1951 3100 Patina Build

[51Chevy3100]

Hello All,
My name is Adam and I'm new to this forum. Just purchased my 1st AD project and have read thru several build threads, stoked to get some progress on mine. Figured I would start my own build thread, but you'll have to forgive me if I don't update a lot or am slow to respond. I work offshore.
Here's a couple pictures from when I bought it and started tearing it down. Hope they upload correctly.
Got it from a guy in Austin, TX who had money tied up in another project. He had done some minor frame work on this one. Put in a 350 motor bored to a 355 in front of a turbo 350 trans. Unsure what the rear end is, may end up changing that anyways for posi-trac and disc brake purposes.

Torn between static lowering the truck or getting an S-10 frame and putting it on bags. Leaning towards the latter of the two because that was my original plan. I just know that route will be more expensive and much more time consuming. This is my first truck/car restoration, only done repair work before but my best friend does restorations for a living so he will be helping me out! I've only restored tractors in the past. I'll be very open to ideas/suggestions/corrections/etc.

[51Chevy3100]

Last picture I have for now...after removing the bed and taking the rotten wood out.

[iowaboynca]

Welcome to the forum! Don't worry about the 1st time, hey everybody has a 1st time It sounds like you've got a good support base; enthusiasm, this forum, some knowledge, and a friend who will be real useful!

Keep us updated!

[oldman3]

Welcome to the site, we all started about the same,...Jim

[51Chevy3100]

I appreciate the support and encouragement. Only major parts I need are a grille and the front and rear bumpers. Would prefer to get used ones to match the old patina look on the truck.
Let me know if any of you know where I could find those parts.
I do have a grille but it's fairly tore up and is missing the very top horizontal slat, if you wanna call it that.

[JakeDW]

Why not use the stock frame put a mm2 in the front 4 link and notch the rear.

That's how this one is done.

Jake

[Root2812]

I was just thinking the same thing as Jake. The perk of the S10 swap is a cheap modern suspension but if you are going to bag it anyways you may as well just bag the original frame.

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by JakeDW

Why not use the stock frame put a mm2 in the front 4 link and notch the rear.

That's how this one is done.

Jake

That's an option as well. The OG frame is in great condition. That's why I'm here, open to opinions and suggestions. Just need direction to get started. Also leaning more towards an LS based motor/tranny instead of the carbed 350 I got with it. Want reliability and decent fuel mileage for a daily driver if I want it for that.
I'll have more pictures and updates on progress next week when I get home from work.

[918733]

Well I'm about 2 1/2 hours away if you wanna take a look at my 55.1 on an s-10 frame, maybe it would help you make you make up your mind and I'm putting a ls 5.3 in mine hope to pick up the motor and trans this weekend. You got a good looking truck to start with just do your research and look around there are draw backs on Mustang II and s-10 you just gotta figure out what is gonna work best for you

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by 918733

Well I'm about 2 1/2 hours away if you wanna take a look at my 55.1 on an s-10 frame, maybe it would help you make you make up your mind and I'm putting a ls 5.3 in mine hope to pick up the motor and trans this weekend. You got a good looking truck to start with just do your research and look around there are draw backs on Mustang II and s-10 you just gotta figure out what is gonna work best for you

Appreciate that! Sorry for the late response and updates...don't get on the internet when I'm off work and I was just off for 3 weeks. Have some minor updates and also I've made up my mind on what route I plan to go.

[51Chevy3100]

An update as far as my plans for the suspension build. I'm going to go with a mustang II ifs, 4 link in the back with coilovers on all 4 corners. That way if I ever decided to switch to bags it shouldn't be too much of a change.
I'll have dependable driveability and still have some adjustment capabilities as far as ride height with the coilovers. Still plan to use an LS based fuel injected motor with a 4L80E trans. Have to decided on the best rear end as far as width, if the current one is not sufficient. I'll try not to bore y'all anymore...have a few pictures of some things I was doing until I get more working room and parts.
Cleaned up some body pieces and spraying undercoating in the fenderwells and a little clear coat on the patina to keep the existing paint from chipping off any further.
Also a rear fender repair, it was in pretty bad shape. You can see from the pictures when I picked it up. There's the 355 motor that was in the truck when I bought it...probably end up selling it.
And a picture of my guard dogs.

[99 to Life]

hey man, nice truck, welcome. So working offshore would suck if you're trying to build a truck, JMO! You got a lot of questions and variables coming into a first build. I know been there. SBC route isn't bad, I feel like guys are starting to treat them like an I6. Really great engines and very simple. I like the LS stuff, but I personally hate anything to do with the stock wiring, just so much BS, you got a ton of research on your hands there. For me with LS, I'm carbing my current build, in hopes of turning my last build into the Fitech EFI I just learned about. that way its EFI but a little more simplistic. Pros and cons to all of this.

as for frame, there has been tooons of threads on here about it. S10 frame if done right isn't the quickest or that much cheaper. But.. its a great foundation, tons of info on it out there esp for baggin. its stout and wider up front than the stock frame, bonus for the LS stuff. doing an M2 takes time and a lot more money up front esp if you buy a kit all at once. don't know your money situation but like most of us on here a 1500-2500 IFS isn't always in the cards. not to mention the cost of your 4 link kit wether you build or buy it. Then you have the welding skillset, if your not comfy welding structurally, you have to rely on someone (relying on people I dislike).

but, sounds like you made your mind on the OG frame, not a bad choice, saves you time hunting and stripping down an s10 frame. the idea of baggin later on is good too, I always like to plan ahead like that. I'll follow along and help yah were I can.

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

hey man, nice truck, welcome. So working offshore would suck if you're trying to build a truck, JMO! You got a lot of questions and variables coming into a first build. I know been there. SBC route isn't bad, I feel like guys are starting to treat them like an I6. Really great engines and very simple. I like the LS stuff, but I personally hate anything to do with the stock wiring, just so much BS, you got a ton of research on your hands there. For me with LS, I'm carbing my current build, in hopes of turning my last build into the Fitech EFI I just learned about. that way its EFI but a little more simplistic. Pros and cons to all of this.

as for frame, there has been tooons of threads on here about it. S10 frame if done right isn't the quickest or that much cheaper. But.. its a great foundation, tons of info on it out there esp for baggin. its stout and wider up front than the stock frame, bonus for the LS stuff. doing an M2 takes time and a lot more money up front esp if you buy a kit all at once. don't know your money situation but like most of us on here a 1500-2500 IFS isn't always in the cards. not to mention the cost of your 4 link kit wether you build or buy it. Then you have the welding skillset, if your not comfy welding structurally, you have to rely on someone (relying on people I dislike).

but, sounds like you made your mind on the OG frame, not a bad choice, saves you time hunting and stripping down an s10 frame. the idea of baggin later on is good too, I always like to plan ahead like that. I'll follow along and help yah were I can.

Thanks for the thoughts 99. I've read and am following all of your builds and have gotten a lot of ideas from them. Of course it's been awhile and I haven't done much of anything with mine but I'm constantly researching to prepare for when I'm able to. Life has brought a ton of changes my way in the past year but I'll get back on it one day!
Luckily I have a friend who restores classic cars for a living and a couple others who are certified welders, but it's all a fun learning experience for me. Also the help and experience from everyone on the forum!

[51Chevy3100]

Just a picture to look at because I know y'all like pictures just as much as me! Moving the 51 cab to my parents for storage. With it off the frame I can finally start frame work. It will be slow progress but I will get there.

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by 51Chevy3100

Just a picture to look at because I know y'all like pictures just as much as me! Moving the 51 cab to my parents for storage. With it off the frame I can finally start frame work. It will be slow progress but I will get there.

For some reason I can't figure out how to edit previous posts but I moved photos around on photobucket not knowing it would make ALL my picture posts disappear...so here they are again:

[Sim6]

Congrats on the project! Just kinda wrapping up my first build. I used the S-10 frame and have no regrets but would have rather kept the original and threw on IFS but money was too tight. Good luck on whatever you decide, I'll be tagging along.
Jeff

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by Sim6

Congrats on the project! Just kinda wrapping up my first build. I used the S-10 frame and have no regrets but would have rather kept the original and threw on IFS but money was too tight. Good luck on whatever you decide, I'll be tagging along.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff! It will be slow progress but I'm thrilled about getting it going.

[51Chevy3100]

Got the clutter around my frame cleared out and have FINALLY started stripping it down. Only noticed 1 small crack where the cab mount is riveted to the frame. Other than that it looks like it's in good shape. I pressure washed it and then started removing all the stuff that I won't be using. I will have progress pictures when I get more done but this is how it looked when I started.



I have a couple questions for anyone who has done this before as I'm going off what I've read and learned during my first attempt at this. How necessary is it to fill in all the random holes in the frame? Is it just for looks or does it help improve the strength or what?
Also I'm removing cab mounts and running board mounts to fix a few structural issues with them. Are those parts riveted in order to allow flex? Do I need to bolt them to allow for that or is it ok to weld things back on the frame that were riveted on?
Hope my questions make sense! Thanks in advance.

[oldman3]

I did not remove my cab mounts. I did remove my running board brackets.
After everything was painted I bolted them back on.
Pic 1 brackets removed.
Pic 2 brackets bolted on (you can see the bolt heads on rear bracket.

Jim

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by oldman3

I did not remove my cab mounts. I did remove my running board brackets.
After everything was painted I bolted them back on.
Pic 1 brackets removed.
Pic 2 brackets bolted on (you can see the bolt heads on rear bracket.

Jim

I wouldn't have removed the cab mounts but I have a crack to repair under one and figured it would be easier to clean up and paint everything with them off. I just want to make sure that I don't weld anything on that needs to be able to flex in order to prevent more frame cracking.
Bolting on the running board brackets seems like a better idea so that they can be removed in the future if necessary. Thanks for your reply and pictures to help! I was worried because I also removed my trans crossmember and wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not but after seeing yours out I'm relieved.

[oldman3]

Glad I could help, anything else pops up let me know...Jim

[99 to Life]

I'd say don't remove too many xmembers unless you put one back bf you take one out. You'd be surprised on how these frames will flex and twist. I wouldn't worry about all those holes in frame. You can fill some but I'd highly rec making sure they aren't going to be used. Frames flexing some isn't terrible, they actually all will flex but it all depends on your application. I wouldn't worry about it, just box in what you can and keep it moving. Nothing wrong with bolting some stuff back on, running board brackets are a great example.

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

I'd say don't remove too many xmembers unless you put one back bf you take one out. You'd be surprised on how these frames will flex and twist. I wouldn't worry about all those holes in frame. You can fill some but I'd highly rec making sure they aren't going to be used. Frames flexing some isn't terrible, they actually all will flex but it all depends on your application. I wouldn't worry about it, just box in what you can and keep it moving. Nothing wrong with bolting some stuff back on, running board brackets are a great example.

Thanks for the input, that helps a lot! The only one I removed is an aftermarket trans crossmember that is in the picture. The factory one was cut off by the previous owner (as shown) for a more modern drive train he had put in. I'm not going for a show truck by any means so I may fill a couple of the holes that held brackets on that I know won't be re used and leave the rest, based on your input. My plan is to box front and rear where the suspension is attached, not going to box the entire length.
Thanks again 99! Been following a long with Geronimo and learning more and more from your builds all the time.

[99 to Life]

cool, great forum with a lot of helpful builds on here. Hoping to hop back on Geronimo this month, new house is draining my funds and time. Good luck with your build. I like seeing others get these on the road and to have a documented build thread IMO is so nice to have.

[51Chevy3100]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

cool, great forum with a lot of helpful builds on here. Hoping to hop back on Geronimo this month, new house is draining my funds and time. Good luck with your build. I like seeing others get these on the road and to have a documented build thread IMO is so nice to have.

I hear you on that. I'm still in my single man house but being married with 2 step daughters and my first on the way we'll be moving into a bigger house within the next year or two so I'll be in the same boat soon enough! hah
I decided I'll do a static drop on this one so it'll be as functional and reliable as possible (also easier being my first build) and then I'd like to continue building them and getting them back out there. I need to get better about taking pictures and showing things as I do them but I agree.