55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

This along with my 49' 3600 short bed conversion will be my first documented build(s). I'll probably be working on both back and forth at the same time. As mentioned in my 49' thread, I am currently building a pole barn shop in order to move the trucks home from my dads place about 15 min away. When you enter kids into the equation it's alway easier if you have a place to tinker in your own backyard.

The pictures that follow show the condition of the truck when purchase in July 2014. I really haven't touched the truck to this point. The previous owner had the idea to go bare metal and at this point I'll probably keep the same theme.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Welcome! What are the rest of the plans for your build? Looks like a great truck to start with.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

While subject to change...

My plans are to use the original frame install an IFS.
Notch the rear & install a 4 link along with a new rear end.
Accuair E-Level
Reupholster the original seat (Black?)
Painted Interior - Dash/Doors (Red?)
Exterior - Keep bare metal with satin clear coat
Wheels - Undecided
Engine - I have a built 383 engine and 700r on a stand waiting to be utilized.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Good deal. Nice looking 383.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Good starting point with that sheet metal
Welcome from So Arizona

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Thanks! I can't wait to really dig into this truck. I already have the IFS crossmember, control arms and brakes.

Metal for the pole barn was ordered last week and should be available this Friday 18th.
I have 11 days off starting the 24th and am hoping to make some progress on the shop.

Sim6: What type of clear did you use on your bare metal 53? Any adhesion issues?

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Following along........looks like a great start!!

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Tagging along as well. Truck looks clean and somewhat rust free.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

The truck has/had rust in some of the normal places. The P/O cut out the cab corners but did not replace them. The inner kick panels need attention but are not terrible. Doors are great! The truck is complete done to the original bed trim. The original seat upholstery has been covered over twice but is visible by pulling back the layers in the corner where it has ripped.

I prefer a split window but this one is really growing on me.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

A quick pic of the 24' x 45' x 12.5' inside clear pole barn/shop I'm in the process of building in the back yard. Hoping to have a little more time to work on projects if they are at home instead of at my dads shop. Time is precious and family/kids definitely comes first. Hoping the get the kids in the shop and teach them a few things as they get older.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Thats going to be a nice shop, I'm envious...lol.
I've got 2 projects waiting for attention, have my shop corners staked out and scraping funds to get started on it. The kids def. come first and they are darn expensive ;)

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

A few interior pictures I took last evening.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

I've been thinking of going bare metal with my truck and have been told that eventually rust will appear under the clear. What's your opinion on this

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Looks fun, nice shop coming along, I will be tagging along.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Good looking truck to start with. I'll be following along

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Thank you all for the interest in my build! I've spent several lunch breaks reading through builds on this site and I am really looking forward to contributing as much detailed information as possible. My goal is to have my barn/shop insulated, wired and ready for use by mid March. I with the assistance of my father have built the barn ourselves and will finish it together one weekend at a time. My trucks are currently stored inside at his shop but with having young kids it is hard to find the time to get away and work on them there. Hopefully having a shop at home will allow me to spend a little more time in the shop.

@ Laid_Out_50: I'm not a painter by profession, but I would think that as long as you prepped the surface properly before applying the clear coat you should expect roughly the same durability as a traditional base & clear coat paint job. Rust is inevitable if you actually drive a vehicle. Even brand new vehicles seem to show significant signs of rust some before being paid off here in the Midwest. Most often the rust isn't visible for quite some time until the paint begins to bubble up. At least with a bare metal truck you will be able to tell well in advance if you are going to have any trouble spots before significant damage is done. I have never had a bare metal truck before so others may have first hand advice. I plan to talk to my local auto paint supplier and hot rod shop before spraying clear.

Here is a picture of the progress made on the shop as of last weekend. I am hoping to have the backside buttoned up this weekend and the front well underway. I have to build the two 5' x 12' sliding doors and frame up/install the service door on the right side which will slow things down a little.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

A little progress update on the shop. Doors and perimeter trim and I'll be ready for insulation & electricity. Cannot wait to start work on the 55.1 & the 49. Hoping to be able to start working on the two trucks sometime in March.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Super jealous of your shop!!!

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Started a little insulation in the roof and still have lower door track to install. Taking a little longer to finish than I had anticipated. Work and family keep me pretty busy.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Looks great!!

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Progress has unfortunately stalled due to a very small house fire that started in the crawl space and burned roughly a 16" x 16" hole through the floor damaging 2 floor joists and filling the house with smoke. This occurred on April 16th and we are still not back in the house due smoke smell removal that crazy enough just started a little over a week ago. Why they let it sit for two months untouched is beyond me. They claim we will be able to move back in in a couple of weeks. I can not wait to get back to normal. Kids in an upstairs apartment above a grouchy old lady is no fun.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Wow, sorry to hear that happened. Glad it wasn't worse! Hopefully you will be home soon.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Thanks - It could have been a lot worse. Carpets and upholstery are scheduled to be cleaned this Friday then technically it would be ready to move back in minus a little painting. We are currently in an apartment that is paid for through the end of July so I'm taking the opportunity to complete a few projects around the house before we move back in.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Sorry for the delay SS. I used lacquer clear I found at tractor supply$ 40 buck a gallon. It's been on the cab almost a year no adhesion problems all.

Re: 55.1 Chevy 3100 Bare Metal Build
 

Was getting tired of just looking at the 383 and decided it was time to order a carb. Ordered a 750 cfm Edelbrock Performer (part number 1407) yesterday afternoon from Jegs and according to the tracking number it will be delivered today! Planning to start it up for the 1st time this weekend on a stand. I'll post a video early next week.