Just wanted to introduce myself here just retired today from being a field service engineer. I did recently attend the Smokey Mountain nationals as I have interest in these trucks. I did recently purchase a 1955.1 6 cylinder three on the tree unfortunately I have to fix a couple issues before I can drive it that I was not aware when I bought it. I will post those issues elsewhere as I could use some guidance. I kinda like the idea of leaving this truck alone, but would also like to build/ buy another truck that I could actually drive to the nationals next year. Thks
Welcome Greg, retired today and already have an old truck? Great! Depending on what issues you have, you may be able drive a considerable distance. I'm sure you will get guidance here once you post what you need help with. Don't be shy.
Welcome to the Bolt Greg! Guessing from the car in the background that your not a novice to wrenching. From what I can see of the truck, it looks like it's in pretty good shape and I'm with Leo on the potential for the potential to drive considerable distances. Be sure to check out our Legacy Tech Tips, as well as looking into each of the "Shop Forums" for more recently published "Tech Tips". You may find answers to some of your already identified problems in those places. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about your truck.
~ 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 everyone for the welcome. We flied out to the Smoky event but would like to drive next year. I’m not new to wrenching but new to the 47-55 year AD. That legacy tech tip will sure keep me busy reading!
I also have a question. I tried posting a new thread in the driveline forum. It errors for forbidden you don’t have access to this resource? I tried originally to post new tread with picture attachment and without same error.
Greg, after you fix the few issues on your truck that you mentioned, there is absolutely no reason you shouldn't be able to drive it to the Nationals. No need to buy another truck.
I've been driving Ol' Roy for the last 4 years as a regular truck in rotation with my other vehicles (all antiques - I own no modern cars). I've put 11,000 miles on it in that time. It is a 216, 3spd, 4.11:1 rearend.
I drive it 60 on the freeway. It has never been restored, just repaired. These vehicles are perfectly usable as-is. Yours is probably in better condition than mine. You also have a 12v electrical system, Bendix brakes instead of Huck brakes and a 235 or 261 instead of a 216. Your upgrades are already installed!
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)
Guessing from the car in the background that your not a novice to wrenching. 