The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop where do I start?

I just bought a 53 chevy 3600 truck and have a short video attached. It has a 235 that seems to be ok but knocks a bit and has a little smoke come out of the blow by. I have to do a slight bit of body work and paint. Any suggestions on what project to start first? I am also kicking around doing a duel exhaust and or duel carbs for the sound and looks factor. I dont want to put more into it than I will be able to eventually sell it for and am planning on doing the work myself despite being fairly clueless mechanically.

the place to start is getting it 100% mechanically, complete driveline freshening, including maybe an engine rebuild [requiring machine shop work], total brake job, possibly requiring lots of new bits from the lines to the cylinders and maybe even drums, which could be hard to find for a 3/4T

I dont want to put more into it than I will be able to eventually sell it for
better put the for sale sign on it right now, you're looking at a fair bundle of money for parts and material without fancy eye candy, and 3/4T trucks rarely sell for as much as 1/2T's

Bill

x2 on that

very cool truck, as is

spend some time looking at denny grahms site Great info on the 3600

Good luck

If you expect to break even in fixing up 3/4 ton pickups, I would suggest a different hobby.

Jeff, if you like it then go for it. It will be be satisfying to say the least. Some parts WILL be costly but hey, you gotta stop it so start with the brakes since its already running. Kits,brake lines ect are fairly cheap depending on how bad it is. If your currently able to drive it then rebuild kits, after honing may suffice the breke system and keep fingers crossed that the drums ect are OK.
Engine is up to you pal. Plain rebuild or something inside to use up the gas you want to dump in there with two carbs

BIG money is in the paint/body. If you can live with what you do then go for it too.....or drive it around in patina for a while until it tells you what it needs! Well, while the engine is out I'd clean and paint up that area.

Good luck. Post progress pics and let us know how we can help.

...and Welcome to the Bolt. Best site on the world wide web.