1950 3100 - arrived, where to begin?

[MidLifer]

So Project #2 was delivered the other night - probably a good thing the carrier came under cover of darkness so that I wouldn't be as shocked as I feel now that I've seen it in the stark light of day. Unlike the 71 (see my avatar) which basically was running and altogether when I got it, this one needs just about everything gone through, fixed, put back together, rebuilt, etc. This will be a test of my mental fortitude and patience.

Engine is not original - it's a 235 with a 1960 build date, but I knew that. Tranny is a SM420, casting number corresponds to a 1951 build, but don't see evidence that the truck originally came with a 3-speed, must have been a RPO. Truck came out of Oakland in August 1950 based on the VIN.

Step 1 is to see if I can get it running and stopping. Currently the brakes are not hooked up and in need of rebuilding. Going straight to front discs with a Speedway kit I bought on the parts forum. Engine needs to be wired up, hoses installed, new fuel/water pumps, hook up gas tank/fuel line, and then check compression/spark/fuel/air and hopefully start it.

PO threw a bunch of parts in the cab allegedly including many brake parts, must go through and sort everything. Truck needs a good scrubbing with CLR, and the flat tire is at the shop getting a new tube so I can roll it around.

Once I get it running and have driven it around the block a few times, gonna take it apart and start the resto. There is suprisingly little visible rot - holes in cab corners and one spot on the floor near the passenger kick panel. Surface rust everywhere and 4 different colors of paint, plus some old bondo here and there. Will be interesting to see what I have to work with when its all taken apart and blasted.

I'll start a build thread as soon as I start disassembly. Right now I need a drink and some perspective!

Pics: https://picasaweb.google.com/1102505...CM7a2JaTl-PoPw

[alaska gasser]

I'm guessing you didn't see it in person before buying it. I've purchased 2 that way and will never do it again!!

It looks like a fairly solid base, so I hope it turns out to be.

[MidLifer]

I've bought 2 trucks sight unseen, and have known the risks of doing so. I live in the salt/rust belt, so within driving distance of me there are no old trucks that have original metal that hasn't been eaten up years ago.

I'm happy with what I got and what I paid for it. The seller was honest with me about the vehicle's condition. I thanked a lot of other sellers for their time when I felt they weren't being up front about what they were selling. 30 years of business experience has given me a sixth sense in dealing with folks, and I can usually smell a rat a mile away.

Could I have saved a grand by shopping around for months, or maybe found that diamond in the rough? Maybe, but thankfully I'm blessed with a good job and can afford to take chances from time to time. Plus, I took this hobby up to learn how to fix and build old vehicles. I'll take my time with this one, if it takes 2-3 years then all the better. And if I get it apart and find that there is a ton of hidden rot, oh well, I'll part it out, take my loss and move on, or buy a donor cab.

If not, I'll be driving my 50 on my 50th and smiling all the way.

[msaintg]

One day at a time, one piece at a time. My truck was in way worse condition than yours (just my opinion from the pics) to start with and it still turned out OK. I just focused on completing one task each week, I jumped all over the place and stuff I was working on, just to keep it moving forward. Worked for me.

Good luck and post lot of pics.

[S10Fan]

Your truck is definitely in better shape than what I started with!

The truck looks solid, and a good candidate for whatever your plans are.

I'm one of those guys that would make it safe, make it run good, drop it and drive it like it is.

Have fun!

[MidLifer]

Mike, Bryan, thanks for the encouragement.

As far as plans, I like 'em stock-looking. Not going for Carlisle points so will upgrade for safety and convenience (discs, 12v) and wont sweat the repop parts. But it will be stock height and will be painted to look like 1950. I will keep the stovebolt and driveline but once I figure out the rear ratio I may re-gear. Thats about as far as my thinking has gone at this time.

And I will be reading lots of build threads here and on stovebolt.com!
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[pvienneau]

MidLifer, nice pik and I like the direction you are going with it. I know what you mean about the salt up here. My current project was in much worse shape than that beauty you have there. It sat for 10 YRS in MA. Have fun with it.

Pat

[coffeeman]

Sweet truck! It looks exactly like what I have drug home before! My first 1950 was so bad that I stared at it for 2 years before I ever touched it. Wound up junking the entire body and buying another one. Yours looks great and is a good place to start. Don't get discouraged, it's just an old truck! Good luck and I'll keep watching your progress.

Mitch