The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk About to purchase '53 3800 One Ton

Ok, I finally got some pictures and figured out how to use the photobucket place. I posted a bunch for ya'll to look at.

Couple questions?

1-Are the rims split rims?
2-The 3 lights on top of cab, standard or added?
3-What's the thing coming out of steering column on left?

I have not purchased this truck yet. In my friends barn since mid '70's. Either has 31k miles or 131k , gonna have to look into it.

Left fender dented a bit but no other body damage on the vehicle. Minimal rust to exterior. Will have to clean up that dirty 'ole engine. I have been told it isn't too difficult to clean up.

Anyway, we have not decided on a price yet. I was thinking $600- $1200 for it. Any suggestions, answers, opinions, or ideas, feel free to let loose with them.

Thanks,

Huthip

http://photobucket.com/huthip3800

That looks like a good project truck. The rims will be multi piece rims. The lights on top are an add on for heavy trucks. The steering column appears to have an add on blinker control.

Also, the speedometer is not original and the motor has been updated. I would look at the frame closely. The bed mounted on steel beams may have been a little hard on the frame. I would check it for cracks, especially if there has been welding involved. That is just my opinion.

Thanks for the help! Just to clarify, you are saying that these are not split rims, correct.

Curtis

The thing sticking out on the left side of the steering wheel is the turn signal switch.

The reason the clutch and brake pedals are so small is there are rubber covers that go over them. You can get those from any of the vendors.

There have been numerous threads posted here regarding what to do, and what to check before attempting to start it---the most important being to drain and clean the gas tank. A search of the forums should turn up plenty of good information.

As far as price--obviously whetever two people can agree upon, and the cheaper the better! I would probably try to stay toward the lower end of the range you mentioned.....but that's just me! Whatever you're comfortable with is a fair price. You'll end up sticking a fair amount into it just making it roadworthy, plus whatever improvements and fixes you do after that.

Looks like a fun project. Good luck with it, and keep us posted!

120 MPH speedo .. so the odometer reading is meaningless. Brings back memories of my 3800, same green color too. But yours is a dually -- cool .

The rims, yep - sorry!! (I have 9 sitting in my barn.. )

A lot of add-on on this truck. (Check numbers to see what's original.) Good luck.. let us know.

Oh yeah - price... Since it's gonna cost a bunch to bring her back so I agree with Rich.

(It always takes more than you expect even when you expect it will).


Nice project truck.

The speedometer and the extra gauges in the center of the dash are '59-'60 Chevrolet passenger.

The front wheel is a single wheel style (as opposed to a dual wheel) and the lugs/wheels in the back aren't from a 1-ton Chevy of that year. Looks like someone has added the dual wheel rear end and associated dual wheels.

ol Blue, you are right about the wheels. (missed that - was going down memory lane.) On closer examination the duals in the back are 5 lug / not eight, and the fronts are the traditional 8 lug/splits. So there are a lot more changes in this truck than I thought upon my quick glance (and I thought there was a bunch). Should have enlarged the pics (he he)

Well shoot, starting to get scared about buying it. Is it a big deal that dualls were added.

I guess it depends on what you want. Are you after a stock restoration? Lots of people buy a truck and make all kinds of modifications to it. This one has just been modified by someone else! If it's stuff you can live with, go for it. That's something you will have to decide.

The guys have alot of good advise and answers so far. I have a 1951 3800, and I feel like I can send some good advise too. They're right about the 5 lug wheels in the rear, it should have 8. The lights on top were definitely added. It's hard for me to tell exactly what engine is in it, but it doesn't look like a 216. The cool part about the 1 tons is the fact that each one is different due to the add-ons. I'd be curious to see if it was purchased as a cab & chassis, or that's a factory grain bed (at least that's what it looks like). The truck is in great shape and should be fun to get rolling. Most of the chassis parts are readily available, and some are compatible with the 3/4 tons. Unfortunately, you'll find that they're more expensive than the 1/2 tons. Obviously, interior/body parts are the same as the 1/2 tons. I love our 1 tons because they're unique. Check mine out for reference. I paid $525 and I've invested close to $2000 to get it running and completely replaced all of the brake components. I still need to replace the tires, and if you stick with the 17 inch oe, they run over $100 per tire! Check the forums, alot of guys have good suggestions for converting to other sizes. Good luck with your project,...don't pass on the opportunity!

Hey Android,

Thanks for the advice. I feel a little better now, even though I appreciate all of the comments. I do like the idea of having something unique to work with.

I enjoyed your slide show, it really does look like mine. Mine is also in a barn where it has been since the '70's. Gonna be fun getting it out of there.

Huthip

Ya know, there were a few times I asked myself, why didn't I get a 1/2 ton, especially when it came to the bed. But now that I am almost done (She will be "finished" in May), I wouldn't want any other AD truck.

The 3800 is one cool AD !!

So's the 3804, frenz.

Hurthip, that is definitely not the original engine. I'm going to hazard a guess that it is a 235 full-pressure engine from the late 50's - a good swap - but a search of its number (stamped into a boss near the distributor) will tell all. The 3-bar on the cab might have been a local compliance measure by the owner who changed out the rear axle and put on the bed. That bed would not comply here, as it should be clamped to the frame and gasketed. Bolting to a horizontal flange is a no-no. But if the frame has no visible cracks - particularly where the front of that subframe is bolted to the frame - you will be okay to do it over, with gaskets and u-bolts.

The general condition of your find appears good. I'd get it if you like it. The swapped rear axle probably has a lower numeric gear ratio - for a higher sustainable road speed than the original truck, which was astonishingly slow and hard on fuel.

Even so, you will be paying more to make this heavy old horse work than you would for a half-tonner. So she won't be the best daily driver. But that, right there, would be a real truck, not like these little bitty imitation trucks you mostly see...

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I like the idea of having something a little different. I will get the numbers off of the engine to see exactly what it is.

Huthip

You should buy it - if you want it. The rear wheels are interesting. I first thought the axle was from a 1 1/2 ton but one picture shows the tire size as 7.00-18 or 7.00-16. And the wheel dish/disc is almost even or flush with the axle flange. I think there is some kind of adapter converting from 8 lug to 5. Or not. The front are surely the orignal 17" 3-piece rims. I agree the motor is a later 235 with the low-style water pump. The body is solid... But there is LOTS of rust on the motor. Is it stuck? You should drag it outside in good light and really look it over.
Go for it!!

One of my friends owns a mechanic shop and he is going to go look at the engine with me. He agreed from the pictures that it isn't the original engine. I will try to get some numbers off of it.


THanks

Hey Huthip,

Nice looking truck. I am very interested in the rear end of the truck. I have a 1949 3800 with the same rear end. I have not been able to find any information on it. If you find any information please pass it along as I will.

Ok, I will. Hopefully will have it within a month or so.