After doing this for the last 50 years, it's finally finished.
Here's the story:
I purchased the truck for $150 in September 1975 from a friend who had owned it just a couple of years. It was my only set of wheels for a few years.
In 1980 the brakes went out and it got set on blocks in my yard for a year.
In 1981 things started happening: new wheel cylinders, drums turned and converted to 12v.
The next 30 years I drove it intermittently and did minor things to keep it running. During this stretch of time life happened: marriage, new house, started a family.
Around the mid '90s, it was evident that major body work was looming, and I put "for sale" sign in the window. My wife came home from work holding the sign and informed me it wasn't for sale!
2011 I retired and removed the engine for rebuild. Also did brakes, steering, trans, rearend, and lots of other things to get it mechanically sound.
Finally, in 2024 I found a shop to do the body. Now, 18 months later and she's awesome.
Stovebolt was my major source of information and I'm very appreciative of all the help.
Thanks.
Last edited by Peggy M; 06/03/20262:17 AM. Reason: added detail to title
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.
34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
Excellent job, looks fantastic! Time to enjoy your ride!
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
You clearly spent a huge labor of love and time getting the truck where it is today and the results speak loudly! Would love to hear more of the story and see more details as you would like to share them.
~ 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)
I think this is a good place to start telling your story.
I don't know about anybody else, but I'm excited to get to see how your "50 years in the making" story develops.
Last edited by Peggy M; 06/02/20266:56 PM.
~ 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)
Beautiful truck. Now, to quote Paul Harvey: for the rest of the story.
Wayne 1938 1-Ton Farm Truck Stovebolt Gallery Forums 1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!
55, 2nd series, 248 six. Wife and I agreed to keep it as original as we could. The color is original 55 GMC colors, Aqua Blue and Dover White. Thanks Peggy M.
Congrat’s👍Very nice. Big back windows are extra cool and that massive front bumper is awesome. You are so lucky to have an understanding wife that is just as attached to your truck as you.
John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWB In the Gallery My Flicker Photos!
After doing this for the last 50 years, it's finally finished.
