Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

You are making great progress. Looks good.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Thanks. Resealing the motor set me back a few weeks. I guess it gave me time to clean it up and look at the inside. The motor looked brand new inside. No build up at all.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Looks good...Jim

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Made some more progress over the weekend. I came up with something a little different on the dash. I don't like how the radio is at the top like it was an after thought. I plan on putting a 57 Chevy modern truck radio in it. I also plan on putting the A/C vents above the stereo as well.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Thanks. I figure if my dad wants it old and rustic looking I can at least make everything you don't see look nice. I am hoping to start the motor in the next few weeks. I have some welding to do on the cab to fix holes and also need to finish the final welding on the cab mounts.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

I like the later radio idea! truck is looking great

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

I like lower mounted radio too.
You know, a radio was an after thought back in the day.
Same for a heater and horn too.

I knew the original owner of my 49 3100. According to the paperwork when he bought it, he opted for the dealer add-on horn and by pass oil filter but not the heater and radio.
His son told me he added the heater that 1st winter (got the Arvin heater kit from the dealer) but didn't think a radio was necessary for a farm truck.

Sorry for the side bar.
Enjoying your build.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Very cool to know. I would have guessed most people didn't care about a radio at that time so Chevy just said lets not redesign everything since know we are changing in 55 and just add an extra step of punching a hole at the top. I have to pick up some round vents at socal tomorrow so hopefully I can finish the dash. This truck is going to be a driver so it has to have A/C in AZ.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Great thinking on the radio, should turn out nice.
I second the AC in AZ.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Almost done with the dash. Just need to finish the body filler.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Set the bed on there so I could get the running boards lined up.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

ya, umm. your engine is missing! is that why the hole in the floor? flintstones foot power?...
kidding
looks good. coming along nicely. do you plan on spacers for the front wheels or you have the look you like?

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Picked up some craigslist wheels. I am thinking 3" spaces all around.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

More progress. I got the running boards mounted, the bed mounts welded in place and everything lined up. I also ordered the front end rebuild kit, transmission tunnel, wheels spacers, drops spindles, and lug nuts. Next step is to rebuild the front end, take the cab off, finish welding the cab mounts, and transmission mounts. The exhaust ended up coming out in the right place. I can't wait to bolt stuff on for the final time.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

looking super great man

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Thanks. I plan on hitting some junkyards tomorrow. I really want to keep moving on this thing. I did get the transmission tunnel today. Wow summit fast shipping.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Built the transmission mount today.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Finished welding up all the cab mounts and transmission mount and painted the frame. Next is the front end rebuild and 2 "dropped spindles. Also still need to weld up some holes in the cab before I put it back on.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Man you are making time. Good work.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

I'm trying. :metal: Finished one side of the rebuilding the front end. I forgot how much of a pain in the @ss they could be. That thing fought me the whole way. I am hoping the other side doesn't put up such a good fight.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

HA yes, sometimes replacing suspension can be a super pain, I had to cut the lowers out of mine :lol:

looking great!

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

be careful with spacers that long, it will add additional stress to the wheel bearings.

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Are you speaking from experience?

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

I've heard that before too, but I've run spacers on various vehicles since the 1970s and never had a problem. They still make me concerned. Has anyone had a bearing failure they could prove was attributed to spacers?

Re: Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.
 

Exactly. Everyone has heard. I researched it quite a bit and never found anyone who actually had the issue. Did find a video explaining why it changes the gravity a little but said it was not enough to actually cause any issues. My guess would be guys with big trucks with big heavy tires have problems with spacers and bearings. There are arguments that go both ways. I really didn't want to spend $1000 for some custom A-arms. Maybe down the road if I have issues but I suspect I will not.