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The fun begins. Good luck with the rebuild.


Drew
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All original? Those doors aren't original to a '51.


"It's just a phase. He'll grow out of it." Mama, 1964

1956 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100
1953 Chevy 6100 "The Yard dog"
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Good eye! or it's not a 51.


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or it was a very early '51 ... or a '50 not first registered until '51 ... or the original purchaser didn't like those "new fangled vents" and the dealer humored him grin

Bill


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Bubba - Curmudgeon
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stove51,

If you want to ID your truck, is there a plate on the cab, between the hinges on the driver's side? If yes, post the code.

Most likely, you have already ID'd the engine by the code pressed into the block, just to rear of where the distributor goes into the block.

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This is an interesting truck.
It looks like it has Bendix brakes, started in 1951.
Engine has 2" round circle between distributor and road draft tube, used in 1950.
Doors are 1948-50.
?????????


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where in pa?

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Already ran codes. It was manufactured in May of 51'. Didn't know about the 2" round circle you mentioned. I'll double check the casting code and see if I missed anything.

Very possible that the doors have been switched. But we have some donor parts (which include vent window doors) that may be used for the restoration. Will probably have leftover parts to sell if anyone is interested.

At any rate...I guess what I mean by "All Original" is that we are going to be sourcing all original parts and hopefully not have to buy any remaned parts. That's the goal anyhow. Of coarse, patch panels will be used.

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Other than the engine..mine was cleaner. Your truck looks a lot like mine did when I started. I hope you have less rust in the floor than I did. Enjoy and have a great time with it.
smile


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Well, this truck gets even more interesting. Went back and looked at engine code again and searched. Can't find in any database. What the heck does that mean?

I know it's a 216, just by the valve cover and the number starts with JBA. But the rest of the numbers aren't close to anything.

?????????

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Bubba - Curmudgeon
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JBA engine code prefix - 1951

What are the rest of the numbers?

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Originally Posted by tclederman
JBA engine code prefix - 1951

What are the rest of the numbers?

Yeah. I saw that page as well as others. I also referenced that prefix in and old repair manual my pap gave me and all show say 1951.

I believe the numbers are 661215. But it actually looks like 66I2I5. The "1's" look like capital "i's"

I'm a little concerned.

Oh...I also need a lead on a rebuild/overhaul kit for a 216. Can anyone point me in the right direction please. ( just a complete gasket kit)

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I got a full gasket kit for a 216 from my local Napa. They had it the next day. Cost about the same as the online shops. Be prepared they ain't cheap.

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I wonder what the date code is on the block. I have not seen a 51 engine with the 2" circle. I wonder if it is a early 51 truck with a leftover 50 engine.


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Originally Posted by Pre '68 Dave
I wonder what the date code is on the block. I have not seen a 51 engine with the 2" circle. I wonder if it is a early 51 truck with a leftover 50 engine.
and leftover 50 doors wink

Bill


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Bubba - Curmudgeon
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stove51,

Would you please post all of the numbers codes from your head and block? Here are the locations.

- full engine serial number
- head casting code
- head date-casting code
- block casting code
- block date-casting code

This might allow better speculation as to when the engine was cast and assembled (and allow better speculation as to when the truck might have been assembled).

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Originally Posted by stove51
At any rate...I guess what I mean by "All Original" is that we are going to be sourcing all original parts and hopefully not have to buy any remaned parts. That's the goal anyhow. Of coarse, patch panels will be used.

"All original" and "patch panels" sound odd in the same paragraph. If you have a stash of NOS parts I would save them for a truck with less evidence of molestation and not get too concerned about parts source. If it's been patched up what does that say to a future buyer?





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Originally Posted by Curt B.
Originally Posted by stove51
At any rate...I guess what I mean by "All Original" is that we are going to be sourcing all original parts and hopefully not have to buy any remaned parts. That's the goal anyhow. Of coarse, patch panels will be used.

"All original" and "patch panels" sound odd in the same paragraph. If you have a stash of NOS parts I would save them for a truck with less evidence of molestation and not get too concerned about parts source. If it's been patched up what does that say to a future buyer?

Oh Bite me. Not building it to sell it. Building it to drive it and show it. No future buyer.

Anyhow....got the engine code confusion figured out. If you want something done right then do it yourself I guess. I was relying on someone else to look at the casting numbers then relay them to me. I went over and looked myself. The guy was reading me the serial number.

Casting #: 3835497 = 1942-53 216 inline 6
date code: E101 = May 10th, 1951

All good....so not sure about the 2" circle thingy but they must exist. smile

Last edited by stove51; 07/18/2013 9:28 PM.
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
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stove51,

Yes, all good.

Your "bite me" is well stated.

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Originally Posted by tclederman
stove51,

Yes, all good.

Your "bite me" is well stated.

Ha...Thanks grin

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All good as long as you have a rabies tag....

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Just ordered up a gasket kit. Gonna continue disassembly of the iron wonder. Looks like we need a couple (if not all) valve seats. Opening up block this week...I think.

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Sounds like you are having a blast! Glean what information that you can use from this site and let the crap roll down your back. BTW, you really need to change your call out name to Bite Me. Too funny!


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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Originally Posted by 52Carl
Sounds like you are having a blast! Glean what information that you can use from this site and let the crap roll down your back. BTW, you really need to change your call out name to Bite Me. Too funny!

I am having a blast. Learning a lot from my pap. His passion is cars and restoring them. Slowly becoming mine.

My favorite line of his..."if there's no rust on it, and it runs...there's no sense in buying it".

That just says it all.

Last edited by stove51; 07/27/2013 7:24 AM.
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dropped the oil pan and pulled the pistons over the weekend. Piston rod #4 we think was a little loose around the shaft. There's a little residue around the shaft on #4. Pulled the camshaft too. Everything is in real good shape...for the most part.

Gonna send head and block over to engine shop to have it boiled. Gonna have him mic it and give it a once over. Probably get new valve seats.

Here are a couple pics.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x426/yotabuild/51%20Chevy/piston1_zpsa69c8c70.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x426/yotabuild/51%20Chevy/piston2_zpsd98ab11f.jpg


Last edited by stove51; 07/29/2013 1:48 PM.

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