ODSS Bolters
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Jan 21st, 2020
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,137
OP
'Bolter
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Your posts sound just like mine over the last few weeks. I have a eye bolt well screwed into the back wall of my garage that I use with a come-along to get projects into the garage. My first project was to get the old girl running because the seller offered to refund a third of the selling price if the engine is shot. Don't feel bad about posting pictures, I've been trying for 2 weeks and clearly suck at it. Good luck on your project. Funny you say that, I've had the exact same thought about the come-along. Two fears have kept me from trying it just yet: 1) Wouldn't have a way to stop the truck if the cable broke (hence hiring that done) 2) Afraid I might pull the stud out of the garage wall to which the eyebolt is attached.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 283
Shop Shark
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JW, as you spend more time on this site you will realize what an AMAZING truck you have found! I would probably put new tires on it but that would be it. (aside from anything mechanical it needs)
Congratulations on a wonderful find.
Joe
1955 First Series 3100
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,137
OP
'Bolter
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JW, as you spend more time on this site you will realize what an AMAZING truck you have found! I would probably put new tires on it but that would be it. (aside from anything mechanical it needs)
Congratulations on a wonderful find.
Joe Thanks, it is in pretty remarkable shape. Looks better in those pics than in real life, but your thoughts are mine exactly. I think it'd be a shame to restore the body (plus I'm too cheap anyway). New tires are high on my list. Whitewalls. Would also like to find some wheels to get away from the locking ring ones. Hard to find 6 lug.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 26,973
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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Actually 6-lug wheels are pretty common, if you don't mind running non-original ones while you're looking for period-correct wheels. Virtually all the Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and other import truck 6-lug wheels run the Chevy bolt pattern. If you can find 15" wheels for an older Toyota Land Cruiser, they'll bolt on and look almost original, and there's a huge selection of suitable-size tires available. For 16" wheels, look into 6-lug plain steel trailer wheels. Just don't tell the seller you're buying them for motor vehicle use. (None of his business in the first place, but those wheels don't have the DOT certification for motor vehicles!)
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,137
OP
'Bolter
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Any harm in running 15 inch? The only aftermarket steel wheels I can find in 6 lug are some smoothies from Coker. Wouldn't look bad, but they are 15.
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 31,812
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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"New tires are high on my list. Whitewalls. Would also like to find some wheels to get away from the locking ring ones. Hard to find 6 lug." Do your 3100 wheels have a locking ring? I thought that only GMC trucks had those? There is no harm using 15" wheels, they were one of the wheel options for 3100s in 1951.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,161
'Bolter
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That's a nice truck, way better than any I've seen, considering it's straight from the barn.
I'm not sure how tall a tire you can get for the 15" rims, tall tires may not be as good for cornering but sure help your top end. One common complaint is that the truck won't go past 50 or 55 mph.
Last edited by 1953 panel; Tue Jan 07 2014 09:39 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 16,149
'Bolter
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Probably should move this thread but since it has multiple topics within the thread, I'll leave it here for now and even add a comment or two of my own!!
I have a little different opinion on doing brakes first. I've always thought it would be a shame to spend money on the brake system only to later find out the engine, or some other major item is shot. Then the vehicle sits with all that money spent while digging out more just to get it running. Strictly MY opinion but I like to get them to GO and then WHOA.
However, JW51, if you have a firm plan to keep going after the brake job then by all means go ahead with the brakes.
Not sure if you have Huck or Bendix brakes but most Flaps can still get brake shoes and wheel cylinders. If not in stock they can get them overnight with free shipping. The brake lines are cheap and lengths can usually be matched up so there is a minimum, if any, flaring done. Just don't skimp on brakes!
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 31,812
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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Original optional 15" tires were a larger diameter than either of the original 16" tires (as shown in the link I posted above). 1951 31xx brakes were Bendix in front and rear (first Bendix year). I like Alvin's logic on the brakes. However, before you go for a ride of more than one block, go over the brakes.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,137
OP
'Bolter
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I'll post any new questions in the right thread.
Appreciate the insights from Achipmunk and tcelderman. My thoughts with the brakes first have to do with my house and garage. Concrete drive that is steep. Want to be able to stop before I put it in the garage and tear into anything else.
Dropped it off at the shop for the brake work today. We'll see what happens.
As for the question about the locking ring wheels --- don't know that they're original, but given the rest of the truck --- can't say that they're not. You guys would know best!
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