Stovebolt.com Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Hello from AZ (Gilbert)!

Good morning! My son and I pulled the trigger last week and bought a 1952 Chevy 3100. I have always loved the older trucks and wanted one most of my life but never followed through. My 16 year old (Ryan) has loved the older stuff for as long as I can remember. While his older brother is only interested in the new and shiny, Ryan loves the old and rusty.

We went round and round last year about buying an old truck but finally opted not to since we have no mechanical experience, very limited space and a non existent budget. We opted for a Tracker fishing boat. Have had some great times out on the water but the urge to get the truck still burns.

Our 52 has had some initial restoration work started on the body. Has some rust and the prior owners have made some repairs. The interior is in fair shape. Missing a lot of trim (glove box, grills, door/window handles, etc). Seat is in excellent shape. Floor has some rust and the PO has fitted some plates to just lay on top. Will need to address that.

The prior owner didn't have a key so not sure if the motor turns over. I took out the glove box lock last night and going to try to get a key made today. Once I have that, I will follow the notes on found on this site to prep it to see if it starts.

Looking forward to spending more time here and sharing our experiences. If there is anyone in the Gilbert/Mesa/Queen Creek area on the site, we would welcome any mentoring that you would be willing to provide.

Thanks in advance!

Ron and Ryan Hill

Welcome to the garage. You will find all the advice and knowledge you need here. Sounds like a good father son program. Wish my son had the interest, but thus far has not shown interest enough.
Welcome

Ron and Ryan, congratulations on your new project. I promise you it will be something that you can be proud of and your son will enjoy taking girls for a ride. These old trucks are Chic Magnets!!

We're here to help. Visit often and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Got a key made today from the door lock. Works in the ignition! Woohoo! Going to try to prep it tomorrow to see if the motor turns over and hoping it may actually start. Life has thrown me a lot of lemons, would love a little of the karma that I have given out grace me on this one!

The fact that the key works is a "win" in your column. I think we have all lost lot of battles but are successful winning the War. Hang it there. You and your son can do it. That's what we're here for. Keep trucking.

Well, it looks like I might have another "win" in my column. Trying to figure out what engine it has. I cleaned off the serial number and it looks like:

F I 0 I I A (not sure if those are "I's" or "1's"

Trying to read the casting number, I can make out the first 4 at this time (need to clear some more grease and then get in there with a mirror) but it starts with

3738

So, looks like I have a 235?

Sounds like your well on your way with this project.

To get the best results, comments, ideas and suggestions it'd be better to post in the Engine Forum, or maybe General Truck Forum for help with deciphering engine codes.
The reason being not everyone that is here comes through the Welcome Centre every time they log in.... but instead go to the forum with which they can share the most info.

Body questions in Paint and Body, hot rod questions in the Hi Po Forum..... I'm sure you get the idea. That way more folks can see your post which more help.

I might add that while learning your way around take a look in at the Tech Tips, Gallery pictures, links ect which are across the top of the page. Just so much here to learn so be a little patient and it'll all come together.
In the meantime congrats on accomplishments so far. Each little step is a victory!
post those engine numbers in the engine forum and those guys can tell you all about your engine..where it was made and so on.

Will do. Thanks for the assist!

And, when you get'er running good, you can pull that boat and do some fishing. Best of both worlds!

Here you all go. Get a sneak peak into March 1 Gallery additions with The Hill Boys story ... check their signature line.

Good job Ron.

Peggy