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| | | Forums66 Topics128,012 Posts1,055,313 Members48,419 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 187 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 187 | I had the ol beast up to 50 mph today. Fastest ever. Had some peddle left but i didnt wan to go much faster. Then I stopped for a coffe. then when coming home it didnt want to go much over 40. thoughts?
Rick 58 3600 4 on the floor
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 835 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 835 | What truck do you have?
Kurt | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 | I have had my all stock '41 up to 70. That was both hands on the wheel, both eyes on the road and no texting. 50 or 55 is much more comfortable. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | Its been talked about many times. How fast? How good are your brakes? Do you have the original tire size? How good is your steering? Do you like to place a wager from time to time? Most old trucks will run 45 to 50. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 | rickyt 50 should not be a strain on your old truck. Lots of variables as don suggested. I've had my 50 3600 with 216, 4.57 gears and 7.00-15 tires up to 55 multiple times. Doing the math indicates RPM's at 2850. It was loud! But ran fine. Now, why it didn't want to go over 40 on the trip home I don't know. How was it running? Did it stumble, cough or miss? Or just not take gas.
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 84 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 84 | Which way was the wind blowing?  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 | I don't drive that fast anymore but have a new tranny I had to try out this week 65 in third gear with 2 more to go.Thats when I backed off
Last edited by gazim; 04/08/2012 6:49 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 | Which way was the wind blowing?  What I was thinking...I don't think the designers paid as much attention to aerodynamics back then! 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 2005 Posts: 82 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2005 Posts: 82 | My speedo only goes to 85mph, but I've pegged it multiple times. My toy is a '49 3100 with a 327, m21 4spd, 3:73's, & disc brakes. It cruses comfortably at 70 + mph all day.
1949 chev 3100 3 window. 350hp/327/m21 4 spd, 12 bolt rear, power brakes, 3" dropped axle from Sid's. Disc brakes next.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | I've never had mine over 10 mph. However that's because I've only driven it around the block. 
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 187 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 187 | Hi Guys, thanks for all the input. I have a 58 3600 with a rebuilt 215. It is all very original. Newish old school tires. 4 on the floor. Now what I don't know is how acurate the speedo is. I installed the cable when I got the truck last fall. I'll need to clock it against another car. But your input gives me some info. It was loud and seems a bit rough, but I guess that is the 50 year old thing. I'm going to start another post about my clutch. I heard if the truck jerks in 4th it is s ign of clutch slippage. Its still a pile o fun to drive. Thanks Rick
Rick 58 3600 4 on the floor
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | A rebuilt 215? All original? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 187 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 187 | ok all orig except the rebuilt 235
Rick 58 3600 4 on the floor
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 367 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 367 | I will add my $.02 got a 59/36 with 4:57 rear 235 with a new head and a 4 speed 255.70.16 tires. Had it up to 60 the other day 3200rpm and still was pulling. wish I had ballanced those tires. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 | I have had my 48 3100 with a 52 216 and the 53 rear-end up to 50 mph numerous times and it ran fine.
Dennis -there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer-
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