The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New girl on the block

Hi, all. I've been lurking for a bit, thought it was time to say hello. My dream truck kinda fell into my lap in November, while hunting, and I was finally able to go get it a few weeks ago. This is shaping up to be a big project, but that's ok, should be fun. It's become very apparent that everyone I talk to has an opinion about how I need to restore my truck, not the least of whom is my husband and his best friend, aka `The Guys'. Rest assured that I will be turning here for information and advice - can't be having them pulling one over on me! Thanks in advance.

Welcome SilverGirl, I like the handle. What were you hunting? What truck did you find?

If you hang here you'll be sure not to have the "guys" pulling one over on you.

Hi SilverGirl, and welcome to the 'bolt!! Opinions are like @#$$*, everyone has one, but since this is YOUR truck, build it the way YOU want. Keep hangin' out in the shop here and pretty soon "the guys" will be coming to you for advice! Enjoy!

Welcome, SilverGirl.

Hey SilverGirl. Welcome. Tell us more about the truck.

Welcome to the Bolt SilverGirl! And YES tell us about the truck.

Ya more about your truck. Pictures please. Welcome to the bolt. Wow in to bolts and hunts your husbands a lucky man. Build that tuck the way YOU want and let the guys know how lucky they are to hang out with you.

de truck de truck....need pics to.
oh, by the way, welcome silvergirl. This is the BEST site on the planet.

Welcome,Silvergirl

Hello SG, welcome to the "Bolt". What you need to do, is provide a little more information detailing what is your definition of a "Dream truck".
How about at least a year and model, such as '62 half ton short box.

The pics can come later.

John

welcome to the bolt.

Cliff and Robin59

Thanks, for the welcome. Guess I thought the info about my truck showed up in my post. It's a '53 Chevy 3100. This is literally something I had a dream about, 10 or 12 years ago, and have known I wanted since. The day before hunting season, I stopped to visit with a guy about his '55 chevy, mentioned that what I really wanted is a '53, and as it happened, he had one in his garage that he'd sell me. At the end of the week, I had a truck, and my son had his cow elk. The truck's really not in bad condition, he was close to getting the original engine running. It has one cancerous spot, between the driver door and the fender, about the size of a silver dollar, and a few minor dents. When my mother-in-law asked me what color it is, I had to tell her 'calico'. As much as I'd like to keep the original engine, the Guys have convinced me to put a 350 in it. I really want to be able to take it for long rides, and I can see where it's not practical to leave the smaller engine in. But, there will be no hot-rodding, no chopping, dropping, wedging, shaving, ect. Can you see where the Guys are trying to go with this? One of the questions at this point, is what to do with some of the things that come off the truck. (Such as the engine) Do I try to sell it, give it away, or take it to the dump? Thanks again for the welcome!

I had the same problem when I got my '65... but they never wanted to give me any cash for their high dollar ideas or help me turn any wrenches.

The 350 is up to you, but you might want to putt around with the 6 first, get all the mechanicals running good before you get 'custom/restoration fever' as I call it, and wind up with a bunch of parts.

You can really get to know stuff about an old truck, just driving it around, trying to get the little things working.

Welcome to the 'bolt, my dad has a '53 also.

-W

Silvergirl,
it is quite common to see these old sixes for sale as the owner is changing to a newer motor. There seems to be a much greater demand for the more modern late 50s 235s. That said, for the purists among us, when we need an original type motor, nothing else will do!

Welcome! As others have said its your truck do it your way. I say keep the 6. It's lasted 54 years! Good luck, have fun and be safe.
Oh, yea - pictures.

Welcome to the Stovebolt Page, Silvergirl! Be sure to check out the ret of the site, as well. In the Features section, we even have a piece on whether to restore or rod. In the Tech Tips, there's a piece on what to do once you get your dream truck home.

Woog, as always, has advice that's "spot on" as the Brits say. Get that original 216 running and have a little fun with the truck before you do anything drastic. As someone around here has said, "It's only original once." So at least see what that's like before you go somewhere you can't return from.

Besides, there's nothing inherently wrong with that motor -- lots of the guys here drive all over the place with their original six-powered trucks. Cosmo, for one.

And just so you understand -- it's not so simple as just removing the six and putting a 350 in it's place. The rear axle is still geared for the 90 hp six banger. You'll have to change it out along with the tranny. And, you'll have to fabricate new motor mounts and add in a new frame cross member because the 350 doesn't bolt up top the same mounts the six banger does. Okay, so now you have a new gofast motor, new tranny and new rear axle (and a new radiator!) -- you can go fast. But you still have that I-beam front axle and steering set up for 45 MPH -- so to be safe, and to keep your truck controllable at highway speeds, you should update them, too, with better brakes, power steering, etc.

With far more simpler mods, you can get the truck, in it's original configuration, to be a good distance driver and achieve cruising speeds of 50-60 MPH. The guys here can tell you all about it. So can the folks over at the Inliners' site (see out Links page).

But if you go the 350 route -- throw nothing away. Folks here need whatever you don't. And even that babbitt-pounding 216 is valuable to someone. They may not pay you much for it, but you'll be helping a fellow Bolter and you'll be keeping it out of the landfill (or Chinese smelter).

Welcome aboard and get a picture and your "story" to Peggy for the Gallery! ([email protected]) Just posting it in here doesn't count

Regards,
John

Welcome

Welcome to the Bolt.

Wilbur

Welcome Silvergirl.

Good luck with your new project. If you want it on the road quickly then keep the original running gear. The 350 swap will require several modification which will put you well on the path to hot rodding it.
These would include, new transmission, new driveshaft, new rear axle, reworking the e-brake system, new exhaust, upgraded cooling, revised brake system, revised rear suspension and upgraded electrical.
If that is what you want then do not expect it to be a quick or cheap process. Placing a V8 in those trucks is not a simple process.
Have fun with it.

Welcome aboard madam (followed by a gentlemanly bow). I'm sure you'll be able to tolerate all of the hairy legged old men around here as well as the other fair lasses that frequent the establishment.

Welcome and enjoy the best site on the net

Welcome Silvergirl-

Have a great time with your "new" '53. Sounds like you have a very good truck to begin the journey.

most have said it all... welcome to the bolt,, enjoy..

Welcome to the site, lot of info to be had, if you can't find it in a search, just throw a question or two out someone well help you out, looking forward to the pic's as everyone else is

Welcome Silvergirl, enjoy your new purchase.

All of us look forward to your picture and story in the Gallery.

Silvergirl,

Let me join my compadre's and say Welcome to the Bolt!

As for those parts... Please, Please, Let me know what you might want to get rid of... Especially, before you head to the dump!

I get over to Rifle every few weeks for work. I'd be interested in seeing what you might want to part with.

If there's ever anything you might need from this side of the mountain, HOLLER!

Welcome Silvergirl,

You know, every now and then, a few women step forward and separate themselves from the mundane sea of females, joining the extraordinary group of women, considered by many to be "cool chicks". You would be one of those.

Nice find with the truck. I think you'll find you would be quite happy with the six. It would get you around fine, and honestly it is part of the joy of the older truck. As a camaro guy, ya I wish they were designed to go a little faster, but I can squeeze about 50 out of my 49 3100 and it is pure fun.

Good luck with it. Figure, or imagine what you really love about the truck and how it looks in your mind when finished, then work backwards toward that goal.

Pictures

Silvergirl,

Being much more familiar with your location than any of these other guys, I can truly understand your desire to have something that you can run down the highways.

For the rest of you... The town she lives in is both, 30 miles west and 60 miles east of the next towns of any significance. The primary means of traveling to either of those locales, is Interstate 70, with a POSTED speed limit of 75 MPH, and truck traffic that will run you over if you aren't doing at least 85 MPH.

My personal opinion, for what it's worth, would be to shy away from the V-8 conversion. Besides the amount of money and work that's involved, I know the gas prices in your neighborhood.

I would suggest that you take the approach outlined by John Milliman above. Do some research on your options before you commit.

There are alot of guys around here and over at inliners that are running these old 6's with later model T-5 5-speed overdrive trannys, and later model rear-ends.

With that type of set-up, a brake upgrade, and a split manifold w/duals, you'll not only get the speed you'd like, (and the fuel mileage to go with it), but I'm betting you'd be the only one between Glenwood and Junction with that unique and throaty roar of a six.

Welcome. Here is one more vote for staying with an inline 6. I installed an O.D. and new radials that help me cruise at 65 or 70 quietly with no problems and good mileage. 350s have their rightful place as a cheap and efficient way to get more power, but as others have said, there are SO many other things to consider when doing that swap. And remember, it's YOUR truck.

Welcome and congratulations on finding the truck of your dreams (literally ).

I'll second John Milliman. I'm working on another project for my wife by a car manufacturer whose name is less than popular with Chevy owners. While the long range plan for that car is to modify the engine some, to start with we just want to get the current car and engine in good working order. I figure that I can always make the mods later if I want. Of course if the engine that is currently in your truck needs significant repairs, it may not be worth it to you just to see if you like it unmodified. But, I urge you to hold steadfast and not start chopping, shaving, etc. A 53 Chevy looks great stock and those kinds of modifications are irreversible. Finally, as others have already said, don't take the original engine to the dump. I'm sure you can find someone who wants it locally or on this board for a restoration project, and once it's gone, it's gone forever.

S.G. Welcome to the bolt.
Many of the guys on this website are originalist and rebuild their bolts to perfection. There are a few of us here that don't hot rod but enjoy the challenge of up grading our rides. While most have told you to do whatever your heart desires they also tell you to keep the six. If you want to upgrade to a 350, go for it. It sounds like you have some strong backs if weak minds close by just in case you need someone to lift a rear-end or tranny. Hold on to those parts, someone will need them some day.

Welcome Silvergirl,
I been here about a year and I have sure learned a lot.Good luck with your project!

Silver girl, Welcome to the 'bolt. I will add my voice to those that think it would be prudent to retain the 6 cyl. If more speed is needed, there is an engine called 261 that will bolt in to your truck with hardly any modification and will make a real runner out of it. Look over the site and you will read a bit about the 261 engine, I think it will be a good choice to you. You can also use a 5 speed transmission and get overdrive making for easy 75 m.p.h. cruising. I put an overdrive in a 1954 Chev. pickup and it was very satisfactory and would cruise at 75 easily. With a little attention to the front axle like new bushings, etc. the suspension will be adequate for the speed. Good luck with whatever you do with your "new 'bolt", just get it driveable and enjoy it.

Silver Girl,

First of all we need to figure out how to change the name that indicates how many posts we've had on the forum. "New Guy" works for me, but I think you should be able to choose something fun and feminine. Not that I don't love seeing both sexes represented here, but Seeing "Silver Girl" followed by "New Guy" didn't work for me.

On to the important stuff. I just purchased my 53 in October and love the idea of ripping through the mountains in my 5 window as much as anyone. In fact I've got a 283 and a Saginaw 4 speed on stands in the garage just for that purpose. But... I think I'll take my time and enjoy the inline 6 for a while. I have read so much in the forum about the cool things these guys used to (and still) do to them to "hot rod" it a bit or A LOT. I grew up around muscle cars and loved it. My Dad brought home a 55 second series during my junior year in high school and said I could drive it during the winter while my Chevelle rested in storage. I have fond memories of the inline 6 plus, that truck got just as much attention as my Chevelle did (The Chevelle was restored, the truck was far from it).

In closing I think it is worth some time to get to know what your truck was like when it was in its hay day. Then, take the plunge if you so decide. I know I will, but I'm taking some time to enjoy the other side for a while. Either way... It's a sweet ride.

Oh ya... I need to send my pictures in too (dang New Guys... err... I mean New Gals... err.. New People... (Political Correctness has ruined me!)

Mainjet

Welcome aboard! Congrats on your new truck. I have the same problem with the driver door and just bought a replacement. The lower hinge wasn't even on the door when I bought my truck in California and drove it back to Canada.

The original 235 engine runs just fine for me and although I only go 50, at most 60, they are behind me so they're going to have to wait! "the Guys have convinced me to put a 350 in it" - so what do YOU want? I personally don't want a 350 because of gas consumption and it's not listed in my 58 truck manual. I'm learning and need to follow the manual when things go wrong. I have spent the past year and a bit updating things like kingpins, vaccuum system, radio, light painting, etc while driving the truck daily. I think everyone above has got the right idea. The truck is more useful and enjoyable if you drive it daily. You'll appreciate all your work because you see it and use it more.

Let's see a pic of your Calico Truck!

Hi Silver Girl;
As the others have done I extend a "Welcome to the zoo"! I'm sure as you work on your dream truck you'll hear plenty more opinions on the best course of action from the other Stovebolters;please feel free to remind us occasionally whose truck we're trying to re-design for you.We kinda get locked in on what WE think is the best way to do things sometimes. And,for the record,I'm voting for sticking with the 216 for a while if it turns out to be a good runner. If you need to wing it down the road faster than the stock truck can take,the overdrive 5 speed and a modern rear axle would be in order,along with possibly a front axle rebuild and a front disc brake conversion-all fairly easy to do,there are kits available that make most of it nearly bolt together work. And as has been mentioned before,a 2 carb intake and header set will build enough more power to make your truck a real pleasure to drive on the highway.I'm quite sure once you drive that ol' six cylinder for a while you won't want to consider a V-8. Just remember,you have some of the most knowlegeable Chevy truck enthusiasts in the world at your convenience right here on the 'Bolt. Ask a LOT of questions and tap into that knowlege! (They also have a pretty extensive parts trading network too!) Enjoy the journey!
Speed

Welcome SilverGirl!
Putting a 350 in your truck will be a lot of work. It fits, BUT then you need to "adjust" all your steering components, bellhousing, transmission, etc. Lot of GUYS and GIRLS have done it. Ask a lot of questions.

Guess I should mention that I have at my disposal a 350 out of an '83 Blazer that will need (hopefully) minor TLC, and a 4 speed transmission out of an '89 Chevy pickup that is is good shape. The plan has been to install a Mustang II front end, box in the frame, and there have been several ideas about the rear end. You all have me thinking about some of my alternatives, however. I've waited this long for this truck, I have no intention of rushing into anything at this point. I'm getting my pics ready to send in to the gallery, I'll keep you posted.

Welcome SilverGirl, Rod the heck out of that truck, that way you can blast right by those evil truckers...

I would recommend that you pick either the 83 or 89 and salvage ALL the brake components and possibly the rear end (not sure if it will fit)... then retrofit them onto your truck... and when you need replacement parts, you dont need to try and remember "what did that piece come off"?

good luck, and make "The Guys" do all the hard dirty work for you... :hammering: