The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New 52

Hi All,
Well, 10 years after having to part with my 46chev and 54 gmc3/4, a 1953 3100 deluxe cab followed me home.

It was an offer I couldn't refuse. Just when I thought I was out, they pulls me back in. This thing of ours.

What sold me was the cab and doors condition. Somebody brought this one back from the southwest, then left it out in the yard in VA for a year or so. Surface rust, but so far, I have only found two < 1/2" holes in the floor kick area. Otherwise very solid, with original 216, 4 speed. All original clutch head screws and hubcaps in place. A 1/2 " layer of "that stuff" covers all the engine and trans - you all know that mix of oil, tar, dirt and barn gum. Minuses - engine stuck ("may run" says the P.O.), no brakes, rear fenders and front bumper dented or split, needs windows, seat and tailgate.

But that's what makes if fun, am I right fellas?
pix
New 52 pix

So, Wurlitzer46, do you mind telling me what you paid for this one or give me a good and reasonable figure? I posted an inquiry the other day about the price of a recent "barn find" 1950 3100. The guy was asking $9500.00 and i told him i would give him $3000.00 cash with then hour. He said he paid more than that for the truck and would not take any less than $9500.00. I thanked him and walked away. Based on the feedback I've received, my $3000.00 offer was a reasonable one. You can look at pictures of the 1950 3100 by going to my post titled "Estimated truck Value." Thanks for your input.

wurlitzer46 - Congrats on the truck!

raleigh58 - at $9500 it would need be a decent restoration that was parked in the barn a month ago. I woulda probably unintentionally laughed at the guy.

I went through the entire 'rusty51' yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Nice truck. I'll bet you will jump right in to it. It looks very complete and quite solid. Congratulations!

Thanks guys.
After two weeks soak in Marvel mystery and PB Blaster, I got the engine to turn with a prybar on the flywheel teeth yesterday. Still stiff and looks like maybe a stuck valve - how hard can I tap on those?

OK guys, so I have turned the 216 all the way around with flywheel prying. It turns looser now, valves still a little sticky but they all seem to move with no bent pushrods. Collective wisdom please:
1. Is it ok to try to bump it with the starter with the plugs out?
2. Will turning it oil everything ok? If not, how do I need to prime it to be safe?
3. And when should I change out the mix of old oil and PBblaster: now, after a few spins, or after I try to start it?

I would change the oil, pull the distributor (mark rotor and body posititon first) use a sawed off screwdriver blade in a drill to spin the oil pump til oil comes up to the valve train, reinstall the dizzy and crank it over with the starter,(plugs out) if ok try starting with new plugs/points, condensor, new gas (remote tank jury rigged to the fuel pump), have a fire extinguisher handy though....

Wurlitzer, please post engine questions in Engine Shop.

Thanks

sorry, didnt realize, I started an engine thread, mods please move or delete last few posts if appropriate. Thanks for your post 58gmcnut.

Very Cool. I love it. Good luck with it. Also I think you were smart having it professionally towed. Hope that didn't set you back too much.

Now the fun begins.

so now whats your plan? what modification which you planned for this. I think you have to almost totally rebuild it. Because the condition of the truck is very poor. Wish you best of luck for your truck. Please post the photos as you complete the working on it. Thanks for sharing.