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| | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 85 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 85 | Hi folks,
Would like some opinions as I am really struggling here. My Grandpa bought my 1956 Chevy 3100 pickup new off the lot. I drove it to High School 30 years ago and restored it to stock with its original 235 and SM420 10 years ago. It is still in great shape but isn't very fun to drive given heavy traffic and our hilly terrain. I bought a vortec v8 last winter but haven't installed it yet. Then I thought I should go full bore and add an overdrive (4L60E) trans plus an IFS. Long term plan ( maybe 10 years) is to have this as my only vehicle when I retire and possibly tow a small vintage camper trailer. Part of me is thinking I should do the updates now. The mods would make this a great daily driver and it would tow a small trailer fine.
In the short term, the pickup has a rebuilt sm420, new clutch, new king pins, shocks, tie rod ends, fresh drum brakes and dual MC, new front sway bar, etc.
So, I am really conflicted about throwing away so much of what makes this pickup what it is. The suspension and steering are both stiff, brakes are typical drum, lack of power steering makes low speed driving a workout.
Should I go for broke and make the changes or do selective updates that retain the character of the original design? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 566 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 566 | I have a 1956 chevy 3100. What i decided was to make selective modifications. Most of the car shows i go to in my area, have the sbc. I rarely see stovebolt so what i am doing is keeping the 235 with dual 2 bbls. with fenton headers and lots of chrome. This way its somewhat original with a wow look. Just to be different. I replaced the sm420 with a t5 so i could get some more speed. I want a little fun too not asking for much. I guess what i really like is the stomp start. I did upgrade to dual master cylinder with a booster for safety and converted to an alternator, definately air conditioning will be next and possibility power steering. I guess to each is their own but for me i really dig the 235 and it looks cool all painted and chromed out. Thats just me. Good luck what you decide.
"As I lay rubber down the street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my sweet ride." -Amen 56 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: May 2004 Posts: 1,312 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2004 Posts: 1,312 | You will get a full range of comments on this - from " leave it alone " to " full-bore hotrod "
Bottom line is it's your truck. Do what makes sense to you. Sounds like you are planning on keeping her for a long time so I don't think resale values really come into play. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | I'm building a 1956 3100 and I'm making it a driver with lots of upgrades, BUT I'm not cutting or welding anything on the frame of the truck...everything is bolt on. In the end it the next guy wants it 100% stock it will be easy to put it back. I have upgraded the following items... 350 sbc V8 Saganaw 4-speed manual trans 1981 Trans Am posi rear with 273 gears Under floor dual pot power MC Front Disc Brakes Ididit tilt steering column Power Rack and Pinion bolted to original straight front axle Stock Suburban/Panel truck front sway bar Vintage Air AC/heat System Suburban/Panel truck frame mounted gas tank My project is getting close to paint...I'm fitting all of the sheet metal now and have most items installed on the frame. The goal is to be done by next April... As stated before, make it your way and enjoy! There is no right or wrong way to do it. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I like the idea of changing the things you don't like. You can put power steering on it, and disc brakes with dual master cylinder. Those make good sense to me.
Depending on how fast and far you plan to pull a SMALL trailer may be in on the decision making but for what its worth the inline 6's did a bang up job for many many years. Maybe just not as fast as you think you want to go.
I'm not qualified to determine how a A/C unit, along with the power steering, would effect the engine output but its something to consider.
Most of the guys here know I love the V8's and like to go fast but if I ever encounter a nice original I'll keep it that way. As said, in the end its your choice.
Keep us posted on what you decide. I'm curious! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 649 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 649 | I don't like to make car payments, but my dream is to make my 53 3100 turn out like a new Silverado! So it will take a butt load of money and lots of work. So my vote is full bore mod!
Phil | | | | | Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 185 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 185 | Your truck, build as you like. When we see it at shows or around town and we'll say whoa what a cool truck, be it stock, mild or wild. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 85 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 85 | Fred B, I like your plan! What is the story with the power R&P? Didn't know that was an option with a straight axle. Have you driven it yet? How well does it work? I hate the idea of cutting up my pickup too. Power steering was the main motivation for the IFS, along with a little softer ride. Disc brakes would be easy to do with the straight axle. Would love if my original wheels fit over the disc brakes.
The vintage trailer is a retirement dream at this point. Would look pretty cool though and be practical too!
May postpone the decision for a while on the motor swap. I was at a swap meet today looking for parts for the '56 and ended up buying an old Rx7 with a 350 and 700r4 swapped in. Looks decent, runs great, reasonably quick and was just too cheap to pass up. Best of all, it satisfies my desire for v8 power while figuring out the right long term plan for the pickup. Might try a little auto crossing again too! | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 89 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 89 | I'm usually all for modding stuff. I have a 54 I'm in the process of modding right now. But my two cents on your truck would be to leave it like it is. I would think it being basically a one owner truck (being your grandfather) that there would be some sentimental value In leaving it the way it is. I'm all for buying a truck and and making it the way you want it but if my dad or grandad gave me a truck there is no way I would change its original integrity from what it was when I received it. But it all comes down to what you want to do... After all you do own the truck now so its your choice. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | I got the Power R&P here... http://www.performanceonline.com/Rack-and-Pinion-c-1339/I haven't gotten it on the road yet...maybe next spring...it's a slow moving project. Your original wheels are 6-lug. I swapped the rear and converted the front to standard Chevy 5-lug. Mike B | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 | You will get a full range of comments on this - from " leave it alone " to " full-bore hotrod "
Bottom line is it's your truck. Do what makes sense to you. Sounds like you are planning on keeping her for a long time so I don't think resale values really come into play. a\ That said it all, I prefer the hot rod approach but It is your truck. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Barry, I just read your write up and if it were me, based on all the work you have done and the truck has been in the family since the beginning, I'd leave it as it is, but that is me. Having said that, if pulling a vintage trailer and being able to travel the 405 at speed is more important, you know what you need to do. Go down to Art Morrison in Fife and check out their service truck, the thing is killer and would do everything you need and more, but you will spend a wad.
Take care,
Steve
Gig Harbor
Last edited by sstock; 05/21/2013 7:49 PM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,066 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,066 | easy deal, sell it to me and I will make the decision
and you won't have to fret about it...
Redryder pixMy HotrodA veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of "up to and including my life."I am fighting cancer and I am winning the fight | Pain is part of life; misery is an option. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 | Definitely cheaper to buy, if not a new Silverado a nice used one.
A stock vehicle or one that is easily returnable that way is something anyone will buy. A modified one needs to find the right customer because everyone wants it different.
There are people that make a living building rods and selling them, but they wind up building very generic sorts of cars or trucks unless they are building one to order.
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