BUSY BOLTERS Are you one? The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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10 members (frogfarmer, Shaffer's1950, JW51, Steelonsteel, klhansen, Wayne67vert, qdub, Peggy M, 32vsnake, Hush),
564
guests, and
1
robot. | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | Forums66 Topics126,780 Posts1,039,292 Members48,100 | Most Online2,175 Jul 21st, 2025 | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 Moderator | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 | I think you need to bookmark those pics. | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,026 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,026 | I think you need to bookmark those pics. Try it now.
Robert C. If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes," I'm a Genius in the making. 1950 3600 | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 | Makd head way on the hood seam. Got all the holes filled, smoothed, bondo and primed. Not bad for a rookie.  Checked out your pics on the HAMB Robert, nice job! 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: May 2006 Posts: 423 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 | My truck died last week, stone dead, going down the road almost home. Suspecting an electrical problem, and finding power in all the right places on the coil, I replaced the one-year-old Pertronix ignition with the original points. By gum, it started right up and runs great! I decided to try the Pertronix because I have had so many problems starting the truck when it's warmed up. The Pertronix sorted that problem out, after installation it started hard both warm and cold. I'll have to return to the hard warm starts and hopefully find another solution to that problem. There's a hundred bucks of Pertronix sitting on the shelf... It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri 1953 Chevy 3100 1960 Volvo PV 544 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 255 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 255 | Went for a nice long drive today (about 100 miles!). New wheels and radial tires are super smooth. Decided to change the oil and lube everything - ready for next cruise. | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Robert, that’s great work for an experienced welder, astounding work for a neophyte. Now that you’re an experienced body man you can sharpen your skills on those little beer bruises on the hood. Keep a pictorial record of your work there for us that lack body work skills.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | I finished up a 1050 mile, 4 day cruise in my Suburban. She ran great. There were 70 some-odd other antique vehicles and we had a ball. | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | I installed a better hidden antenna.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | Some blood, sweat and tears were shed but I loaded the '58 onto a lowboy and pulled it home. The cab was a rat haven... Disgusting creatures, they are! Sheetmetal isn't so good but I saw a lot of parts I could use for my '59. As a bonus, the 235 engine turned over by hand.
Jerry | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | Just got back from taking it to the shop. i may have a bent push rod. only 13,000 miles since over haul in 2008.
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 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Now that's a bummer. Let's hope it's a problem with the timing.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | I hope you are right about the timing, it did start a little funny it was a little reluctant to fire. i am not a mechanic and have not worked on cars or truck for 20 years or more. at idle it sounds fine and even when cruising along but under a little load it makes a knocking sound. also it seems a little under powered.
Last edited by WE b OLD; 10/18/2011 10:34 PM.
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 2011 Posts: 78 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 78 | Today, one of the last sunny ones here in Portland with the rainy season knocking on the door, I did manage to get the right front fender and some other sheet metal off my '46 6400 former farm truck that has moved to the city. Some awful bad screw locations and old crusty nuts and bolts but all the sheet metal itself is in pretty darn swell shape. Gonna' be a heap of work! The good kind . . .
Milk the cows you have
| | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | I swapped my standard turn signal relay for an led relay so my led taillights will work. I also installed a delay for my courtesy lights.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | I have a burnt intake valve so far still checking.
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: Sep 2010 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 59 | Started on my door hinges last night.. got em sandblasted, drilled out, and painted.. before i painted them i mocked them up.. pins are good and tight.. will put them back together with new springs this evening.. It took alot of heat to get the old pins out.. Both pins were broke in half.. also started on the rear cab shackles. got em broke down and all the rubber bushing removed.. will sandblast and paint them tonite.. maybe i can start to fit some of my patch panels for the pass. side tomorrow | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | Worked some disassembly on the '58 donor truck. I pulled the instrument cluster, seat, vent covers, hood, hood latch, hood latch panel, hood emblem, hood bracing, door panels, radio delete plate with delete plugs, ash tray, glove box lid and latch, igition switch and inside door and window handles. I labeled and bagged all the bolts and screws... Only twisted off a few. Sheesh, did I do all that in one evening after getting off work? Jerry | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Worked some disassembly on the '58 donor truck. I pulled the instrument cluster, seat, vent covers, hood, hood latch, hood latch panel, hood emblem, hood bracing, door panels, radio delete plate with delete plugs, ash tray, glove box lid and latch, igition switch and inside door and window handles. I labeled and bagged all the bolts and screws... Only twisted off a few. Sheesh, did I do all that in one evening after getting off work? Jerry You didn't mention pictures! With that much work you should have taken at least 12,623 pictures.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | I did take a few, only as a reference of how things went together... yep, I tend to "fergit thangs over time". I'll probably be posting them on my Facebook Album later (This is where I have all my pictures for the '59 project). Gallery - Facebook Album Link Jerry | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 255 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 255 | Made a "custom" rear view mirror mount for the 38. Works and looks great. Should be a lot safer to change lanes now - no more looking over my shoulder ! | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 138 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 138 | Fixed the turn signals again, lost an ebay auction for a fender, drove it, then got a flat.
And named it the "bondo bandit" lol
Alex 57' 3100 (The Bondo Bandit) Bad rust and worse wiring, but so much fun.
| | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 78 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 78 | Swapped out the generator for an alternator, and replaced just about all the wiring that doesn't power lights or accessories. 1959 Chevy 3/4-ton (pics posted soon)
I child-proofed my house, but my kids keep finding their way back in. | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 4 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 4 | Drove it for the first time. Country road, 70 degrees and Sunshine. Not my first old ride, but truly my favorite. I'm not sure if I was high off the fumes, or just so excited that I finally have a 55'. Either way I'm Hooked. | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Drove it for the first time. Country road, 70 degrees and Sunshine. Not my first old ride, but truly my favorite. I'm not sure if I was high off the fumes, or just so excited that I finally have a 55'. Either way I'm Hooked. Get your fix on Route 66 and at the Stovebolt.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 677 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 677 | I FINALLY got rid of the 18"s And installed new Tires & Rims WOW I cant get over the ride it has now, The 18" tires & rims sure looked nice on the old truck but rode rough. It's like I got a new Truck ! Some people are like Slinkies, Their not really good for nothing... But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs. 1951 3100 350 TBI Gallery Toddzilla... "$old" | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 677 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 677 | Made some head way on the hood seam. Got all the holes filled, smoothed, bondo and primed. Not bad for a rookie. Pic 1Pic 2Pic 3Pic 4Pic 5 Man Robert... That really turned out sweet Now you have me looking at mine ! I can only hope it turns out as good as yours. Some people are like Slinkies, Their not really good for nothing... But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs. 1951 3100 350 TBI Gallery Toddzilla... "$old" | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | 1bad51, when i look at a lot of trucks and cars today it amazes me what people put on the cars and trucks for looks and don't realize how badly they will ride. i don't know how we got to this point except for the manufactures wanting marginally better gas mileage. i have a PT cruiser and have three sets of tires and none are worth anything in snow. they are 205-50-17, the only way to get better traction and ride is to change tire and wheels to 16s. i have 215-75-15 on the front of my truck and now that i have raised the front suspension i may go to a larger height tire for more cushion over bumps.
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 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Front suspension together(less the coil springs), rear suspension has been rebuilt w/new pins & bronze bushings in springs & hangers. It's now at ground level sitting on jack stands waiting for the rear end to be installed. All thanks to the help I got from Andy, Frog, Pat, Henry and my wife. If it wasn't for them it wouldn't be this far along. Thanks  folks........joe Joe! The pics Joe, the pics...
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,917 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,917 | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 81 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 81 | Got the bed torn down completely on my 65. Man what a job! Now onto getting the cab torn down and lift off the chassis! | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 144 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 144 | I mounted the front clip and hood to my 56 GMC. It much better now. | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 101 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 101 | After adjusting my 54's Hydramatic transmission, I found that my accelerator now sticks. Oh wow!
Disciple
| | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | I made an Excel Spread Sheet of tasks for my '59 project. It can sometimes seem overwhelming and this will help me monitor progress and keep me focussed on the jobs yet to be done, large and small. I told my wife I need to take care of one or several tasks per day. When I was swapping out a hood latch assembly yesterday, my step daughter said she had faith in me. Fuel for the soul!  | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 937 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 937 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | NICE!  | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 117 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 117 | I made an Excel Spread Sheet of tasks for my '59 project. It can sometimes seem overwhelming and this will help me monitor progress and keep me focussed on the jobs yet to be done, large and small. I told my wife I need to take care of one or several tasks per day. Absolutely the way to go! I usually have general tasks on my sheet then as I get into the I get very specific. I keep a printed copy with me in the shop at all times and when I think of something or plans change I jot it down. Then I update the electronic version and print a new sheet at the end of the week (or sooner if things are really moving!) | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | I have a dry erase board on the wall in my garage. On it are listed each mini project left to finish my bolt. Usually I work one project each day/night and then run a line through that project on the board.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 32 | Removed crusty original bench seat,,removed dash cluster,,started mapping out the rats nest that is the wiring harnass...broke dry rotted inside light cover!! | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | Visited my '58 donor truck after work, and extracted the passenger door handle, door panel, both door latch assemblies, window trim and stiker plates. I also snagged the horn and battery tray. The nicest part about it was doing it in a cool rain! YES to the RAIN! Jerry | | |
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