The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 1950 Chevy 3100

Hey there, so I'll start off by telling you all that I know NOTHING about cars, but have an auto body friend of mine willing to take me on as his apprentice. I want to drive an old truck, but not have it run like a 60 year old truck! Tell me if I'm dreaming here... from what I've read on a ton of these forums, it's possible. Please go easy on me, like I said, I'm new around here and don't know much about car restoration. I understand there is something called a chassis swap that would make this do-able, using a newer S10.

I took the plunge and bought a 1950 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton. It's in decent condition, lots of surface rust, but minimal major rust damage. The chassis is in sturdy condition, although I'm not sure I'll be using it or not. The motor doesn't run at all, it's been sitting for 25 years at least.

So, where the hell do I start?

I was going to just clean out the interior as best I can, to assess what can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced. Then I guess I'll start the rust removal process on the body.

I'd love suggestions on how to begin this decade long process! Thanks

First of all, welcome to the site. Our motto here is "Knowledge is the best resource", I think that applies here as with all of us. When I began my project, the kids bought me a book on GM truck restoration. It gave a lot of options, some keep the original frame and some swap them out so this book deals with this. I would advise to get a copy. It's called 'How to Restore your Chevrolet Pickup' by Tom Brownell.

Don't let others tell you which way you should or shouldn't go, it's your truck and you build it the way you want. Do listen, however, have an open mind. That worked for me, I changed my thinking on several things along the way.

Good luck and don't be shy about asking; just go to the appropriate forums and ask.

Leo

First off Welcome to the Stovebolt. You can and will find answers here to all your questions. One of the first things do do is to learn how to do the search. It'll produce hours and hours of information and reading.

OOOK, second you may not realize it but your in the Welcome Center and not everyone comes her. Try to post questions in the best forum for more responses and solutions.

Sounds like your truck is in pretty good shape so don't make any "snap" decisions. Depending on what you do for the engine the torque tube can be replaced with a "center section" that will fit in your housing....or you can change the rear end completely. (you want 6 or 5 lug wheels)
Lots of guys have made the S-10 swap.

Decisions? Where do you start? First decide what you want and then go from there asking questions along those lines. Is this going to be an off the frame restoration? Get it running good and make a daily driver out of it.

Guys here have just about "done it all". Just read listen and ask questions. Folks are here to help. Check out the links and tech tips to. Lots of info there.

There are several guys around here from N.Y. and some probably close to you to help you along the way. They'll find you are you'll find them Good luck.

Whew,my fingers are tired.

JT,I can't add anything that the 'welcome centre stalwarts' haven't already said other than welcome to the best Chevy truck site on the WWW.

Chassis swaps are fairly involved,especially for a complete novice.

Assuming your original chassis is in good shape there are a world of options available to you,rather than the swap.

Good luck.
Jock.

Welcome to Stovebolt! As the guys said, Look around and take your time, reseach all our info and you will be fine.Glad you joined!

Welcome to the Bolt!

You mentioned that you don't have a lot of prior knowledge, which is OK. That means you will either be learning as you go, or hiring a lot of it done. If the latter (and even if it's not) the first thing I would advise you to do is start saving up a pile of money! They always end up costing more than you think they will!

Wow! I can't believe how many people responded! It's been a few days since I checked back here. I went to the library and took out a bunch of books, including Automobiles for Dummies I also watched an instructional video by brothers Fred and Ray, who went over basic and not-so-basic auto restoration techniques. It was a great video, if you can deal with it being a little outdated. Considering the car itself is 62 years old, the video is fairly modern!

I made an extensive list of tools to bring to the garage with me, where the car will be kept. And I'm going shopping in my grandfather's shed in a little while. I'm super excited and I'll be picking up the truck tomorrow morning!! I'll be sure to post pictures up on a site and share with all of you Again thanks for being so kind and welcoming to the new girl! Talk to you soon. Kim

Kim, just a heads up.

It's something common to many old vehicles that have lain unused for many years and I'm assuming you haven't already started the clean up.

IF you're dealing with the bi-products of mice and rats,please make sure you're adequately protected, i.e. mask and gloves.

There's a few nasties associated with this,and disinfect the cab thoroughly after removing the aforesaid mess.

There's a thing called Hantavirus,it has been discussed many times here before, suffice to say you DO NOT want to get it!

Just lettin' ya know!