VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION What did you do with your vehicle today? 1953 Chevy 3100

I have found a very restorable 53 three window 3100 at a reasonable price. It needs a frame because of extensive rust below the bed. The truck has a 59 vintage 261 with a field split exhaust manifold, remote spin-on oil filter, & dual action fuel pump. The truck comes with a lot of extras including a1986 chevy S-10 and 1948 chevy 3100 that has been disassembled with the fenders, inner fenders, running boards, hood, bed sides, and tailgate all in reasonably good condition. The owner had intentions of switching the chassis of the 86 to the 53 but never got there. I am not inclined to go that route so I am seeking an early 50's rolling chassis with a 216 or 235, transmission and torque tube axel which I am willing to trade for or to buy. If you have any interest in trading, selling, or buying parts hit me back.

Found one !

If you post this over on the Stovebolt site, you will probably get some results.

I would use the 261 as it will go right in where a 216 or 235 was.

Thanks Keith. I have it there now.

I have a 261 in my 50 Styline and wish I had gone with a 235 when I upgraded it; 50/50 hind sight as they say.

Why do you wish that ?

Gas milage for one. I used the 11" flywheel and clutch and now get cramps in my leg at stop lights. In my earlier days I thought that I needed a 3/4 cam and solid lifters and all that goes with it. Now I don't like the rough idle, and find that I can live without the "sweet sound" of the duals. At this point I regret what I consider my youthful indiscretions. At this stage of life I would prefer a classy, smooth idling, quiet car, that I can putz around town in rather than in a stoked up semi race car. I do appreciate those old time GM engineers a lot more these days; I think they had it right.

I recently bought and have overhauled a 1962 engine. I rebuilt the 235 bone stock, and I am about to change motors again. While the motor is out, I will switch steering columns, install a late 53 transmission, and an Oakie bushing. I have assembled all new or rebuilt OEM or NOS driveline parts from radiator to tailpipe. On the interior I will install an overhauled instrument cluster, modified AM/FM radio, electric clock, junction block, and new wiring harness. With the seats out I can install an insulated floor, replace the Ranco heater valve, and floor mats.

Thankfully, my son is a chief engineer in the merchant marine. He works 8 weeks on and 8 weeks off, he has exceptional mechanical ability, and a fervent desire to inherit the car and the truck so that he can tool around with his two youngsters for another few decades. Pass the torch as they say.

Mr. Schneider, speaking of the torch, over the last decade I have been the beneficiary of a lot of knowledge from you and others on this site. I for one deeply appreciate everything you do, that which I have learned, and the numerous mistakes that I have avoided. Thank You.