Been a fan favorite of the site for awhile and finally created an account. I just recently acquired a 1954 4100 series grain truck. 1-1/2 ton w/235 inline 6 and 4-speed.
I had been looking for a something that was relatively well maintained to be used for general property maintenance, running errands, helping the kids with their house projects, etc. I've gotten so tired of all the emissions and technology stuff on anything modern that I set my sites on something more old school. I wasn't on the lookout for this vintage originally. More something 60's - 70's but this caught my eye due to the condition it was in vs the price that it had fallen to. It was too good to pass up. My wife spent her early years on a farm and remembers them having one very similar. I'm glad I inquired about it because the owner was a pleasure to do business with. He had it about 12 years and drove it infrequently. It's been mostly stored inside. It came with all the receipts that the owner prior to the last one had saved for all the work they had done to it. Once the deal was made, I contracted with a transport company to bring it the 3 hrs. to my place.
The truck has just over 61K miles on it and I'm told that is original. It is converted to 12V which is nice. It has an Omaha Standard wooden grain box on the back that, other than the floor, is in pretty good shape. The sides are removed in the photo while I get used to driving it. They put up a large blind spot. Not sure yet if I will put them back on or go with shorter sides.
It has the usual dings, dents, and scratches a work truck would get during it's life. There is also some minor driver side damage where the door was opened beyond it's limit, maybe by the wind got it.
I'm in the process of going over it and making sure everything is mechanically sound and safe. Already have the front brakes torn down and expecting to do the rears. I don't really consider that work. It's very relaxing going out to my shop after work and spending a couple hours working on it. I don't intend to restore it. Just make it mechanically sound and use it. Not worry about additional dings.
I am super impressed with this site and how friendly everyone is. I may need to reach out to the group for some recommended parts suppliers and technical know-how. I'll try to do my homework before just posting a question that has been answered 50 times prior.
Looking forward to some valuable interaction with this group.
Glad you decided to sign up. Great story. You know that Bolters are here for you.
It must have been hard to use the site without being able to see any of the pix. I bet you'll spend more time in here now.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
A big "Stovebolt Welcome" to you ShopRag! Bet there's a story behind that moniker you chose.
Glad to see you've joined us and looks like you scored a very nice truck to enjoy both working on and driving.
Since you've been visiting us for a while, you probably know most of the ins and outs on where to post questions, but I'd offer that you might consider asking most of your questions in the Big Bolts forum as that's where your truck best fits size and equipment wise.
Looking forward to seeing you in the forums.
~ 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)
Just curious how long that bed is. Looks to be maybe 10 ft. or so?
Depending on what you plan to haul with it, you may want to go with the shorter side boards, maybe 2 ft. or so. That way you'll still be able to see out the back window.
Bet there's a story behind that moniker you chose. 