BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | That's a '53 Chevy 5 window that my wife claims all I do is hoard parts for. I bought it as a project truck for my oldest son and me. He lost interest real quick, but I hung on to it hoping he would regain interest (that's been 15 years now). Now the plan is I'll start on it when I finish the '65. I am titled as the original owner on it. How? It was never tilted before. It came from a farm in AL and they never put it on the road.
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 68 Smokey 56 | | Smokey 56 Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 68 |
Dan and Melina from MN. 1956 Chevy/GMC custom 1 Ton dually step side short box.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | http://s783.photobucket.com/home/johntsmith1056I got the back of the cab preped and painted. A couple more items to go and we'll test drive her.....
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 | Got the engine up to "normalized" temperature and adjusted the valves. Then I removed the side plate to check the push rods and discovered I forgot to order a gasket set for that. I then dropped the oil pan to replace with one that doesn't have pin holes. While down there I fought a sneaky pete trying to get the upper rear main seal out. Had no problem snaking the new one in. Everything looks tight, clean, and shiny down below. Slowly eliminating oil leaks with new gaskets. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 129 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 129 |
Last edited by alkay3; 10/06/2010 8:41 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 |
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,339 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,339 | Adjusted the valves on my 37,well it was not today but yesterday. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | http://s783.photobucket.com/home/johntsmith1056I finally got her on the road. This is after I had to replace the directional/emergency flasher switch in the steering column. After the first ride around the neighborhood all that was needed was to tighten a transmission line at the radiator and fix the speedometer cable. The cable works, but it whines and I’m getting the needle jump (especially when it’s cold). I have an appointment next week to have both doors adjusted. While they close, they don’t align quite right and after numerous attempts at it, I discovered that it is beyond my talent to get them perfect. We start on the bed next…………………
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 68 Smokey 56 | | Smokey 56 Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 68 | Great update! On my 57 I just put some multi purpose grease on the end before screwing into the back of the speedo, it seemed to work for me. Keep posting!
Dan and Melina from MN. 1956 Chevy/GMC custom 1 Ton dually step side short box.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 |
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 11 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 11 | Lettering on doors and rear fenders done. Retro radio installed. More foam/rubber gaskets(hood insulators) replaced. Locking gas cap and new grommet installed. White walls are on. Aloha photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203553&id=222756580767
'64 Stepside LWB.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | http://s783.photobucket.com/home/johntsmith1056The seal in the differential cover started leaking so I had to pull that off with the intention of replacing the gasket. There wasn’t any gasket there, only lots of silicone. A close inspection found the cover was bent. After a trip to the local speed shop, it now sports a new cast aluminum cover. This cover is a lot deeper than the previous cover and increases the oil reservoir to almost a gallon. Pulled the speed-o cable and lubricated it. Bad news, it is the speedometer itself is dry and it’s making more noise now than before. So the gauge cluster will come out this weekend (after the honey-do list is complete).
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | Again, going to drive to work, drove it to another store yesterday to sub for someone. I guess i am lucky. ron
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 | Drove to Dads and had him drive us around town for his 84 Birthday..... he was all smiles | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 255 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 255 | Pulled the rear leaf springs, shocks and links yesterday. One link end was severely worn past bushing into link. One shock very low on oil. Spring bushings and pins were not too bad (for 72 years old), but will replace with new when parts arrive from Jim Carter.
Almost forgot - big thumbs up to "Tech Tips" on the spring perch bushing puller!! Made one and it worked great.
Last edited by tcox; 10/10/2010 10:12 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | http://s783.photobucket.com/home/johntsmith1056Took the gauges out and disassembled the cluster. The speedometer unit was shot. Took apart the gauge package that came with the truck and it had a broken worm gear. Disassembled both and made one good one from the two. Re-installed it into the cluster and then back into the truck. Figured while I had it apart I’d replace the cable too. Now it runs nice and quite. Even had enough time to bring home the bed, but didn’t get anything done on it.
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,026 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,026 | I've been on hold for over a month. I was preparing to try to have it ready for a show & shine I put together at our Church picnic. I was in the middle of swapping it back over to fuel injection I broke the cast serpentine bracket the day before the show. Couldn't find one locally so I had to miss an event that I had organized. Havent had time to do much since because I've been on the road. Orlando, Dallas (went to last weeks game) & now sitting in an airport in Charlotte on a two hour layover.
The headers are peeling so I bought some header wrap to cover & keep the temps down. Had also started relocating the battery to the firewall. Never did like having to go through the floor & it sits too low for a drop down box. Hope to get the chance to work on it this weekend.
Robert C. If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes," I'm a Genius in the making. 1950 3600 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 222 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 222 | My first update after bringing her home! I got a bunch of parts in the mail yesterday including all new glass and rubber, gas tank, brake lines, and some little misc. parts - very exciting! Dismantled and cleaned the brake master cylinder, getting ready to bend brake lines and reinstall. Still trying to track down some wheels and a new 235 to put into her. Moving forward.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | FINALLY!!! Got it painted. http://s729.photobucket.com/home/BIGCHEVY3600/recentuploads Four months in the shop and it's all painted (will clear coat and buff next week) except for a few interior pieces that need to wait until the windshields and other interior parts are installed. The doors, fenders, runingboards, hood, and bed sides and tailgate are painted. Next we will install the windshield, (windscreen for Jock), rear window, newly finished upholstered Wiseguys seat,the new steering wheel,the Lokar shifter, the side windows and vent windows. I will also reroute the windshield drain under the dash and out at the right wheel rather than let it drip on my HEI. Then the moment of truth. My 350 (330 hp) which has not been started since I bought it in the summer of 06 will crank up. Then we will go get exhaust installed and install the electric wipers, the radio and the dash trim. Then it's back to the upholstery shop for carpet. The evaporator for the Vintage Air will have to wait until next spring. Until then we'll be a bit chilly. The Bed will be last. It's a Mar-K and I have already put the sandpaper to the wood. After we mock it up we will break it down and finish the wood and then put it back together. All in all I think it should be ready for show sometime next spring. Whew...
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 161 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 161 | u-joint installed. best 15 bucks spent this year! | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | I drove the '56 50 miles to a car show and brought home some hardware. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 |
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 105 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 105 | I finally got the tires on my 58 FLeetside. * it feels good to see her sitting on rubber again!
Last edited by cletis; 10/17/2010 5:08 AM. Reason: Language
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,144 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,144 | | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 46 | Installed lap belts for my Apache.
1958 Apache Shortbed Fleetside
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 105 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 105 | what lap belts did you install? I need to do that on my truck... | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 | FINALLY!!!
Got it painted. Next we will install the windshield, (windscreen for Jock) BTW What colour (color for you) is that?  It's looking great. If I can drag my carcass away from this computer I will be wiring my new gauges today,also tidying up my loom etc.
1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in ScotlandIn the Stovebolt GalleryMore pix on Flickr. I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 714 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 714 | Took the 3100 to a car show Saturday.
Lot of old timers coming up to chat about their memories.
Also told some bolters in the bay area to check out Stovebolt.
BIGCHEVY,
Great looking work! Miss those days under the dash!
Jon
Last edited by UnklRod; 10/18/2010 12:18 AM.
1957 Chevy 1/2-Ton TruckIn the Stovebolt GalleryMore pixThe coldest winter I ever saw was a summer I spent in San Francisco M. Twain
If at first you don't succeed...skydiving is not for you!
If you don't like my carbon foot print, stick it up your Prius!! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 | I don't know if this counts or not.I had the rear barn doors open on the suburban and all windows open.My buddy "dog" jumped in the back,so we went for a ride.He had his head sticking out all four windows.He was in dog heaven,it was fun watching him go window to window.
Thanks,Tim
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 109 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 109 | had to do a little fall herding to get the cars and trucks rounded up. Then I decided to have my own car show since our town decided they would rather have a rodeo than a car show. I had a pretty good turn out and I was happy to see me there. There were 7 classes and I brought 7 vehicles. Amazingly enough, I had one in each class. I really appreciate me supporting the show this year and can't wait til next year. I got a few pictures before I had to leave, here is the link.http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af193/Mearl_McBride/Had%20my%20own%20car%20show/
'65 C-10, 65 L-60, 65 C-80, 72 C-60 & and a bunch of old Chevy cars.
Never time to do it right, always time to do it over.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 109 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 109 | You have a four headed dog?
'65 C-10, 65 L-60, 65 C-80, 72 C-60 & and a bunch of old Chevy cars.
Never time to do it right, always time to do it over.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | had to do a little fall herding to get the cars and trucks rounded up. Then I decided to have my own car show since our town decided they would rather have a rodeo than a car show. I had a pretty good turn out and I was happy to see me there. There were 7 classes and I brought 7 vehicles. Amazingly enough, I had one in each class. I really appreciate me supporting the show this year and can't wait til next year. I got a few pictures before I had to leave, here is the link.http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af193/Mearl_McBride/Had%20my%20own%20car%20show/ Did you win best of show?
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 109 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 109 | Believe it or not, best of show still eludes me.
'65 C-10, 65 L-60, 65 C-80, 72 C-60 & and a bunch of old Chevy cars.
Never time to do it right, always time to do it over.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 714 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 714 | Go Giants ! Had to park the truck next to this at the show yesterday!
Last edited by UnklRod; 10/18/2010 12:24 AM.
1957 Chevy 1/2-Ton TruckIn the Stovebolt GalleryMore pixThe coldest winter I ever saw was a summer I spent in San Francisco M. Twain
If at first you don't succeed...skydiving is not for you!
If you don't like my carbon foot print, stick it up your Prius!! | | | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 129 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 129 | Beat those darn tie rod & drag link ball ends out over the weekend. Man those things are in there tight and that 1939 metal is sure hard, but they finally gave out. Now I can finish up the front axle and get it back under the truck. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 575 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 575 | | | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 113 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 113 | Spent about an hour online researching a replacement 3sp transmission for the stocker. Still no dice.
Finished fitting the tabs for the engine mounts on the rod.
Mocked up a transmission x-member for the 700-R4. Tomorrow its off to the supply house for square stock and a trans mount pad.
Everything is different now...
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 111 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 111 | Finally got the clutch out of the spare 216 (engine was stuck) to use as a replacement for my running engine, just to find out that it is a 9" clutch vs a 10 3/4"! Anyone know why they used 2 different size clutches in '48? The 9" was with a 4 spd trans, and the trans in the truck is a 3 spd | | |
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