The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New truck owner.

Actually the new truck owner is my wife. I am new to this site and hope to gain some knowledge about these old trucks. I have a 69' Camaro that I have been tinkering with for about 5 years and my wife suprised the heck out of me when she said she wanted an old truck. I thought she was so sick of me spending time with the Camaro that she would never again allow me to purchase an old vehicle. The truck is a 57' 3100 with a straight six and 3 on the tree. I know nothing about these old trucks such as problem areas, what to look for etc. If you guys would be willing to get me started in the right direction it would be appreciated. I have posted a couple of pics. I hope I didn't get burned on the price as I didn't do the amount of research as I normally would have due to being afraid that she would change her mind and I, I mean she wouldn't get the truck. I paid $ 6K and it is suppose to be original with 72K miles. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. The pictures are not very good as we haven't taken delivery of the truck yet, they are from the previous owner. It should arrive from TX at the end of the month.
[img]http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0TAB8A9cVmiZTGedWrIm!KQSS!cjqWVSUQwO5bWqsE8cCIZ5ZMpdqAO9*Dq7j0XTHrZLRXCVkwBxybqf7!KwzhYqzLiF7h5sx9AaDXS7D5q7zqXqhXSKY3w/79375647_1.jpg?dc=4675531179046889873[/img]
[img]http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0TACz*9gV2yZTGedWrIm!KSknz0xAi!wovuk1R6GCFT!d74byxZ*feSHx68fTlUK4DVzAZfiXmQSNHunlVn2G6IfGvfQ4asjKEDeewP5ACGhQmFOJaiWBaA/79375647_2.jpg?dc=4675531179085640023[/img]

Good looking truck.....but...it's not original. It's obvious it has been re-painted. Original trucks have all the stuff it came from the factory with including the paint. He may have meant restored to original specs but those blue hubcaps aren't to spec.
But like I said it looks good. I hope it runs as good as it looks.

You know, I just went back and checked the listing that I bought the truck from and the word "original" isn't listed anywhere. The word "restored" was used but somehow in my head I turned it to original. As far as running as good as it looks that is yet to be confirmed. I honestly don't know what to expect from a 48 yr old truck but I'm sure I'll be asking you guys questions.

Thanks,
Chris

Congrats OldBlue57, I myself am waiting to take delivery of a 56 3100. I'll have it this weekend! Its going to need a ton of work, but its nothing I havent really done before on other vehicles. Your truck looks good.

looks great,, what part of Tx is it coming from? looks like you will be able to get in and just drive it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Fred

I'm not sure. I purchased through an outfit in Illinois that had it listed for sale for a fellow in TX.

[/QB] Truck looks nice and I think you got it for a fair price if it is as good as it looks. The Blue is bright, you may want to consider an original theme of Cream or Ivory instead of Black. Let us know when you get it! ....g

yeah, a number of things don't 'look original', but if it's not rodded, it's original it looks like a cared for truck of factory configuration, which means if the engine isn't trashed and there's not a couple gallons of bondo under that purdy blue you did fine! seems like decent paint, and it does look like you'll be able to just get in and drive

enjoy the ride, and keep us informed - you'll find lotsa help here to sort out any problems

Bill

The black doesn't quite do it for me either. I was thinking of getting the front and rear bumpers, hub caps and headlight bezels chromed and adding nice wide white walls but the cream or ivory might be an ideal. Is cream and ivory the original colors used? Was chrome on a different model?

the original bumper, grill, hubcaps, headlight bezels, and mirror arms would have been "Artic Beige" on most standard models, chrome was available as an extra cost option, usually in a whole package called "Deluxe" - my 57 is close , tho the original was a bit more gray, which could be nice w/ the blue - wide whites weren't a normal truck option, tho dealers may have added them on a few

Bill

I'd go with the cream/ivory on the wheels, bumpers, and grille, too. That's a slick color combo and will make you happier with the end product, I think. Wide whites on ivory wheels look sweet, too!

A very nice truck just the way she sits, too!!!

That looks like a mighty fine truck your gettin' there! Enoy the ride. :p :p :p

Nice truck.
Every once in a while my wife asks for us NOT to own an old truck. I decline.
Your's is better.

Thanks for all the kind comments and Bill no one was more suprised than me when my wife said she wanted an old truck. Can't wait to take receipt of it at the end of the month. I'll keep you guys posted and new pics when I get it. Again, thanks for the warm welcome.

Chris

The first sort of long trip(90) miles that my wife took in mine I asked her what was the best part of our trip,,,,,,her remark,,getting out of this truck she then said, well it wasn't real bad on the hi-way but when you hit a big dip it is sort of stiff...it is lowered with stock susp....good luck on your new baby,,,,,,,,,Fred

OldBlue,

Your truck looks nice.


RichN, Why does a 1/2 ton truck need 1 ton of work? Inquiring minds want to know. My son say's I'm a retard. ROTFLOL. Joker, YOU should have caught this before I did.

Rance

Hi Old Blue,
We're neighbors.

I'm just about to tear into the (long overdue) rebuild of my '51. Let me know if you need a hand with anything, or need to borrow any tools.

I'm also good at "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing", and look forward to seeing your new arrival on the road.

Cheers,
mark.

Regarding Joker's comments about what is wife said about the best part of the trip was getting out reminds me of one my wife said that I still laugh about. A buddy called for me she told him that I was in the garage working on my car. He asked how long I had been out there and she said "about six years". It's good to have a sense of humor.

beautful looking truck,it your's.Drive it around.enjoy it.The color is nice,it's different.Everyone looks at the truck and eveyone has different idea's.Go to a few shows with your truck and see how things pan out.The same old look is just the same old thing.Remmember,The Spice of life.Different looks catch the Eye.A little chrome down the road won't hurt.Happy truckin

I am not a truck owner as of yet but i am looking for a truck in the range of 1960 to 1966 if i could get any advice on what to look for or what to watch out for that would be a really help

i think i did something wrong i pushed relpy or something anyway the blue truck looks excellent for six grand you got a great deal!!!

Jory, I was just about ready to purchase a 66' stepside but my wife decided that she liked the 55-57 best. I still have the gentleman's contact info and pics that for the money I think is a pretty good deal. Let me know if you would like the info.

Only one day and I already got my hands on a truck!! I'm soo excited, I have to bring it home yet so I don;t have any pics, but it is a 62 chevy C10 full load. To most everyone else(you older people with money) it would be a rust bucket but it is an great snag for $600.


P.S. thanx anyway oldblue

hey oldblue57, what are the odds?
i'm from somerset,ky and my handle is old_blue.
i live in socal now, but was born and raised there. btw, i have a 53 gmc. love it.
i hope the truck is in good shape when you get it.
tony

Tony,
I spent some time in Somerset growing up. I used to have an aunt and uncle that lived there. I am from Eastern KY as well (Bell Co.). California is a long way from the hills of KY. I would say there was a little culture shock.
Chris