New project year identification help

[Dustinmk4]

Hi all, I'm usually over on the 88-98 section but I have a new project in the works and will need lots of help.

First the plan. My family has had this thing in our back yard since before I can recall. The metal is actually in pretty good shape but interior is shot. It has had mice, wasps, and who know what else live in it. I spoke with my son about it a few weeks ago and he seems interested in taking it on, although he is only 6 so he has no idea what he is agreeing to. I made a deal that if he help work on it I'll pay half of everything (realistically I'll probably pay much more but he does need to contribute). I experienced in body/paint and interior work having done plenty of custom jobs. Not as much experience in the motor/drivetrain area but have worked on small motors since I was an early teen so I'm sure we can manage. We have 10 years to build my son a working driving rig. The direction it goes will be up to him, color, lowered or not, flat bed or custom or original bed, everything is up to him. Should be interesting and hopefully he will gain some skills and appreciation through the process.

Now the pics and the first bit of help I need. It is a chevy 3100 as per badging. But I haven't a clue as to the year. Also info on the motor would be great for when it comes time to rebuild or sell it.

P.S. don't mind the wreath on the grill, this is what happens when an old relic gets moved to the front yard of my mothers house, it becomes decoration.

[yoshi]

I'll start with my guess "1949"

[53 292]

1950. Cool hood ornament too

[joedoh]

post the VIN, that will tell for sure, looks 49-50 by the side glass, left cowl vent and gas tank filler.

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by joedoh

post the VIN, that will tell for sure, looks 49-50 by the side glass, left cowl vent and gas tank filler.

Will do next time I'm by it.

[Donaldo]

Originally Posted by 53 292

1950. Cool hood ornament too

I got a hood a while back with an ornament something like that, figured out it was from a '49 or '50 Chevy Fleetline. It's been rechromed and going back on the hood, to fill the holes.

[dwcsr]

if it has lever action shocks it s a 49, if it has the tube type shocks its a 50, I'm betting 50

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

if it has lever action shocks it s a 49, if it has the tube type shocks its a 50, I'm betting 50

Good to know, I'll look

[mr48chev]

The shocks would be the quick way to tell if it is 49 or 50. For some reason I always forget which year they changed from lever to tube shocks.

Here is one of a multitude of pages detailing the year to year changes for AD trucks.
http://www.adchevy.com/info/yeartoyearchanges

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The shocks would be the quick way to tell if it is 49 or 50. For some reason I always forget which year they changed from lever to tube shocks.

Here is one of a multitude of pages detailing the year to year changes for AD trucks.
http://www.adchevy.com/info/yeartoyearchanges

Thats a great page

[lv2tri2]

My experience with the motor in this truck, as a teenager, it won't last long and won't be nearly as much fun to drive. You are probably aware of all this, but if he is making the decisions I would encourage at least a later inline.

Thanks mr48 for the ad link.

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by lv2tri2

My experience with the motor in this truck, as a teenager, it won't last long and won't be nearly as much fun to drive. You are probably aware of all this, but if he is making the decisions I would encourage at least a later inline.

Thanks mr48 for the ad link.

I'm hoping for a nice small block chevy or if we really get into doing custom stuff a 4bt cummins would be neat and less common. We shall see.

[skymangs]

If the vin tag is attached with clutch head screws it should be a 49, although I have seen a couple early 50's with clutch heads. If the tag has rivets, it is definately a 50.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I guess the obvious question for me.... you don't have a title?
If not, this has come up in discussions so many times here.... don't spend a penny on it until you have a title.

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

I guess the obvious question for me.... you don't have a title?
If not, this has come up in discussions so many times here.... don't spend a penny on it until you have a title.

This comment got me thinking and digging. My Dad doesn't have the title anymore but both my parents have worked for a towing company and have dealt with getting replacements in the state and said it isn't too bad. Mostly just fill out the form and pay the fee unless there is something weird going on. This is now on the agenda for Monday, which means I'll be going out to get the VIN and looking at the things you all mentioned. Should have the year nailed down by Christmas, and hopefully the title in my hands before the new year or shortly after.

On another note, I'll be starting a new job on the 5th of Jan which will give me a better shift. Weekends and state and federal holidays off (government agency), 4 10's shift with me home early enough to get something accomplished in the evenings. This should help with the project. The more I dig and get things prepped the better I feel about dragging this home and giving up garage space.

[mr48chev]

If your dad had the title in his name and the truck was registered search the truck for an old registration slip. That would go a long way in helping file for a replacement title.

It sounds like your folks know the ropes on getting it done though.

[wolffcub]

sure looks like lever style to me.

[Dustinmk4]

Update, lever shocks so it's a 49 yes? We looked at it yesterday I got some pics and the vin but pics aren't working right now. My son is excited about it and after a very difficult Christmas week he and I could use the time further but more on that when I start the build thread.

What am I looking at on the vin for year id?