The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1954 3600 Chevy Flatbed

I think I've located my project truck. It is 100% stock and in original condition. It is running and only needs a master cylinder to drive it home.

I'm paying $2,500 and pick it up this weekend. The fun begins!

Option 1: Leave it stock
Option 2: Rat rod
Option 3: Updated street rod

In any case, I plan to fab a steel, wrecker style wrap around the front and sides of the bed and use it to haul my sidecar rig to rallies and shows. Here's a link to the sidecar rig:

www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/Motohack

If I go "all in" on this project, I'll probably want a Duramax Diesel on a big block Chevelle front clip. I've got no idea what to do about the rear end if I go that direction. I'd appreciate feedback from the community on the pros and cons of the options.

If it's all stock and running, my vote would be to leave it that way. But it's not my truck.....

I agree, if it is in stock and running condition then fix it up and keep it that way.
If you really want a rat rod, find a different cheaper truck and drop in a new drive train.
Really though its your truck and so do what you think will be fun because in the end you are the one paying for it and the one driving it.

I agree with Rich. Stock, running survivors deserve to be saved. There are plenty of junkers around to hack up.

[quote=cletis]I agree with Rich. Stock, running survivors deserve to be saved.

Especially of this vintage! Before too long there will not be any left! I say leave it stock as well.

Motohack, I also vote to keep your truck all original. Your truck will gain value year-over-year, if all original. A modified old truck gains little value, sometimes loses value. Modified trucks are generally not very reliable; ongoing unanticipated issues.

In the long run, you will spend less money staying original and earn a return on your money if you decide to sell.

Parts are plentiful for your Chevy 3/4 ton, including complete brand new beds if you want to go back to a stepside.

Adding air conditioning, adding a stereo, adding an overdrive, minor changes like this, no problem. Change out front clips, change out major drive train components, like the engine, you will lose appeal to old purists who have all the money.

Billyray

Survey Sez: Maintain original condition

OK,

1-Performance: Will it cruise I5 from Sacramento to Los Angeles at 65MPH?
2-What about brakes? I don't want to be out stopped on CA freeways.
(I sold my 71 Moto Guzzi motorcycle for this reason)
3- Electrical: Does updating to 12V affect it's value?
4- Comfort: would adding a retro-style VintageAir AC lessen value?

UPDATE:

Pending VIN and casting number checks, this truck could be somewhat rare. The seller sez it has an automatic trans and the optional 261 motor.

If all the numbers match, I'll get it running and driving right before I decide what to do.

65 mph in a 3600 might be a little fast - wait to hear from someone who has a 3600 with a 4:47 or 5:14 rear end.

The Hydra-Matic is uncommon and it is supposedly a sturdy transmission.

The 261 was supposedly not a factory option on a 3600 but just about anything might have been arranged on a special order. Casting numbers would allow an identification of the year of the engine.

If it is an original Hydra-matic truck that makes it even more desirable.

It would probably need higher gears to cruise 65. A later 3rd member will bolt into your housing. Search the Engine and Driveline forum for details.

An upgrade to power front discs and 12V electrics would probably enhance value. Same with the AC.

Thanks to all of you for taking an interest. I really appreciate your thoughtful replies. I've pretty much decided to keep it original. That isn't an easy decision for a guy that uses Motohack as a handle. BTW, I adopted the handle when BMW restoration purists didn't approve of my sidecar project.

I downloaded the 1954 sales brochure from Tim's site. I've got all the casting number information and service information is organized for quick reference.

I may not end up with what I really want on this project. So what... This thing just needs routine service to become a driver. I can always flip it and start another one.

The truck ran great, but it had a homemade flatbed not the original platform. I passed on this one and will keep looking.

When I first got my 3600 flatbed I hated how noisy and rough it was. Now I love it, noise and all, every bump I hit it sounds like pots and pans lol!

THEY ARE ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE

I would leave it, but,