Getting my 54' 3100 soon

[54ChevyShawn]

Hi Yall,

Namse Shawn and I'm new to the board,I have been around cars all my life and this is my 4'th car I will have owned. My first was a 1949 Chevy 3100 advanced design 5 window pick up truck, my second was a 1968 Mercury cougar with a stock 302, my 3'rd was and is a 1974 Dodge dart Swinger 318 on the side through the time i bought the cougar till now I have been building a V8 Vega it neds paint, interioir and some suspension work but other then that its just about done I will post pics!

Since I was 9 years old I have always wanted my Uncles 1954 Chevy pick up. I recently started wondering if I could get it from him some how. Now the story on this truck goes deep, It was bought by my great grand father in 1954 new he had full factory options when he passed away my grandfather got it and didnt do much to it but drive it to and from work 5 days a week he took the fender signal indicators off and bondo's the wholes, when he passed in 1973 my uncle inherited it he drove it very very little and it has now been sitting in the same place since 1978. He always said he would restore it but has come to terms and realized that he should give it tot he next generation who will treat it right. The truck is all original accept a dealer option rear bumper that was installed other then that it has 50K original miles on the 235 straight 6 and is in great condition other then the drivers side front fender wich some one hit and took off, it needs some glass, the fron drivers side fender and a stock radio but all is there. It is an original cali car and has never been out of the state it does have a little cancer but no pitting and no holes. I will post some pics soon and plans on what I'm oing to do to it!.

The truck is a 1954 Chevy 3100 5 window with the 112 horse 235 straight 6 and 3 on the tree manual.

Thank's for your time,
Shawn.

[54ChevyShawn]

Oh and heres a few pics of the Vega





Shawn.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Other then a new fender, your truck looks to be nice truck to start with. Cool Vega too!

[Daniel U]

Always good to see another '54! Good luck and keep us posted. What are your plans? With 50k on the ticker, I'd suggest keeping her a patina stock for a while and making sure you could stop her(brakes!). These trucks are so easy to work on as a stock set up. I'd really like to find a clean starter like yours and do a "rat" project. Just my .02 as I'm $60k into my '54 and haven't driven it in over 5 years! I bet you could rebuild the carb, swap the 6volt system to 12V, replace the tires and rebuild the brakes for under $500.oo and drive her.

[dan42]

Your great grandfather bought it in '54? Dude, you're making me feel old. My Great Grandfather was born in 1829 in Ireland - he was too old for the Civil War!

[54ChevyShawn]

I would like to Keep it stock but I'm just plain and simply a SBC guy, I have a brand new 350 gm goodwrench motor I'm gonna put in it unless dad gets his settlement for his hand from the hospital then he's gonna send the Vega to D&P chevrolet and I'm getting its power train which is a 400 horse 350 with 2.02 heads with stainless steel valves, forged piston rods, hypereutechtic pistons,forged crank,bored .060 over has a comp cams 2.80,edelbrock RPM airgap manifold with a holley street avenger 670 carb it runs pretty great but is just a tad bit under carbed.

I will also get the 700R4 over drive race tranny dad had built, he's lookin at going with a ZZ383 crate from summit and bumpin it to 500 horse with a 100 shot and a turbo 350 with a gear vendors overdrive unit it should run great!

Shawn.

[54ChevyShawn]

Dads side of the family has a history of heart problems usually leaving them with short lifes, my uncle dusty was suposed to pass last year but in some miracle he lived and is still kickin today! he wants me to build the truck and enjoy it keep it in the family forever so that someday when there are hover crafts the Kline's will still be sporting the 54 pickup!!.

Shawn.

Originally Posted by dan42

Your great grandfather bought it in '54? Dude, you're making me feel old. My Great Grandfather was born in 1829 in Ireland - he was too old for the Civil War!

[dan42]

That's cool - keep it going - maybe keep something original and untouched, for the next generation to enjoy and pass on. These trucks are almost like heirlooms anymore.

[54ChevyShawn]

Looks like I'm going to pick it up weekend after next FINALLY!!!, I will have good pics up and tons of questions and stuff to talk about!!!.

Shawn.

[entourageguy]

Welcome to the board.
Nice to have a truck with family history. Looks like a great truck to start with. Keep us posted.

[drummin89]

welcome to the site, I will have to check out the pictures when I get home, pics don't show up on my work computer.

Anyways sounds like you have good plans for your truck. When you do pull out that inline 6, don't just toss it to the side, especially with only 50k on it, as you may know those motors (the 235's '54 and up) are very popular upgrades over the smaller inline 6's as they bolt right in. Plus I would imagine the extra cash you would get from selling the motor is always welcome. One of those motors in good running condition with low miles can be worth around $500 or so or at least thats what ive seen some go for. Just a heads up. Can't wait to get home to check out the pics.