The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1953 Chevy 3100 - what a find

I have always loved the '47-'54 A.D. trucks. I wanted a 1952, because that was the year I was born. My son and I looked at a lot of trucks. But for one reason or another, could never make a deal on one. Then one weekend we were driving home from Jackson, TN. to Meridian, MS. when we spotted her. She was setting in front of a diesel repair shop on I-45 in West Point, MS. We stopped and talked to the owner. We looked her over good and I asked him his price. He was asking more than I could afford, so we drove on home, empty handed. Well, long story short, it took us several days calling back and forth, to make a deal with him. I had used all my paid time off at work and couldn't take a day during the week, but we didn't want to let this one get away. So rather than take a chance on waiting for Saturday, my son borrowed a friends trailer and drove back up to West Point. He showed the owner that he had cash in hand and the deal was made. My son drove her onto the trailer and hauled her on home. Well, she is pretty, but she still needs a lot of work. He didn't pay as much attention to the mechanical details as he did the cosmetic. The guages need to be rebuilt. The wiring needs to be redone. He converted to 12 volts and installed an HEI distributor and an alternator, but didn't replace any of the old wires. So the 60 year old wiring will have to be replaced. She has the original 235 L6 , a 4 speed tranny with the granny. She still has the original closed driveline. I think her top speed must be about 40 or 45 mph with that 4:11 rear end. Anyway, I now have my AD Chevy pickup I have always dreamed of owning. She's a year younger than I am, but I don't mind a bit.
Here is a link to all the photos I have of her so far: [img]https://photos.app.goo.gl/bA4Pb72GHR8fK48d7[/img] Oh, by the way. my wife named her "Old Blue" so that is what we call her.
I really enjoy the Stovebolt.com website and forums. I look forward to getting some tips and advice as I progress to restore her as she was in 1953.
Any and all feedback is welcome.

Just looked at your pics....love it. I was born in '44 but don't think they made civilian vehicles then. Ended up with a '49 3100 all stock.

Beautiful truck! I have a ways to go before my '53 looks that good. I was lucky when I found that one, that the body work was pretty much complete. I am the worst at body work. But the mechanical I can do.
Thanks for the post and for sharing the pics of your '49.
Best wishes and Merry Christmas!

Joe, you did pretty dang good. We're here to help so shout out in the best forum and we'll be there. Nice looking pickup.

...oh, I have an "ole blue" myself. Daughter named it.

Very nice, Love the color. And the 4 speed granny tranny. In 1974 I had a 54 blue with 4 speed. I recently got a 55 1st series, hope to paint it Mariner blue and keep it orginal as I can, has a 3 on the tree, may change that if Can find a 4. Keep on trucking

Hello Stovebolters!
It's been awhile since my original post. Since then I have rebuilt the speedometer and gauge cluster. Completely rewired the truck, painted the grill, and I am getting closer to being finished with the cab interior.
To see the updated photos click here, http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/J...w%20Stovebolt%20photos?sort=2&page=1
A lot of what I did, I got my ideas from the Stovebolt Forum. Thanks everyone!

Looking good, Joe, nice work.

Here's another update on "Old Blue."
Troy Robertson of "Old Inline Power" in Huntersville, NC just finished building a new engine for me. Here are some photos, and a video of the engine on the stand getting ready for her first fire up. New Engine