New '51 and new to the Site - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

my51chevyrocks · 06-15-2010, 03:25 PM

Hello Everyone,

Just bought a '51 shortbed for $5200 a month ago and I'm excited to get this thing fixed up. It's already been converted to 12 volt and has a glass pack. 235 under the hood. I'm not very knowledgable on motors, but my Pops got me into these classic trucks and knows them well. We've been going to car shows on a monthly basis. I've been checking out the site and look forward to getting help from everyone. I just put the fenders on last week and still need to buy the side windows, the cluster, a grille and lots of other things. I also need to paint the bumpers and tailgate. The current paint job is not the greatest, but is fine until I can get everything working.

steve53 · 06-15-2010, 03:31 PM

Welcome to the site!

let me be the first to say, MOAR PICS!

Bishops Trucks · 06-15-2010, 03:32 PM

&

You will find all the help you need on this great site.

Kabwe · 06-15-2010, 04:45 PM

Welcome and the truck looks to be in great condition. Good luck with her, and I'll second that more pics comment.

Since you are in Southern Cal don't forget to make it out to the Brothers Truck Show on July 11.

nickp51chevy · 06-15-2010, 07:08 PM

Welcome, and I think that the '51s are the greatest years ever made.

I might be a little bias though.

We deffinatly need more pix of that ol' thing.

Were the windows converted to one piece?

Good luck with your build. You have a great one to start out with.

my51chevyrocks · 06-15-2010, 08:32 PM

The windows are still the two piece. I want to convert them to one piece, but I'm still debating. I think I need to change one of the regulators because when I turn one handle three times to open the window, it snaps back like a rubber band. I'm looking for someone to help me fix a few things so if you know anyone in the LA area that has experience with these trucks I'd appreciate it.

Here's more pics:

sson20s · 06-15-2010, 08:46 PM

cool truck

welcome to the site , a lot of good info and good people on here

congrats on the truck and again welcome to the board

55dude · 06-15-2010, 10:59 PM

great start!

**LEEVON** · 06-15-2010, 11:07 PM

Welcome and nice truck. Great that you can drive and fix at the same time.

my51chevyrocks · 06-16-2010, 12:16 AM

Thanks everyone. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Kid · 06-16-2010, 08:05 AM

nice lookin truck! & welcome to the board. You picked a good year model. I thought I wanted to remove the wing windows on my project, but now I'm glad I didn't. By the way, 51 is the only year that has wing windows and "turning" door handles.

docrock · 06-16-2010, 09:36 AM

welcome and great project

my51chevyrocks · 06-16-2010, 12:14 PM

Thanks Kid. That's interesting information. My Pops keeps telling me to leave the wings on so I guess I will keep them on now.

raycow · 06-16-2010, 03:36 PM

I'm curious about the aftermarket shifter. What kind of transmission does the truck have, and has it been converted to open drive?

Ray

JPH · 06-16-2010, 06:55 PM

Welcome and nice truck

my51chevyrocks · 06-16-2010, 07:21 PM

Ray, I don't know what kind of transmission it has. I'll try to find out and get back to you.

solidaxel · 06-16-2010, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my51chevyrocks

Thanks Kid. That's interesting information. My Pops keeps telling me to leave the wings on so I guess I will keep them on now.

Welcome !!

(Listen to your Pops) !!!

You have a very good start especially that you can drive it and work on it,
Craigs list is your friend for parts!

solidaxel · 06-16-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my51chevyrocks

Ray, I don't know what kind of transmission it has. I'll try to find out and get back to you.

Is it a three speed?
does it have a open drive shaft?
Has the rear end been converted? how many lug bolts aree on the rear wheels?

my51chevyrocks · 06-17-2010, 01:40 PM

It's been converted to 4 on the floor. The rear wheels are 6 lug now. Not sure on the other stuff yet.

raycow · 06-17-2010, 02:36 PM

Ok, so probably a car 4 speed then, because a truck 4 speed shifter would come through the round hole near the front of the cover plate. In all likelihood, the driveshaft and rear have also been replaced with open drive parts. This is good, because it means you probably have highway-friendlier gearing now than if the rear end were stock.

Ray

chevytroy · 06-18-2010, 10:17 AM

Are you sure its a 235 and not a 216? does it have side motor mounts or front motor mounts? your truck looks great looking forward on what tranny and rear i would love to convert mine and retain the 216.

raycow · 06-18-2010, 12:51 PM

You can run a modern 3, 4, or 5 speed transmission with a 216. The truck bellhousing from 48 on has the right bolt pattern.

Ray

my51chevyrocks · 06-19-2010, 01:13 AM

This is where the newbie in me comes out. I'll have to have my Pops chime in on this one.

Dan Bowles · 06-19-2010, 10:17 AM

Looks like a 216 from the valve cover. Got a picture from the other side? Where the plugs go in if there is a tin cover, it is a 216, if there is no cover, most likely 235. What does your oil pressure gauge read and how high does it go? The 216 is a low pressure system.

Good looking truck and welcome to the site. Drive it!

raycow · 06-19-2010, 11:47 AM

A pic of the other side of the engine would be the best way to tell. That valve cover was stock on 235 engines through 1953, and can be installed on any year 235 head if two of the rocker arm shaft studs are replaced.

The dash still has the stock 0-30 oil pressure gauge. It would be pegged most of the time with a full pressure 235, but all 235s through 52 and some in 53 were low pressure like the 216.

Ray

06-15-2010, 03:25 PM	#1
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	New '51 and new to the Site Hello Everyone, Just bought a '51 shortbed for $5200 a month ago and I'm excited to get this thing fixed up. It's already been converted to 12 volt and has a glass pack. 235 under the hood. I'm not very knowledgable on motors, but my Pops got me into these classic trucks and knows them well. We've been going to car shows on a monthly basis. I've been checking out the site and look forward to getting help from everyone. I just put the fenders on last week and still need to buy the side windows, the cluster, a grille and lots of other things. I also need to paint the bumpers and tailgate. The current paint job is not the greatest, but is fine until I can get everything working. Last edited by my51chevyrocks; 06-15-2010 at 03:41 PM.

06-15-2010, 03:31 PM	#2
steve53 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 204	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Welcome to the site! let me be the first to say, MOAR PICS! __________________ 53 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton 1st Armored Division, OIF Veteran

06-15-2010, 03:32 PM	#3
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,731	Re: New '51 and new to the Site & You will find all the help you need on this great site. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER" Last edited by Bishops Trucks; 06-15-2010 at 03:33 PM.

06-15-2010, 04:45 PM	#4
Kabwe Certified Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inglewood, California Posts: 3,118	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Welcome and the truck looks to be in great condition. Good luck with her, and I'll second that more pics comment. Since you are in Southern Cal don't forget to make it out to the Brothers Truck Show on July 11. Last edited by Kabwe; 06-15-2010 at 04:48 PM.

06-15-2010, 07:08 PM	#5
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Welcome, and I think that the '51s are the greatest years ever made. I might be a little bias though. We deffinatly need more pix of that ol' thing. Were the windows converted to one piece? Good luck with your build. You have a great one to start out with. __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350

06-15-2010, 08:32 PM	#6
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	Re: New '51 and new to the Site The windows are still the two piece. I want to convert them to one piece, but I'm still debating. I think I need to change one of the regulators because when I turn one handle three times to open the window, it snaps back like a rubber band. I'm looking for someone to help me fix a few things so if you know anyone in the LA area that has experience with these trucks I'd appreciate it. Here's more pics: Last edited by my51chevyrocks; 06-15-2010 at 08:36 PM.

06-15-2010, 08:46 PM	#7
sson20s Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: el mirage,arizona Posts: 284	Re: New '51 and new to the Site cool truck welcome to the site , a lot of good info and good people on herecongrats on the truck and again welcome to the board __________________ 2 many ,want to finish 1

06-15-2010, 10:59 PM	#8
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: New '51 and new to the Site great start!

06-15-2010, 11:07 PM	#9
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Welcome and nice truck. Great that you can drive and fix at the same time. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

06-16-2010, 12:16 AM	#10
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Thanks everyone. Thanks for the warm welcome.

06-16-2010, 08:05 AM	#11
Kid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 702	Re: New '51 and new to the Site nice lookin truck! & welcome to the board. You picked a good year model. I thought I wanted to remove the wing windows on my project, but now I'm glad I didn't. By the way, 51 is the only year that has wing windows and "turning" door handles. __________________ The kid Build threads: 51 Jimmy http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=154951 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219902 http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 68 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=50348

06-16-2010, 09:36 AM	#12
docrock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 507	Re: New '51 and new to the Site welcome and great project

06-16-2010, 12:14 PM	#13
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Thanks Kid. That's interesting information. My Pops keeps telling me to leave the wings on so I guess I will keep them on now.

06-16-2010, 03:36 PM	#14
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: New '51 and new to the Site I'm curious about the aftermarket shifter. What kind of transmission does the truck have, and has it been converted to open drive? Ray

06-16-2010, 06:55 PM	#15
JPH Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Calhoun, Ga Posts: 11	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Welcome and nice truck __________________ 1954 Chevy 3100 SB 400 700r4 Sold (Stupid of me) http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/j328/54chevy3100/



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06-16-2010, 07:21 PM	#16
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Ray, I don't know what kind of transmission it has. I'll try to find out and get back to you.

06-17-2010, 01:40 PM	#19
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	Re: New '51 and new to the Site It's been converted to 4 on the floor. The rear wheels are 6 lug now. Not sure on the other stuff yet.

06-17-2010, 02:36 PM	#20
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Ok, so probably a car 4 speed then, because a truck 4 speed shifter would come through the round hole near the front of the cover plate. In all likelihood, the driveshaft and rear have also been replaced with open drive parts. This is good, because it means you probably have highway-friendlier gearing now than if the rear end were stock. Ray

06-18-2010, 10:17 AM	#21
chevytroy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: spring hill fla Posts: 30	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Are you sure its a 235 and not a 216? does it have side motor mounts or front motor mounts? your truck looks great looking forward on what tranny and rear i would love to convert mine and retain the 216. Last edited by chevytroy; 06-18-2010 at 10:17 AM.

06-18-2010, 12:51 PM	#22
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: New '51 and new to the Site You can run a modern 3, 4, or 5 speed transmission with a 216. The truck bellhousing from 48 on has the right bolt pattern. Ray

06-19-2010, 01:13 AM	#23
my51chevyrocks Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 40	Re: New '51 and new to the Site This is where the newbie in me comes out. I'll have to have my Pops chime in on this one.

06-19-2010, 10:17 AM	#24
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: New '51 and new to the Site Looks like a 216 from the valve cover. Got a picture from the other side? Where the plugs go in if there is a tin cover, it is a 216, if there is no cover, most likely 235. What does your oil pressure gauge read and how high does it go? The 216 is a low pressure system. Good looking truck and welcome to the site. Drive it!

06-19-2010, 11:47 AM	#25
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: New '51 and new to the Site A pic of the other side of the engine would be the best way to tell. That valve cover was stock on 235 engines through 1953, and can be installed on any year 235 head if two of the rocker arm shaft studs are replaced. The dash still has the stock 0-30 oil pressure gauge. It would be pegged most of the time with a full pressure 235, but all 235s through 52 and some in 53 were low pressure like the 216. Ray Last edited by raycow; 06-19-2010 at 11:51 AM.

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