The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk What it takes to be a daily driver.

Hi all. Well, I got the truck today. 54 5w 3100 with 235 & 3 on the tree. Will post some pics soon. Truck is in great shape and runs well, drives great, very tight, tracks straight.

I plan to make this my primary mode of transportation. I'd like to put it out to the group and ask what you feel should be done to achieve this. I want to stick with the 235 or perhaps a 261 if I can find one. Also want to keep the truck stock in appearance but make it as reliable and safe as possible.

So far I'm thinking automatic, disc brakes (front for sure and perhaps rear), convert to 12v and A/C (mandatory in FL). I'll need to change the rear and have no idea what might be a good choice.

I really appreciate all your previous advice and info. I look forward to the replies and getting into this project.

One other thing. I need the truck while this transformation takes place so it'll have to be in stages that can be done without having the truck down for weeks.

With all the crazy drivers we have here I think brakes will be a top priority along with radial tires.

As always thanks in advance for the input.

You really only need to make sure all the systems are in proper working order to be able to use it as a daily driver. Most of the upgrades are really more for driver comfort or increased performance than really being "necessary".
That said, some of what you're planning will be easy to do, and won't keep the truck off the road for too long, but others will require much alteration from stock, possibly even some fabrication and parts hunting.
You may want to start with overhauling the truck in stock condition and see if you like how it drives. You may be pleasantly suprised at how well they really do. I use mine as a daily driver (exept winter months) with stock brakes, steering, and a 3 speed. Never had an issue with keeping up with traffic or stopping. I do have radial tires, definetly a good upgrade.

totally agree with LONGBOX, I've been driving these 50's trucks exclusively, 365, for decades, local and long distance, with the single "upgrade" of radials - just need to keep it up to specs to be safe and keep up with the flow

Bill

What longbox said. I would make sure all the systems work, especially the lights and turn signals.

I have been using my panel as a daily driver year around for the last 8 years and have only recently taken it down for the body work.

You will have to keep the maintenance up, brake adjustments, oil changes and lube jobs that are a little different than the new stuff, but it will work just fine.

I would upgrade to a dual chamber master cylinder. Enjoy your new ride and post up a link to some pics.

A/C is mandatory in Florida? Even with an almost 60 year old truck?

HaHa! I think he means mandatory for the driver, not the DMV! It is in Florida after all.

You know, I was going to type a big long response about brakes and stuff, but instead...

"What they said."

It won't be a modern car no matter what you do, it won't be as fast, fuel efficient, or a handle as well. I get to drive a friend's Mazda 3 around sometimes. I'm always amazed how little gas it burns, and how it zips around town and the highways. But you know what? Nobody waves at you. You don't get to check the oil when you fill up with gas, you can't drive with the windows down because of the "helicopter-effect". You don't even get to turn the headlights on, - the robot decides when its time. The seats are tiny, and don't have springs in them... Worst of all though, you can't drive with your arm resting out the window. I might sound crazy, but I'd rather burn more gas, go slower, and be comfortable. I once drove my '49 Pontiac sedan on a road trip (1700 miles), and although I burned twice as much gas (I got 19mpg), it was the first time I'd ever driven all day, and I wasn't sore from sitting in some miniature seat made outta foam. I also had my elbow resting on the window frame, where it should be.

I have a 54/3100 and it has had a major redo but i don't use the A/C i have a rear slider window and with that and the floor vent and the windows down it is comfortable even in 95 degree weather. no windblown hair and noise like Mr. Lang said. i agree with the brake upgrade and their kits to make it disc on the front with out having it out of commission for too long.

You have A/C, open the windows and the cowl vent, works Great and does'nt put any additional strain on the engine.

Agreed.

If it goes, turns and stops the only thing needed to daily it is a fearless sense of adventure and a tool kit stashed away somewhere. I drive my all original 51 4400 daily! Fun!!!

Reminds me of the strangest combo I ever saw. Customer bought a 59 Chev convertable with a 6 cyl engine and AC.

Everyone says why A/C in Florida? 100% humidity with 95+ degrees is why. I can't walk outside and get the truck started before my shirt is wringing wet.
My convertible Mustang stays in the garage during the hottest summer days.
A/C is a necessity in Florida!

I drove 40-50K a year for 30 years, and the past 8 behind the wheel of a '57 3200 235 3 speed.It is my May-Nov. primary ride. In all those years I have always had great tires, brakes, shocks, sway bars,constant maintaince and that has been the best and safest investment I have made in my opinion.

Thanks for all the great responses. Great words of advice. Definitely going to upgrade to dual master cylinder and radials. Anything else can wait. Gonna drive the truck for awhile and enjoy it.

I agree with you all about the natural A/C. Works great and I'm quite happy with that. Problem here is I sit in a lot of stop and go traffic at rush hour (morning & afternoon) so no breeze. Also lots of rain in the summer so windows are up. Plus with the 95 degree 90+ percent humidity it's brutal.

For me,it'd be the M/C,disc front brakes,roller wheel bearing conversion,radials,Halogen headlights and an alternator. All the rest is nice but more a personal choice kinda thing. The stuff I listed for a daily driver,unless you're willing to compromise a little on safety,comfort and convenience,are the minimums,in my opinion. Of course,with MY budget,the minimums are considerably lower than that.
Speed

Small block V8, Auto trans, Power steering, power disc brakes, A/C. It's best of all worlds. oh yeah, a killer stereo system too.

In regards to A/C, those vent windows work great too, adjustable forced air induction

You could always just get a late model GM with all of the frills and creature comforts that you need, and relinguish the classic pickup to just backup duty.

That, I'm sure, works for you guys in WI. and those above the 49 parallel but for us below the 32nd parallel where the temps can get really HOT and doesn't cool down much at night, (last summer we saw 107 degrees) and where bodies have acclimated thanks to Dr. Carrier and his air conditioner invention, air in an old truck is not a bad idea.

Don't forget the sliding rear window.

I use my 51 GMC (100) daily up here in British Columbia! I rewired the truck (American Autowire), put in a Vintage Air heater/defroster, radials, and the old 235/4 speed combo is super reliable...I even drive it in the snow!!!!

I also used American Auto Wire (Highway 22) and couldn't be more pleased.

My wife won't go out to dinner with me in the truck(s) unless I agree to run the a/c.......