Our 55 Chevy 3100

[Whumbachumba]

Going to pick up a 235 w/ 3speed tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out the motor mounts. I've found the rear mounts and hardware through Classic Parts, as well as the front mounts. I cannot find the hardware for the front mounts though. Need the studs and washers to finish it off. Where would I be able to find these?

[Whumbachumba]

Well, that was probably the shortest part search I've ever had. Went to clean up a bit in the garage from yesterday and found a bucket that had all the engine mounting hardware in it. The front bushings are completely dried out and the washers are shot, but the studs are there, and that's what I really needed!

[Whumbachumba]

Got the engine picked up and home today. Has a rebuilt carb and fuel pump. Come with bellhousing, clutch/flywheel/etc. and a 3speed transmission. Also got another set of front mounting hardware that's in better condition than what I found yesterday! Going to need a good cleaning and to find all the casting numbers on it. The seller says it fires up nicely and runs well and the clutch is good. Water pump is there too, just not attached to the motor currently. Can't wait to get this put in and work on getting it running!




There is also this hole on the top of the head that doesn't have a bolt in it. It's situated right above the rear most intake port. What is this for?


Next up is to figure out the fuel tank. We're definitely wanting a rear mounted tank and would like a rear filler that way we don't have to cut a hole in the bed or fenders.

[Kim57]

Looks like a nice little engine.
Kim

[Whumbachumba]

Thanks Kim! Can't wait to get it in. It's a 235 too.

After much wrenching and deriviting, got the front end off.

[59chev]

The hole is for the stock temperature sender.

[Whumbachumba]

It has been quite a while since anything has really happened. It's been way too hot this summer to be in the garage. We finally got an order put in last weekend and parts arrived today! Nice to come home to three boxes of parts.

[Kim57]

New parts are always nice.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

Cool project!

[Whumbachumba]

Thanks! Here's a shot of everything that came in the boxes. A couple redundant pieces because I didn't realize they would come with other parts, like the radiator drain plug...



Getting the gas tank mocked up too! Need to see how it's supposed to sit. Hopefully it doesn't require anything else to be removed.

[Kim57]

Nice looking parts.
Kim

[Whumbachumba]

We'll, it's been quite a while since we've had any updates. In early March we took the truck to a local shop to have them do the frame, engine, fuel, and brake work done. Took about a month and a half and the truck finally came home today looking really nice! There is still plenty of work to do with the engine bay, running the emergency brake lines, and body work.

We decided to bump up from the inline 6 to a 350 small block and mustang II front end. Rear suspension got 2inch drop shackles and new axles for a proper 5-lug conversion. The previous axles were just the 6-lug welded up and re-drilled.

[Kim57]

Frame looks good.
Nice engine upgrade.
Kim

[Whumbachumba]

Thanks Kim! Lots to go through and ready to get started on reassembling the engine components. Need to pick up where I left off on body work too, but will need to get a couple welding blankets to protect the frame.





Just a few parts to figure out the reassembly game.

[Whumbachumba]

It has been a while since any updates have happened to our truck. A few weeks ago we took it back up to the shop to get it running. Got it home yesterday and she runs and drives! Now a "short" list of small parts to get her road legal. High on the priority list is wheels and tires.





Video of test run at the shop

[Whumbachumba]

Cragar smoothie's came in today and test fitted them. 15x7 on front and 15x8 on rear. Have tire sizes in mind, but researching brands too.

[Kim57]

Nice.
Kim

[drivea55]

looking good!

keep up the good work

[Whumbachumba]

Headlights and park/turn signals are now working properly. Still need to mount the high beam switch, but it works too.

Still an issue with the gauge cluster not working. All connections are made, but things like fuel doesn't register and stays on E even though there is plenty of fuel in the tank. I think it might be a 12v to 6v issue? When we got the 350 we went with a 12v system and the American Autowire harness is 12v. I may be mistaken on the 2nd series being a 6v though.

Driver side door is hung and closes. Not a properly flush fit, but it does latch and holds shut. That's the priority right now. Passenger side door is a mess with a bottom portion of the skin not being their. Will have to get that taken care of before it's put on the truck too.

Need to get plenty of bolts/nuts/washers to get the front body work rebolted and not just ziptied together with minimal bolts. Need to order new seat cover and get that on and the seat back in. Glass still needs to be ordered for doors and all of it installed. Then hood/bed mounted and taillights ordered/installed. Hopefully we can get her road worth by the end of the year!

Video of my first time starting the truck at the shop

Oh, the nuts to hold on the rear shocks to the frame/axle. I don't have them. What size are they?