The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 3100 verses a 3600

I'm looking at a 1949 3600 to purchase a knowlegable friend suggest that the 3100 is more desirable then a 3600.What are the stovebolters thoughts on this. I believe a truck is a truck so to speak and if you like it go for it.

and a deluxe cab is more desirable than a standard. i have shortened several 3600 and put open drive rearends and 1/2 front axles or mustang ii front front ends.

I believe it is dependent on how you will use it. As far as resale value, and popularity, the 3100 (1/2 ton) will, in the opinion of most, be more collectible. It is just a little cleaner, and sporty, if you can apply that to older trucks as it was a light duty, town crusier. If nothing else, it has been beat into peoples heads for decades that the 1/2 ton is "cooler" so their value is better in terms of vehicle peer pressure!

3600 is just a little more beefy, 3/4 ton, usually 8 lug wheels and intended for a little heavier work. It is less likely that you will find optional deluxe packages, 5 window etc in the 3600 series as their purpose of origin was more focused on work, although there are many out there that do have these options. If your needs require hauling a little more weight then most certainly this is the way to go.

Basically the answer is yes the 3100 is a little more desirable. It is along the lines of 2 door vs. 4 door in the car realm but not as drastic. But ultimately, "if you like it, go for it!." When the right truck calls, it is difficult to say no, and most likely you aren't going to re- sell it any time soon. You might even get a better deal on it as a 3600 so the resale value thing might work in your advantage.

Always buy a bigger truck than you think you need, you will soon be glad you did.

I like my 3600.

It doesn't go very fast, but it pulls trees. A 3100 wouldn't work as well.

A 3800 would probably work better.

But, on the other hand, I've noticed the proliferation of replacement parts for the 3100, whereas the parts meant for the larger members of the chevy sorority are a little harder to find.

As Tomcoe said, it's all in what you like. In my estimation -- at least when I bought mine -- the 3/4 ton rating was a bonus.

But then again, I was raised by a farmer.

I too, have a 3600...you can see it by clicking on THE SLEEPY DRAGON link below. I love it. I think it looks cooler than a stubby little 1/2 ton. I like the longer wheel base. I did swap out the rear end to give me a little more speed but I can still haul a yard of mulch without a whimper. Five windows just lets in more heat down here in the south.

I have a 52 3800, 1 ton puckup. I am often amused by the baby trucks I see at shows. You call them 3100's I call them babys... All the sheetmetal is the same, they just look so small compaired to a real truck. I wish I had a picture of mine beside a 1/2 ton so yall could see and understand.

Well i sold a 50,,, 3100..But i bought another 50..a 4400...i don't know...i just like a Big old Chevy..Beats the newer trucks...hands down..and they can see what trucks were really made for..work..I'd rather drive a workhorse,,than a new truck any day...No comparison..todays trucks are too much like cars..Ya gotta have some dings and scratches on your truck,man...lolol

3100 = 6 lug rear ends vs. 8 luggers on 3600's
having to upgrade and /or find replacement parts is an issue
be it the front end and wanting disc brakes ... not available in 8 lugs
upgrading the rear end to a modern rear ratio and doing so in a 10 or 12 bolt, 6 lug to match the front
issues and availability of replacement parts makes the 3100 more desirable to run. resale is better.

but my 3104 can almost pull a tree if i had a std. tranny, w/ 7:1 - 1st.
yes i do like 3600 on a small frame.
i also like to stop because it's a daily driver. the disc's are nice

but it's your choice
good luck and be happy w/ one

I'm with Grigg -- I also have a 3800 and it's always easy to pick mine out when it's parked in a row of 1/2-tons

Hey Grigg -- Where did they park your truck in Baltimore??? With the semis !

The comments about parts being easier to find for the little trucks are right on the money. But if you are willing to accept that some parts (like tires, wheels, brakes, bed sides, etc) are going to be a challenge to find, you will have a truck that's different from the crowd.

Big trucks rock!


John

oh please

Yep, you need a Dinky Toy 3100, and then put a Pinto front end in it, and this is a truck?!!!

no pinto front end on mine,, it is all truck.. but yes you could haul more wood in the bigger one.. but I dont haul wood,, I just wanna haul a..

Re-Read you own post!

One of the things I noticed on the 3600 was when I was in the middle of fixing up a 3600 series (we shortened the frame to make it a short box, put in a small block chevy and a turbo 350... Jeez, I hated doing that. ANYway... ) was that we had a 3600 frame and a 3100 frame sitting side by side... There was NO comparison in strength. I was AMAZED at how 'flexible' that 3100 was. It looked like it was about HALF the frame of that 3600 frame. Sold ME on 3600's. Everyone's right tho... 3100's generally bring more money and some of the replacement parts are easier to find.

I am brand new to this "truck" thing.. I have spent the past ten years or so buying and restoring vintage MGs.. but the truck bug has bit me so I'm now looking to buy a '49 Chevy 3100.. It isn't running, but is complete.. It has lots of surface rust and two rust through places at the base of the cab behind the doors.. Although I'm still negotiating, I'm pretty sure the seller will take $1,000.. Is this a fair price for a truck in this condition ? Too much ? or am I getting a fairly good deal... Anyone out there who can give me a little advise in this area I would appreciate it.. Thanks, Jerry P. Cram

Hey Petmil, I have seen so many small 1/2 tons all jacked up with big tires. If thats your thing, I say buy a bigger truck and save yourself the trouble. Although I may someday get a 1/2 ton for a rod type project, I prefer the big trucks. I currently have three 1 1/2 tons and love them.

It is whatever trips your trigger. I wouldn't worry about what some claim as more desireable, get what you want. It has to make you happy, thats what it's all about.

Good Luck

John

$1000 for a non-running, rusty truck is in the right neighborhood. I've seen them go anywhere from free on up. It all depends on how motivated the seller is and how tenacious the buyer is.

here is my 3600 , http://www.mrhaney1.zoomshare.com/album/mrhaney\'s%20photos/images/2c76611980d4f2e2580bdf74a8c8375c_11510331430/:album?css=/lib/style/trebuchet.css&css=/lib/style/type_album.css . i hope that works so you can see it.

I went straight to the 3600 because I was looking specifically for an old dump truck. What I've learned is that the body parts are the same and plentiful. You can redo the high torque six cylinder motor or drop a small block into any of these things. Where it becomes interesting is suspension, rear end and brakes. The half tons tend to have things to restore or modernize like steering, suspension, rear end gears and brakes. The big trucks not so much but I love a challenge. It would be way too easy to order some sissy parts from a catalog!!!!!

Ha! They're all cool. Big truck, little truck. Just buy one and have fun. Whatever you buy, send us a picture!!!!