Hello all, just got my 1952 Chevy 3100 and I am looking forward to spending time in the garage and restoring this beauty. I plan to take my time. I have a 71 Chevelle that I rushed through with help. This project is all mine. I plan to use it to learn a great deal about old trucks. I am semi-retired so time is on my side. I am open to any and all suggestions. My initial plan of action includes: 1. complete brake restoration, new lines, shoes, drums, cylinders, etc. 2. seat belts, tail and signal lights. 3. restore wood in bed 4. replace wiring, most is original and in poor shape. Good news is the ride is road worthy and respectable. My goal was to drive a vehicle the same age as me. Again open to feedback.
Hey Sailor, Welcome aboard! I started out to do the same with mine, just make a reliable driver. But one good thing led to another. Classic Parts has been able to afford a new building after my two trucks. This technology is more on a U Boat level. Send pictures ASAP. Kiss your retirement check good-by for awhile.
Just enjoy it Just enjoy it, there ain't many jobs on these old trucks that are a pain in the proverbial, and as long as your in no rush to "get er done" then you should be on a pleasant journey together. Just don't rip her into a million pieces like certain people have done, and never finish her (ok ok, like I did!!!) I find the odd cold one (ok ok, warm one over here) and some period music helps the long hours in the workshop more enjoyable Make sure you gotta camera around because these guys feast on pics
Check out my How to threads.... hopefully they will help you through some of the assemblies. Any questions, ask away. Remember, these things aren't very complicated, they were designed to be repaired in the field, sorta like a tractor with a body on it.
Welcome Denis ! Just don't forget & drive into any fire ponds...... . It sounds like you have the correct plan in mind . Now , go buy a digital camera as we like pictures , lots & lots of them . BTW : ' Restore ' means : AS-NEW and nothing else ~ might I suggest increasing your enjoyment by making upgrades as you see fit ? .
Thanks I learned with the Chevelle that money flows and I also helped Ground Up Chevelle succeed last year. My motto is work hard play hard. Thanks, Denis
Thanks I am heading the easy does it approach and music is a much but I prefer 60s rock. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Denis
Hey welcome, do check out ol chebbys how to threads, amazing work from a pro!!! Absoulutly get a digital camera if you dont have one already. for 100 bucks or so you will have the best documentation device around. And that means we get to see it!!! and yes we love those pictures
DIY How-To Just go back to this forum's page and scroll down until you see ' How To Assemble An AD' and click on it , be ready for some long reading , all very good .
Or, click on my screen name, go to statistics, then find threads started and look through those. I have several "how to " threads.
Welcome, Denis! You'll probably need to move #4 up to the #2 slot, but other than that, sounds like a solid plan to me. Pictures, pictures, pictures. (For your sake, and our enjoyment!) Russ has a great thread, thankfully, that shows how they all go back together. Good luck with your baby, and enjoy!
Good point on wiring. Any reccomendations on replacing the wiring? Are there kits that are worth while? Denis
Denis, I got a wiring harness from our host. I was able to install it without any problems. Good directions. If I can do it... It's not as bad as it seems. (Except for being up under the dash~)
I did the same, just bought the basic wire kit. It was so well numbered and the colored wiring made it a snap. I just screwed up the horn relay...no biggy. I did change to 12volt with alternator because I used the repro electric wiper kit. This would be the time to do that. There are many short articles for changing over your system and its not that expensive. Hey, your doing the hard part anyhow...just saying. Flashlight
Wiring Choices There are many but I used the $100.00 basic stock harness from our host , it's a simple job *if* you pay attention . Some years of AD's have more fuses ('49 for one) so consider using one of those as the more fuses , the merrier . My old truck is also 12 volt and a bit modified with a Delcotron Alternator , I had not troubles using the stock harness .
