The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Caught the Bug

Cross-posted this on Classic Trucks because I couldn't wait to share my excitement and was waiting to be allowed to post here.

While out walking the dog in rural WY, I came across an old Chevy 3100. I've always been fond of old trucks, more so than old muscle cars and the like. Anyways, I took a route I'd never gone before, not more than a few hundred yards from home, and found what I believe is a '54 Chevy 3100 [edit *was informed it is a first series '55]. I've had a borderline unhealthy obsession with it the past couple days and have been taking frequent walks to check it out.

I finally came across someone in the yard where it sits who, to my disappointment, informed me that the owner is "fixin to restore that one here pretty soon" and told me that that the owner wanted to drop in a 350. He also told me that it was a '53, but I noticed the single pane windshield which suggested otherwise. Much of the truck appeared unaltered to my very untrained eye although the rear bumper that is installed may have involved chopping the back of the rear fenders, I hadn't realized it originally and did not look closely.

I've been pouring over websites learning these past few days and I'm looking forward to reading these forums. Will be picking up Tom Brownell's book later on. Anyways, here are some pics:

[IMG]http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/...sign%20Chevy%203100/1953Chevy3100001.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/...sign%20Chevy%203100/1953Chevy3100002.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/...sign%20Chevy%203100/1953Chevy3100003.jpg[/IMG]

As I mentioned in a later post in the other thread, I'm inclined to walk back over there in the coming days and find out if the owner could be convinced to sell it (the guy I spoke to over there obviously didn't know much about it, wonder if he's the one who's been selected to "restore it"]

On the off-chance that I do have luck with the owner, what might this truck be worth? I understand that the pictures tell a small piece of the puzzle and there could be rust, issues with frame, motor (it has original according to the uninformed man), drivetrain, and more. But, perhaps a range to consider?

I've scoured the Craigslist for WY and surrounding states as well as ebay and am finding most averaging $4000-5000, although for those prices their condition varies considerably.

Thanks guys and looking forward to spending time here.

Nate

Welcome aboard Nate. There is no known cure for the sickness you have contracted. Sorry to have to be the one to inform you but you are DOOMED!

Welcome to the Bolt Nate. From the looks of the pictures it has the usual problems with the AD style pickups. Mainly the cab corners. You'll know about the inner to outer cowl when you pull the fenders off!!! But I think it looks surprisingly in decent shape and it is a 5 window with the deluxe window trim. In my neck of the woods that truck would probably go for between 1500 and 2500. All depending on an actual inspection and under the hood....meaning engine condition, why it was parked and what is missing, if anything.
That would indeed make a nice project and you can get just about anything for these models.
Good luck, keep us posted.

Hi Nate, welcome. It's not an unhealthy obsession, it's a healthy obsession. It's good therapy to be wrenching and fixing these trucks. I hope you can obtain this old beast, I'd likely offer him a lot less than 4-5000, it will need a lot of work.

Leo

I am in certain agreement with you on less than 4-5000 Leo, just seemed to be the range I was noticing with the trucks for sale online. Thanks very much for the advice and welcome guys.

I am going to pay a visit next week sometime and see if I can't find out if he'll consider selling it. The guy I spoke with said that it was a restoration project they would be starting soon, but judging by the way its off in the bushes with junk on it I'm not so sure. Even if they truly aren't going to work on it anytime soon I could see how someone might be attached to it regardless and not interested in selling. We'll see though, fingers crossed.

I agree with Alvin's " . . between 1500 and 2500 . . ."

The lower end, if the engine is not original and/or not running.

It's most likely a 1954 (hood side emblems) but could be a 1955-1st series with 53/54 hood side emblems.

Does it have a two-tone interior paint scheme? The chrome vent window/frame is an uncommon option (even on a 5-window cab). The grill looks good and the nose can be easily replaced. There's a lot a work to do but this look like an above-average non-driving/non-restored truck.

welcome Nate
if that guy wont sell for the right price keep looking. I have seen many truck advetised in your area.

$2,000 sounds right if its got the orig 6 in it.

What i would do: Offer him money, get the truck, fix the mechanicals (engine, brakes, suspension, etc) and drive the heck out of it! The body looks decent, plus you can drive it without having to worry about if its raining or not, if you get a door ding at WalMart, or if you need to haul a load of fire wood.
Drive the darn thing!

Welcome Nate,

1954 was a good year. Here's a link to the original sales brochure:

http://www.1954advance-design.com/Documents/SalesBooklet/index.html

Thanks for the welcomes, feedback, and advice everyone. I tried to stop by and inquire about the truck today and find out who owns it/how to contact them but didn't have any luck. I did, however, have an interesting find last night while walking the dog. It is incredible what you find when you open up your eyes and walk around instead of driving everywhere. I found a Task Force Chevy, I'm thinking either a '55 or '56, even closer to my house than the other....tucked away in someones back yard. This particular person is selling their house and with any luck maybe doesn't want to take the truck along with them.

I'm actually fonder of the Advanced Design era trucks, and feel like the work that would go into the other would be more of an accomplishment. However, the other one I discovered is in good shape.

Task Force pic #1

Task Force pic #2

Task Force pic #3

I wouldn't be surprised to find more soon as I'm finding myself scanning backyards as I drive around. There is one yard in particular I might go poke around in...some old vehicles there just too hard to identify from the road. Hopefully one of these discoveries results in success.

That's a beauty, probably one of those "No it's not for sale I'm gonna restore it someday" which translates into "I'll leave it set there and rot into the ground"

Welcome, Nate. And thanks for sharing your parochial adventures and photo's. Also, good luck in your endeavors to procure a stovebolt. With your recent experiences, it seems like it'll be just a matter of time.

That's a couple nice finds just walking around the block....good luck with your search. There's plenty for sale out there. Check ebay too.

Welcome!! I agree that the green AD is a 54. If you could get a peek underneath at the drive shaft you can tell: if it's enclosed (torque-tube) then it's 54, if open then it's 55-1st. The serial number on the drivers door pillar is the true test: H54 is 54 1/2-ton and H55 is 55 1/2-ton. (I know it seems too simple.) Anyway, have fun and good luck.

My son in law just called about a 67 pickup that someone is wanting to take to the junk yard. He will send pictures, it is located in Colo. Springs. Probably can buy for 500 dollar range. Let me know if interested.
hank