The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre About to embark on 49 3100 - Sugar Land, Texas

Took possession of a 49 3100, about 3 weeks ago. It's in pretty good shape, that is little rust and pretty straight body. I'm planning on a restro mod. Plan on keeping the 235 that it came in it, it has 4 on the floor (granny) with 4.11, but I've got a brand new 3.55. I'd like to keep the generator but up grade to 12v. Add A//C when money allows. I'm wondering about the ride? Can any one tell me how it should ride, with stock suspension? What about braking, I'd like to do a little hi way driving 60-70, but don't want it drifting off the road, or unable to stop. Thanks, looks like a really great community.

Hi,let me be the first to welcome you to the 'bolt.

Sounds like you've got things pretty well worked out in your head.
There's also quite a few other Texan 'bolters frequent this site.

A properly set up truck with rebuilt stock suspension and brakes will still probably still ride like a truck,but there's tips and tricks available to make your life easier.
Just ask any queries you have in the relevant sub-forums and the info will come.

Good luck and pictures would be nice.

Jock.

Welcome to the Stovebolt. I see your now part of the Texas Connection!!
Jock had given good advice. Soooo many things that you can do. For example, I kept my straight axle but went with power steering and upgraded tie rod ends.
With the 3:55 gear you'll be able to definitely run a little faster but not sure how it works with a 4speed vs a 3speed tranny. As Jock says, ask those questions in the most appropiate forum and you'll get lots of info.
Good luck... and how about some picturs?!

Thanks all for the welcome, here's a couple of photos.
http://s1171.photobucket.com/albums/r554/oldandslow49/

Welcome 49oldandslow. Very nice truck you have. I don't see anything wrong with your plan, in fact I have almost exactly what you intend to do. I have a stovebolt six, 261 engine, 4 speed, kept the generator and went 12 volt. I changed out the rear for a 3.55 in the old torque tube setup. My suspension is stock and works well. I also have the drum brakes with single master cylinder, not the best brakes but I'm used to them. Instead of A/C, I open the window and have the cowl vent but we don't get the crazy temperatures you get. I have tall, skinny bias plies which is not good for handling or high speed cornering, maybe should have went radials.

Leo

Thanks Leo, your 4 speed, I'm guessing its original. What kind of cruising speeds vs rpm are you getting?

Welcome to Stovebolt. That's a nice looking truck to start with. You should be able to make a nice driver out of her.

Hard to guess without a tach but I think I can go 60 mph at between 2500-2800 rpm. My tires are 29" tall, could go an inch or two taller. The transmission is the old SM420 that the truck came with.

Welcome, 49... I enjoyed a stock '49 3100 for 10 years or so, and it was as dependable as sunrise. All I did was change to 12V (I used a one wire alternator.) It rode fine, for an old truck. Looks like yours has had some leaves removed up front or some other mods.
I kept the stock 4:11, so 50 mph or so was my top end, and stock brakes were fine. But, if I had a 3:55 (which I may do in my '40) I would want to upgrade the brakes, as has been mentioned. Best of luck, and, you will find lots of advice here!