The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Help me with my 53!

Hello all! I bought a 1953 Chevy 3800 (5 window). Some call it a 3/4T I do believe it to be a 1T. Is that right? I dont know what kind of motor it has. It is a stovebolt 6 cyl. I can tell that much. But I dont know the CI's for it. Is it a 235? This truck is in ROUGH shape and has been painted, what I can tell, a minimum of 5 times over each coat. Was this truck a 2 tone? The original paint under the hood/fenders is a lite green color, yet there is a bad "chip" on the box that shows a darker green color. I am looking to restore, not make into a rat rod. Also, the rear end I cant figure out either. Was told it is 488? It is a Granny 3spd. Also, ANY ONE OUT there with one of these? I need help with information on getting brakes (I can only find 6 lug conversions) and parts! Also, I need a "part" truck for it as well. I am in CA, anyone with one in the backyard in worse shape then mine PLEASE contact me! I do thank you ALL for any help. I NEED IT! My first time project other then working with my dad on his old 55 belair's. Just a Mom, with a new project! Chey :confused:

lost53, you might want to put this post in the general truck section,, you will get a better response, this section is for computer/tech type stuff..

just trying to help..
Fred

Standard color was juniper green, a dark shade of green, although other colors were available. two tone colors were not available in 1953. 1 ton trucks came with 4 speeds only and had 5.14:1 rear axle ratio. Yours would be a 1 ton. The engine is probably a 235, you have to check the casting numbers that are in front of the dipstick tube, just above the oil pan.

Chey,
Look through this web site -- check especially the Tech Tips and Features sections, then go to the Parts section of the Links page. Use the menu at the top of this page.

Look for an article on "Getting Started." It should help!

Oh, and welcome to the Stovebolt Page! You're in the right spot and we'll help you get started on that restoration!

Regards,
John

Thanks for moving it Joker, I am NEW to this site "thus the 'new guy' title" But, I feel I should be noted as the 'new gal'

My FAOVRITE color is CHROME!

AHHHHHHHHH I am pulling out my HAIR guys! I gonna LOOK like aold geeeezer by the time I just GET this truck figured OUT!

New gal, Don't go pullin' out too many of your hairs just yet. I actually enjoyed trying to figure out my old truck when I first got it. My '53 has a 235 in it, yet they say that the 235's came in the 2 tons and up that year. There is a reason for having a 3 speed in your truck, but you have to find out why. All the components in your 'bolt have numbers on it and with some research, things hopefully will fall into place. Good luck, when your truck is finished, it will be that much more rewarding. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Some people call truck fourspeeds "three speeds with granny low," is that what you have?

Lost1953,

As you most likely know, 3800 is the designation for a one ton truck. However, it is possible that the hood and/or side-badges got replaced over the years.

Is your shift lever on the steering column?

If there is a ID plate on the driver's door-hinge post, post the number/code here.

If you can find the engine serial number, also post that here - it is pressed into the block in the ledge just to the rear of where the distributor goes into the block.

In 1953, many of the exterior paint colors changed. The standard color was Juniper Green (a dark green) and a lighter green, Ocean Green, was an option ( 1953 truck colors ).

Tim

Added a little later:

I see from another post that you have a floor shifter and a newer engine. A floor shifter 3-speed was not an option in 1953; however, a 3-speed floor shifter was available several years earlier and 3-speed floor shifter mechanisms were available as an after-market conversion (some people converted because a worn or mis-adjusted column shifter would stick in gear).

The valve cover on the engine is from a 58-62 (I think) 235 passenger car engine. However, that valve cover fits any 59-62 235/261 engine. The engine serial/sequence number would help in IDing the year/type of engine. If it is a 59-62 car engine, it most likely has hydraulic lifters.

Tim

Hmmm, Where can I search for Eng numbers to find out what it is??? The numbers I see are on the front drivers side opposite of the plugs. It is 3836843, and underneath that is says GM-29, Things vin comes back to the year, make and model of what he is. But it is L530019255, and that is on the drivers door frame. I havent pulled the cover off, dont wanna do so until I figure out what he is and have a new gasket for him cuz I am sure it will leak worse if I try to put it back together without a new one. Also, behind distrubuter there is like, finger drawn numbers 44 on the front cab wall. Thats all the numbers I can find, anywhere else I should look?

On the engine, there will be a small boss just aft of the distributor that has a number stamped into it.

That number will tell us what the engine is and when it was made.

You may have to take a wire brush to it to get the number, though. They acquire quite a bit of crap over the years.

Chey, check that last # I think it should be an 8 not a 3 that # would be the head casting # and if that is the case the head is from a 56 235 engine.

http://groups.msn.com/acmountainviewranch/thingsphotoalbum.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=325
Is a link and pics of Things numbers. Also 41CHEVY, I went and re-read, the 3 is a 3, no 8. So, a 1956 235 then? (hair falling out again)

i think it is a 235, yes it is a 3800, and you would have the 3speed witha granny low 1st, you have a pretty rare truck, you don't see many long long beds, 1 tons have a 9 foot, and 3/4 tons have a 7'6" bed, good luck

Ya, but rare aint near as darn nice as I figured. L@@K at what I am going threw on day 4 FOUR of owning him!

Just think, the fun you've had the last four days can last for years!

Not a lot of people playing with 1-ton pickups, but they are out there. The cab and forward sheet metal are the same as the smaller pickups, so body repair parts are not a big problem. The rear fenders and tail gate are the same too, so its only the bed sides and badges that are unique to the 1-ton body.

You see more 1-ton panel trucks than 1-ton pickups. When it comes to the frame and running gear, you might find a parts panel easier than a 1-ton pickup. Panels where either 1/2-ton or 1-ton, you'd want a 1-ton.

Your pictures haven't opened for me yet, but one of these times I'll manage to see them.

Lost1953,

OldSub has stated very good information regarding your "problems". Everyone has a slow-learning curve when they get their first old truck. The good news is that the more you learn, the more you know that you do not know. :confused:

Most of what you have posted so far have been questions not unique to the 1-ton truck. Maybe this is bad - maybe you will really have problems when you get around to 1-ton issues? :rolleyes:

Ask John & Peggy Milliman, the owners/custodians of this site, they have a \'49 3800

Tim

Chey, the casting # on the block F98= June 9 1958. Head Casting # 3836848 is a 1956 235, still working the rest. Not a bad looking truck.
Not much of a dent in the front fender would work out fairly easy. Rust on rear of cab can be fixed with a patch panel.

41Chevy,
ok, I got the 235, but head spinning from all the other numbers! :confused:
TCELDERMAN
I am going as I am learning. I need a lot of 1ton things. Brakes are the main things I cannot locate. I know gates, posts, cab corners can be found on many 3/4-1/2T's but brakes are the major issue. Also wondering color as well. But RIGHT RIGHT NOW, TITLE and Brakes! :rolleyes:
OLDSUB,
bless your heart. Thanks! I am sorry the site isnt working try this
http://groups.msn.com/acmountainviewranch/thingsphotoalbum.msnw

THANKS ALL

Oh, and also trying to figure out WHAT the eng, tranny, and rear are as well

Chey,

Jim Carter and others have brake wheel cylinders, master cylinders, brakes shoes and other small parts for 1953 1-ton brake systems.

Will you need new brake lines (a good idea)? Those might not be readily available from restoration parts vendors but maybe you (or someone you know) might be able to make lines.

Good luck,
Tim

Chey,
I just answered your post regarding brakes. Regarding this post, it's been my experience that alot of folks, myself included, buy an old stovebolt ahead of knowing anything about them. Then, we tend to doubt the wisdom of our purchase. I can say that I'm happy (this is me happy ) with my purchase even though it's been a fair amount of work trying to figure out all that's needed and available. I found this webite late in the game so you're way ahead of me. If there's is something you feel unable to do yourself, you can always have it worked on by a local mechanic. Just find one that knows and likes these old trucks. There is value in the truck you have purchased. Someone would probably be willing to buy it from you if you decided it wasn't worth the hassle. But I would say hang in there, keep asking questions and keep at the process of getting it running. They have character and it's a fun hobby. I love working on mine even though everyone around me thinks I'm nuts!!!! :p They might be right...

Nice truck. When I joined I had a '53 1 ton dump (sadly sold down the line twice but not after a minor resto and a good cleaning after working to haul lots o wood!) It's in the gallery.

Anyway, there were lots of discussions then and even a post on upgrading to disc brakes in the front. One thing you might want to look into is the wheels and tires, you might be able to find a decent set of Dodge 8 lugs in 15" that will allow you to run some updated tires until you get a full resto on what you have. Also, watch those split rims! Only let someone who knows and has a cage do the work on them. At the time, I got all my brakes from NAPA. I just went in and walked out with them.

For the rear end, it may be a 4.88. Mine was a 5.13. Topped out at about 48 mph! I put it on jack stands in the rear and turned the drive shaft until the tires went around 1 turn. Count how many turns on the shaft and if it is under 5, probably a 4.88. You can get a 4.11 if you'd like to go a bit faster on the highway!

:)I'd have to agree with OldSub--the fun is just starting. The more you learn, the more fun it is. I firmly believe if everyone who is in therapy now had an old stovebolt to play with, we would have way fewer shrinks. Don't get discouraged if you can't find the parts you need right now, or the backorders pile up. You will be suprised how many parts you can find locally if you find a good local parts house with a parts man who has more wrinkles than hair-- he probably comes from the AD era,and will appreciate someone who is trying to resurrect history. I'm not trying to put a plug in for anyone, but Jim Carter and Classic Parts have been great assets in my restoration efforts.

Took me 12 years to restore my 53 3100, lots of old timers had lots of inputs, I listened to my truck more often than I did the old timers. She knew what was right, after all I took her apart. Signed ORIGIONAL. P.S. My wife also say's she is right, most all the time. No, all the time, at least I get my way when I talk to my truck. Most of the time. Go figer.

Chey - some of the best advise I can give ya - teach yourself not to rush, dont get all worked up and feel you got to get it today. That will only get you all worked up and dissappointed. Sometimes dispite our best efforts, nothing works right. What I do is - dont set goals by a time line. Dont worry about how slow progress is, just be happy when you do make progress. You will be much happier with that kind of attitude, wanting to see lots of progress right away will drive ya nuts. Just keep at it and you will make progress, slowly but little by little you will notice your getting stuff done.
Napa had almost all the brake parts I needed - thing is you have to find a parts man that knows his job and will take an interest in your project. You would not believe the difference, a guy who dont know or care could look all day and not find your parts. A good parts man - will have them in short order. I speak from experience there and I could not believe the difference myself. I would think you might have an edge there, you being a lady that might get their attention started anyways, thats what I would try. Also a Title service should be able to fix your paperwork problems. about 300 bucks is what I have heard - but I have been told that its not bad as your problems are gone - they handle it. I have had friends who have had good luck with those sevices, though I have not used them yet, probably well in the future - good luck - when you get frustrated take a brake and do something else, then go back to it.

LOST1953: The more THINGs change the more they stay the same