The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Where do I start: 1954 Chevy 3100

I bought a 54 Chevy 3100 and am not sure what to do first. The truck runs and has all the parts but I would like to do a complete restoration.
What area should I tackle first? I am not very handy but could take body apart for painting? or should I do mechanical first such as engine overhaul, rebuild transmission etc?
Any directional help appreciated.
Richard

What kind of money are you planning to spend?

Welcome to the forum, Richard.

You have jumped into a challenging undertaking. You might want to start by obtaining "How To Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup". This is about a model of truck similar to yours and it will give you an idea of the scope of the project and expertise needed to carry out a restoration.

The main factors needed for a restoration: money, time, tools, shop space and storage space, mechanical skills, experience, patience, perseverance, organizational skills, and money (again).

And, and it is good to have an understanding that a total restoration is not an investment (an investment is an intention to make money on a financial undertaking).

It's hard to suggest where to start, without knowing more about your truck's condition. Also, do you want to get right to the restoration or do you want to get the truck running and then drive it for a while?

You do not indicate in your Profile where you are located. It would be real nice for you to find someone nearby who might be able to assist and encourage you.

Tim

Don't go nuts, is my advice.

Overhaul the brakes and the chassis, fix whatever electrical issues she might have, and then run the old girl for a while. She'll tell you what she wants to make her strong and reliable, and once that is done, you can set about making her pretty.

Above all, do not hurry.

My first suggestion would be to make it roadworthy and drive it. See how you like driving an old stock truck.

Brakes are the first thing to inspect and repair, the repair would be needed in the restoration anyway.

Just familiarizing yourself with the truck will help you decide which direction to go. Since you admit that you are not very handy, I think that a restoration would be too much for you at this time. I would think that after driving it awhile, you would rethink the restoration and make it a nice driver.

As stated before, buy a few books on your truck. Read through the many great tips found in the Tech tip section,

TAKE AN INVENTORY OF WHAT IS MISSING AND WHAT NEEDS WORK ON YOUR TRUCK.

I feel that is an important point that needs to be made, otherwise you have no benchmarks in achieving your goals. If you just start taking it apart, most likely it will never be put back together!

Areas that need special attention:

BRAKES -Don't scrimp here, this is not the place to cut corners! Check all of the brake lines, master cylinder, brake cylinders and brake shoes. Don't forget the parking brake!

TIRES - Another important safety concern. Look for dryrot, wear, road damage and replace where needed.

FUEL TANK AND SYSTEM - Flush out the gas system if it has been sitting for any length of time. Check the fuel hoses and filter. Make sure your fuel gauge works correctly! This may prevent you from walking home.

LIGHTS/ELECTRICAL - Check the wiring under the dash for problems/bad splices etc. Make sure that you have a solid ground from the engine to the frame, this will make your lighting system brighter.

FRONT SUSPENSION - Check for loose steering, tire wobble and any other poor handling conditions. Replace king pins if necessary, get the front end aligned. Change the shocks, they probably haven't been changed in years.

ENGINE - Do a complete tune-up and inspect the engine for oil leaks. replace valve cover gasket after inspecting the rocker assembly for sludge and adjustment of the lifters. Always clean any area that you touch, it makes it that much easier to work on the next time.

As you can see from this list, maintenance is a lot of work and restoration is even harder. So as I stated, start with learning your truck and do the necessary maintenance and then decide if you want to go further.

But most of all enjoy it. I wish I had listened to myself before I started my restoration project!

speak with your financial planner.........lol

get it road ready first, drive it as you proceed with what ever plans you decide to make.....

what made you decide to buy it?

Check your banker first.

Good point ..thanks much
Richard

Good advice , I saw one I really liked and my wife also liked (somewhat unusual)
thanks much ..Ricard

Very good points you make and I appreciate you taking the time..gives me some first step ideas.

thanks much ..richard

thanks much for the good advice, gives me some direction and I really like the don't hurry part

Richard

Thanks Tim, I will get the book and probably drive for awhile as I figure out what to do..I am in Kansas City, Mo.

appreciate your help!

Richard

Good question Cory ..I do want to keep it as original as possible and would like it maybe not show quality but a good driver and attractive to look at.

Thanks for your help.

richard

richard drive it on the freeway at rush hour and take it on a long trip 2 hours plus one way on a hot day and on a rainny day then you will find out what you dont like and how original you want it. make your changes before you restore it

Yes, Richard, all the above is sage advice. Brakes, suspension,chassie, engine (tune up). In that order. Then, if you accomplish that, look to the concept of restoration. But....

the most important issue is learning a new language. One must be fluent in a language of explitives. It doesn't matter what raing, G, GP, R, X, XXXX. Learning how to talk to your truck while you learn to work on it is crucial. I mean who's in charge here?

Ok, now the other thing that is important is the tech manual. Rough it up and get a little grease on it before you approach your truck. Carry it like you know everything in it. Approach with a cavilier attitude. Whistling distractedly sometimes works. You need to instill an air of confidence in your truck that you are in charge.

So, welcome to the best site on the world wide web and have fun, whatever you decide to do. (grin, chuckle, laugh) Dave

John..good points..I never thought of it that way but it would bring about a new perspective. Not sure I have the guts for the interstate but will work on it..many thanks.
Richard

Great thoughts Tim..I need all the help I can get..Richard

If the truck sat for any length of time, you may want to consider dropping the pan to clean out the sludge and clean to oil pickup. Don't forget to change out trans and differential lube. On my '51 I had to dig the sludge out of the rear by hand - it was that solid.

David B.

Congrats on your find and project, there is a wonderful truck club in our area (I am over in Lansing, Ks) the www.ChevyGMCofKC.Org. Your first goal might be to get it road worthy and take it to the Midwest Truck Nationals in Riverside, guarantee you will have a great time. All trucks are welcome and our President is Gaileen and is one of the nicest person you will ever meet. The club has a web site also, Genuine Chevy GMC Truck Club of K.C.

I bought this book about a month back from Barnes and Noble for 29 dollars best investment on the truck yet and great reading.

Richard, like most people stated, start with brakes and restore a system at a time. I obtained a few projects from people that jumped in and tore everything apart, only to get overwhelmed and sell at a loss.

Remember, it takes money cubed and time quadrupled. That is it will take 3 x the money you think, and 4 times the time that you plan.

Scott