49 Chevy 3100 5-Window Pickup

[Chocaholic]

Wanted something my boys and I could mess with in the garage but didn't want a full-fledged restoration project. No time (or desire) to build up from a rust-bucket. This one is pretty solid, runs great and checked out mechanically. Records back about 20 years have it in the South and it's pretty rust-free as a result. Bonehead simple to work on (good for me), and far enough along restoration-wise that we can upgrade it while going to local shows, etc. It's being delivered later today. Can't wait to get my hands on her!

Anyone else ever own an old stovebolt truck? Never "named" cars before, but for some reason, it seems appropriate in this case. Hmmmm.

















I like the color and paint quality looks good. An early photo shows that it may have originally been beige or yellow and left out to pasture on cinder blocks. Engine was updated to a mid-50's 235 which was a common update back in the day. A pressurized bottom end and more robust than the oil slinging 216. First project will be to install lapbelts and a spare wheel/tire. The bed boards are in decent shape (later oak), and could use refinishing.

Hopefully will be a fun hobby for myself and my sons. Truck wasn't what I would call "cheap" ($16k) , but a reasonable price for a well sorted rig. It's a 4 speed (granny gear low), so was probably ordered as a farm truck. One unique thing is the spot-light which was a dealer-installed option...and it works.. Vintage trucks seem to be gaining respect in the collector world as well. Never used to see them on Barett-Jackson but now they're quite common. Hopefully will at least hold it's value over the years.

[Hugh R]

Very cool.

[rsrfan]

Beautiful truck. I learned to drive in a 54 chevy 5 window pickup we named "Sherman" as in tank. My dad would let me drag the chain link over the baseball infield before my games to get it ready. I was the coolest twelve year old in school...

[tevake]

That is a nice looking truck especially with the quarter windows. More than a good starting place. Do watch for making it too nice to use! Have fun with your boys!

Cheers Richard

[RWebb]

ah... the beauty of the step side

[gamin]

My absolute favorite old truck. And it is stock. Too many muck em up with a 350. That truck looks great. I envy you.

[Racerbvd]

Anyone else ever own an old stovebolt truck? Never "named" cars before, but for some reason, it seems appropriate in this case. Hmmmm

I owned a 50, loved that truck,but never got it to the shape of that one. It is the only car I owned with a name, "Ellie", cause she had great curves like Ellie Mae Clampett
Mine was also converted to a 235, I WOULD tell people it had a Vette engine (in 54, the Vette had a 235) but mine was only a 3 window & 3 speed on the tree. I have an extra rear end & enclosed drive shaft, + front susp if you need anything to build up..

[Rick V]

An old man who lives around the corner from me used to own this one. No where close to stock and very very fast. The old man knew what it was for too, a large amount of the black marks around here were from him and his truck. He sold it and bought a 69 camero that he is building a big block for.

[Drdogface]

I lust for one of those, and they are all over the place around here...

[Racerbvd]

Have the windshield wipers been updated??? Those vacuum assist wipers SUCK...

[Seahawk]

I post this link every time I see an old Chevy truck thread:

Stovebolt -- Old GM - GMC - Chevy Trucks!

John and Peggy are good friends of mine. The amount of goodwill there and technical info rivals Pelican.

What a beautiful truck.

[RWebb]

any pics of show off that purty curve of the rear window?

and... anybody know why they did that but kept (or had to keep) the splittie front window?

[johnco]

had a 49 GMC 5 window long ago. and a 51 and 52 Chevy. traded all 3 for 4 Fords. 56, 55, 54 and a 53.. none of them looked like that one though.

[intakexhaust]

Chocaholic- Beautiful and very thoughtful for your boys. Did you catch Wayne Carini shopping / Mecum auction episode for his early Chev. truck?

Always was partial to the Ford V8 flaty but these days, could care less and really love those old Chevrolets.

[scotricker]

Here's mine.

[Chocaholic]

Byron...still has the vacuum wipers. Since it will rarely if ever see rain, I'll keep it stock and antiquated. Thanks for the offer on running gear. So far so good.

Changed all the fluids and lubed it. I've never seen so many grease fittings in my life! Pretty sure I found all of them. Yes, Stovebolt is a great resource. Spending too much time there today!

Here's a few shots from delivery yesterday. The only one with the rear windows was while still in the trailer.

[Mrmerlin]

nice ole truck you have there,
I hope you drive it,

[911boost]

I love the straight six. I have hopped the one in my mustang up quite a bit.

Bill

[widebody911]

Dumb question - why is it called a "stovebolt" truck?

An x-g/f had a '52. It was a decent truck; worn, but all original.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by widebody911

Dumb question - why is it called a "stovebolt" truck?

An x-g/f had a '52. It was a decent truck; worn, but all original.

The Stovebolt Page - Frequently asked questions