The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Old Dominion Stovebolt Society (MD, VA, West VA, DC, DE and PA) New Stovebolter in Northern VA

I recently introduced myself in the welcome centre, and John suggested that I drop in here and also say hello.

I live in Fairfax, VA, and less than a week ago my 1955.1 Model 3100 arrived on a truck from Texas. She is all original and has been moderately well maintained by her prior owner. The title doc's imply that I may be the third owner from new. I look forward to taking on her first long NOVA drive in the near future (once the snow stops and things dry up a bit).

I saw the announcement for the local homecoming event. I guess you all are familiar with it, but please tell the new guy where it is and what its about.

Thanks,

Trooper Jeff

Hey Jeff... Welcome to the ODSS. There will be info posted soon about the Homecoming. It's a great way to hook up with other bolters. It's conveniet to get to, being located in rural southern Maryland so it's a great ride in your bolt from the DC area.

BTW keep an eye out here in the ODSS group. There are quite a few bolters in the NOVA area.

Welcome Trooper,

Homecoming is a must-attend event, even if you can only make one of the days. You'll get a chance to meet several folks similarly situated, and those who have probably already made mistakes you are contemplating. The wealth of knowledge is amazing. And, it's family-friendly and just plain fun.

John and Peggy, who run this site, host it at their spread. I went for the first time last year and now plan my calendar around it.

We'd love to meet you and your truck, so come on down. And, if you're in the Fredericksburg area, look up SWEET and I while you're here and we'll compare rust stories.

Best,

Jim

Mistakes? jim what are you talking about? We have no stinking mistakes. Rare steaks, tomato stakes, tent stakes. Ok.
Jeff, welcome. Drive or trailor your truck down to homecoming and I am sure we can demonstrate all sorts of stakes. Otherwise come, bring your tools and join to fun.
Welcome
Hambone

Welcome to the ODSS. I moved from Centreville to Boones Mill 4 years ago. The homecoming event is a short ride from Fairfax and the time there is time well spent. Hope to meet/see you there.

Welcome trooper,
I am also a newbie that lives in the woodbridge area.

Chris

Jeff,

Thanks for stopping in here! As you can see, we're a pretty open group. I hope we can catch up with you one of these days or at Homecoming.

Hopefully you aren't shoveling too much snow... Just rain here at HQ

John

Welcome Jeff

Last year we had a great patch panel fabrication demonstration done by Robert (MP&C) in his shop on Saturday. I think he's working on something for this year as well...there's lots of truck talk and always a hood up somewhere!

Talk to Billy Marlow about camping arrangements if your interested in staying over night (he's Camp Commindont)...I commute as I'm only 20 minutes away.

BTW, ae you a VA State Trooper?

Hope to meet you in April!

Mike B

Welcome Jeff!!

I grew up in Chantilly and I work in that area often. My parents still live there. If you ever need help, give me a shout. If you want to take an awesome drive to Homecoming, I invite you to take Rt. 17 to Fredericksburg and join the Presidential Motorcade to Homecoming over the Nice bridge. It is one of the best drives of the year....

As we get closer to HC we will work on the details for the motorcade.

Thanks everyone for the welcome.

I had already been looking at driving down Rt. 17, so that might work. I will be doing some work on the truck between now and then and will need to make a call as things get closer as to whether she's up to the miles.

As to the "Trooper" thing. My other interest is horses, and I'm a member of the U.S. Cavalry Association. My rank in that organization is "Trooper" (which would be a "Private" in the Infantry). So, when I'm not driving my truck, my other ride is exactly 1 horse power.

Trooper Jeff

Jeff

I just purchased a 54 Chevy 3100, probably about the same time you did. I live in Bethesda, MD. Perhaps we can learn from one another as we get into this new hobby. Mine is all original interiors and worn with patina that I doubt I will ever change - just beautiful and full of character. The exterior needs to be painted to the original blue which I am researching.

I'll try to learn how to send photos. maybe we can compare notes.

Bob

Welcome Scooter54

Mike B

Thanks Mike

I see your specialty in Fire Trucks. The guy who manages our computer in my office purchased an old fire truck from the City of Falls Church, VA. I'll send you a photo the next time I see it.

Welcome Aboard, Scooter!

If you can make it down to St. Mary's County the weekend of 26-28 April, we're all getting together for our annual Stovebolt Homecoming here at HQ -- We'd love to have you and your truck join us.

LOTS of notes to compare with ... Plus, I have some '54 stuff here that will go home with you.

John

John - sounds fun. I'm not sure I up for driving my truck that far, but I would enjoy seeing others. I'll try to join. Appreciate the invite.

Bob

Appears my recruiting effort is lapsed. Being overrun by ADs. Where are all of the finer 60-66 trucks and bolteers. Guess I will order up more diesel. George I need help to restore the decade to its rightful prominence. Sounds like Homecoming will be busy. Welcome and excited to share some fellowship with all.
Hambone

Welcome Jeff and Bob, look forward to meeting you guys.
Bob, I was born and raised in Bethesda. I went from there to Kensington, then Rockville, then Potomac and now Howard County (10 yrs).
Your truck is beautiful. Hope we get to see in person!
Billy

Billy

Thanks for the welcome. We do have much in common, although I am originally from Chapel Hill, N.C. One of the photos in my link is of my grandfather driving a 5 window chevy with my brother and sister in the back bed. The photo is about 60 years old and motivated me to get a truck like his and re-do it with his company logo and phone number.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Bob

Hi Bob,

It would be great to compare trucks and compare notes, especially since you are nearby.

Based upon an assestment of my truck, it seems that the previous owner engaged in some significant "deferred maintenance." Looks like I will be doing a number of things before she travels some real miles. In the near future I'm certainly looking at a new exhaust system and a carb rebuild. Also, before too long, probably new kingpins and steering gear adjustment, if not a rebuild. Oh, and the brakes need some attention too.

But, hey, I didn't think I was getting a new truck. And the solid body and good running engine, trans and drive train make up for a lot.

Also, I have been checking out fuel sources and find I can get straight gas (no ethanol) at several stations in the Shenandoah Valley (which I visit frequently).

Trooper Jeff

mine is in pretty good shape. Brakes and clutch have been re-built. I also am putting new king-pins in, a couple of gaskets, new fuel pump and the rear axle seal, which is probably my biggest effort and expense.

Send photos so we can compare starting points.

Like you, I am not traveling far, but I'm very confidant puttering around Bethesda. Let me know if you are ever in the area.

i did not think about fuel. Should I steer away from ethanol? What negative effect does that have?

Bob

Bob,

The fuel thing is a whole can of worms. I have been told that ethanol is hard on rubber parts in the fuel line. Also I have been told that it attracts water, so it will pull moisture into your gas and that water can settle out and be hard on the fuel tank. The suggestions I have been given is that I should consider adding Stabil green (the marine stuff) to my gas if I use E-10. But I have found that the Libery gas stations in the Shen Valley also sell gas with no ethanol. I'm going to try to fuel up there, at least once she's up to the drive out to the Valley.

It is my understanding that ethanol plays havoc on parts when the truck sits.

If you drive the wheels off it, ethanol is fine.....

Keep driving!!!

Sweet is right. That is why most racebikes (motorcycles) can't leave the high octane race fuel in them. If they do, they end up rebuilding the engines prior to the spring races/track days since the gaskets are all messed up. you can ask my buddy about it, he accidently did it!

Chris