I just purchased a 1956 3100 today. It belonged to my neighbor who passed a couple of years ago. He had the truck for over forty years. He was second owner and I am the third. I am so excited, I just do not know where to start. The truck is in good shape. It has never been painted and is pretty much all orginal. Bed floor is gone and the wiring is lacking. Anyway, This will be my first refurbish and I though maybe some of you experience guys could give me some pointers as of an order of repairs. First to Last. Also, I do not want to do something that would lessen the value. Thanks,
Howdy & Welcome Tex , Pics would be nice, Sounds like a Great Project. Lots of Great & Helpfull People here to give You advice, Also many threads on Others Projects that might give You an idea of Where Others have started. Bob
Take care of safety issues first: Check over the entire fuel system. Replace anything that is suspect like corroded fuel lines or that short rubber hose at the gas tank discharge. Repair or replace wiring. If it's the original wiring, it's probably time for it to go. Get a new harness. It's not a difficult job to rewire one of these trucks, just take your time and pay attention to details. If the brake system is original, there's a single line that feeds all 4 brakes so if there's a failure anywhere, you lose braking on all 4 brakes. Think about installing a dual master cylinder. Check over the steering and suspension. Look for play in the tie rod ends, drag link, kingpins, steering box and leaf spring connections. Check into converting the front wheel bearings to the tapered roller type. Once you get it safe, you can enjoy driving it while you think about other things like interior and paint. Got any pictures?
