Stovebolt.com Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre '51 3100 - barn treasure - looking for advice

Short version of a much longer story:

Been looking for an old truck for months and across a wide geography. This 51 kind of fell in my lap close to home. Been sitting inside for 30+ years. In pretty remarkable shape. Original paint, orginal wood...was not pampered, but was definitely cared for and loved.

My intentions are to preserve the truck in its current condition --- and restore the mechanicals to be a fun weekend driver for my kids and me. I am pretty new to advanced design pickups --- but did have a '66 back in high school.

Looking for a tortured soul who has done this before to serve as a mentor and answer many questions both on and off the board. The kind of odd bird who actually enjoys being peppered with my stupid questions.

The truck has a great story that I will share later.
Love this site.

JW51, welcome to the Stovebolt. You can find answers to all your questions here and we understand and preach that there is no stupid questions. Just questions that you have not seen the answer to....yet.
Take some time, learn your way around the Stovebolt and you'll be amazed..... and before anyone else says it.... we like pictures when you can get some loaded up. Check out the line at the bottom left side of this page for how to do it... and if you need help ask in the IT Forum.
We are here to help and so are LOTS of bolters in your area. They will find you....if you don't find them first. Don't be bashful.

I read the instructions and STILL screwed up that picture link.

JW, I'm not computer savy either. If you can't figure it out just make a post in the IT Forum and someone will walk you through it..... and if all else fails send a note to Peggy. She may be able, or another bolter in the IT to get something going for you. Don't fret, we'll get you help and once its part of your signature you won't have to worry about it. I had the same problem years ago....

Welcome JW, yes a lot of us have done what you want to do. Just ask and there will be someone able to help you out. As Alvin mentions, there are a lot of bolters in your area, we even have our reunions in Missouri. Maybe we'll see you someday.

Leo

Step one is getting it into the shop for brakes. That will happen later today, if things thaw out. How much $ should I be prepared to pay for that work?

The truck sat for 30 years so obviously it's a complete redo on brakes. Have to get that done before I could even think about putting her in my garage. Have a steep driveway. After the brakes, we will investigate what it will take to start the engine. It is allegedly a 235 (haven't checked the stamping) that turns quite freely. Not original, of course.

Hi JW, usually best to ask specific questions in the appropriate forums. (This is the welcome centre) Are you purchasing the parts and doing it yourself? Be sure to go to your FLAPS first, they may well still carry the parts you need. You're wise to make the brakes step #1.

Leo

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.

Hiring this brake work done.

Think I got this now...

Pics