE TANK
Thanks Dan for the comment regarding engaging my son to help on front clip work. Today I was able to connect the fuel neck to the underneath gasoline tank using new outside grommet on the passenger side and fuel hose and clamps. Clamps need tightening yet and apply some black RTV around the outside black grommet. I bought new outside locking chrome fuel cap too. See pics.
I think you have the outside grommet on upside down. You might like the fit a little better the other way. There should also be an inside grommet to help hold things firm. I can't tell from the pics if it is there or not. Nick, the truck is looking good and you are knocking things off the list! It has to feel good.
1947.2 GMC 1/2T SWB panel 1947.2 GMC 1/2T long bed 1948 GMC 1/2T short bed
Nick, I will 2nd Twin Jimmys’ comment about the grommet being upside down. On a different note, is the new locking gas cap a “vented” cap??? If not vented, it will create problems with fuel feed and eventually starve the engine to the point of not running, or at best running very poorly.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow 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)
Thanks Rich for comments on the last post regarding fuel neck grommets. There is an inside grommet that was still intact & I've tried the opposite install of the outside grommet & it was worse. I'll play with it more another day.
Thanks Dan about comment on last post about fuel cap venting & I believe so. It is similar to what the original fuel cap but the chrome is pretty worn out.
Paint it black or wire wheel it. It'll work better than the new ones. Vent valve on mine stuck shut after a couple years. I had to take it apart and remove the valve.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
29 SEPTEMBER 2024 OIL PRESSURE, TEMPERTURE, AND MASTER CYLINDER LINE AND DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER INSTALLATION
I was able to connect the oil pressure and temperature lines up and run them through the fire wall and they are attached to the gage on the dash. Also I was able to connect the brake lines to the back of the master cylinder only after paying $40 to a Canadian stovebolter for his brass block and hollowed bolt he was gonna discard. And, lastly attached the inner fender and driver side fender. See pics.
26 OCTOBER 2024 HOOD LATCH PANEL AND FRONT PARKING/TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS INSTALLED
I was able to install front parking lights and I converted to new bulb fixtures that will take double filament 12volt lights so they will be turn signals too. Also was able to install the hood latch panel and have it lock properly. See pics.
11 NOVEMBER 2024 CIRCULAR HEATER BOX DISASSEMBLED, CLEAN-UP, AND PAINTED GLOSS SAGE GREEN
Today was able to address the heater, which I plan to replace the decals, motor, and the heater core. I extracted the plenum gate so I could clean and paint the inside box real well. Mine was an original lighter green for this particular 1952 Chevrolet Suburban so I kept it as close to the original using rustoleum from my local hardware store. See pics.
Happy Veteran's Day to all that served. My Marine son is one of only 6% of today's Americans that fits that category.
24 NOVEMBER 2024 FRONT BUMPER FILLER PAN PAINTED AND INSTALLED WITH BUMPER
I bought a primered black filler pan from Ecklers ($81 with shipping) painted it using Windsor Blue from Carter's and mounted it with the bumper. I still need to mount the front license plate bracket. See pics.
What happened to the chrome bar second from the top?
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Stovebolters, I've been asked to provide pics of when I bought this project sight unseen & they are attached. I will resume my effort shortly. It was a basket case with wrong front grill, dented roof, rotten wooden rear floor & rust holes everywhere. Enjoy pics. V/r, "NJC" or Nick
Nick - So glad you saved those early picks and have shared them here. Your truck looks fantastic as you close in on getting it completed. Great work and effort sir!
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow 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)
20 APRIL 2025 DEFROSTER VENTS CLEANED UP AND PAINTED I was able to remove rust/old paint from the defroster vents by soaking in evaporust for a few days. And used the dremel tool's wire brush inside the vents. See pics. Hey Otto the chrome grill was obtained from another restorer as I swapped rear pickup fenders for a chrome grill. I don't know how the second grill bar lost a little bit of chrome & touched up with chrome paint. I'm not doing a concours restoration. Gdads thanks for the encouragement & my son will help when I need an extra pair of hands.
1 MAY 2025 PLACEMENT OF HEATER HOSE AND DEFROSTER VENTS WITH HOSES INSTALLED
Today I worked on installing heater hoses from the engine to the heater coil pipes at the firewall. Also installed the defroster vents under the dash with 2 inch diameter hose bought from Jim Carters. See pics. And thanks Paul for the nice comments.
Today I began to place the new wiring harness (Classic Chevrolet Parts/$222.00 with shipping) at the firewall. I used the directions provided and compared the old one and remembering what I did when I replaced the the one on my 1948 Chevrolet pick-up. I got a good start on it but need some 12 volt bulbs, voltage reducers, and other items. See pics.
3 MAY 2025 CONTINUED WIRING HARNESS INSTALL AND CLEANUP IGNITION SWITCH FIXTURE AND HORN RELAY
I got more of the harness installed at the alternator and headlight switch. I painted ignition switch fixture that is to be placed behind the dash and painted the horn relay. See pics. And I ordered bulbs, terminal blocks, voltage reducer, and ignition switch cylinder and key.
10 MAY 2025 INSTALLED NEW IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER AND MORE WIRING HARNESS EFFORTS
I drilled out the old ignition switch cylinder (project came without keys) and bought one from Jim Carters ($30 with shipping). I installed it with the bracket and just need to attach the light and other wiring. See pics.
I finished wiring the dash and used a Runtz dash gage voltage reducer. All that remains is to purchase speedometer cable. I also secured to the inner fender walls the wiring connector terminal blocks. See pics.
25 MAY 2025 TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INSTALL AND IGNITION RESISTER INSTALL BETWEEN IGNITION SWITCH AND COIL
I installed a 4 wire turn signal switch on the column without the stoplight wire going through the switch. Why? The Suburban has separate turn signals mounted on the left and right rear fenders. It also has a license plate mounted light on the left rear barnyard door that I will run wires for parking and the brake stoplight. Also, I mounted the flasher and power wire going to the positive side of the ammeter. And installed a ignition resister on the wire between the key switch and the positive side of the coil. See pics.
If you haven't already, get a "12 volt" stomp starter switch with a terminal on the side. Connect that terminal to either end of the wire that runs from the resistor to the coil+. It'll start quicker.
There is one down side to this change. If you stomp the starter with the key off the engine can actually start. It will quit as soon as you take your foot off the stomper. If you want the quick start, but don't want the engine to start with the key off a simple relay can solve that problem.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Hey Bill, Thanks for commenting and that is exactly what I plan to do following along with the directions provided with my new wiring harness. See diagram in the pic with 12 volt stomp starter. V/r, Nick
You could eliminate the "stomping the pedal causes engine start with the key off" problem (if you think it is a problem) by installing a double pole relay like this.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
I took a nap and then looked at my drawing again. It needs one additional part, a diode (shown in green) to prevent the stomp switch from back-feeding the relay.
This is getting too complicated. Leave it like your wiring instructions have it. Just don't stomp the starter with the transmission in gear.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Bill, no need for a diode, as the relay would be closed anyway with the ignition switch on. And there's no need for a double pole relay. A single pole relay isolating just the wire from the stomp switch to the coil would do the trick.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 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.
Kevin is right. The other 2 drawings are way over engineered. This would work using a common automotive cube relay.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
The only reason I'm so paranoid about this is that I once accidentally activated the stomper while lying on the floor of my truck, working under the dash. The transmission was in reverse. The engine actually started (6 volt starter running on a 12 volt battery, HEI ignition and a good working Carter YF). It seemed a lot longer than a second or two before I could roll off the stomper. Luckily, I was in the driveway with lots of room.
Last edited by Bill Hanlon; 05/26/20251:56 AM.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
1 JUNE 2025 LEFT REAR SUBURBAN DOOR TAIL LIGHT/STOPLIGHT SWITCH INSTALL AND A REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT INSTALL
I bought ($115 with shipping) a switch and 2 front halogen 12 volt sealed beam headlights from Jim Carters and that was with the recent holiday 10% savings. I had to use dremel stone grinder to make the hole larger (no plug and play with parts anymore). Also got one of the rear turn signal fixtures installed. See pics.
