New member 1953 Chevy 3100 4x4

[53Chevy31004x4]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time subscribing to the group. I have a 1953 3 Window 3100 4x4 with a 68 Chevy 350 Conversion. It took me forever to get the guy I bought it from to sell it to me, but now I have it.

The truck hadn't been driven in 7 years, so I drained and replaced all fluids, installed new filters, replaced plugs, wires, and rebuilt the Quadrajet Carb, replaced the starter, solenoid, alternator, and battery.

After I got the engine running, I attempted to bring up the brakes and wound up taking it to a local repair shop.

After 1200.00 of brake and driveline work, my Saginaw 3 speed fell out on I85 South in Atlanta. I had traffic backed up to North Carolina.

I'm looking to replace the transmission of course. A saginaw 3 or 4 speed is a simple replacement. My question is, how difficult is it to convert to the TKO NV4500.

I'm probably going to have to replace some universal joints and maybe have my adapter shaft rebuilt.

While waiting on that, I'm trying to figure out the wiring, wipers.

If anyone has any leads on info or parts, please let me know.

Great site,

Thanks for letting me join.

Sam in Atlanta
53Chevy31004x4

 

[SinclairChevy]

Sam,

Welcome to the boards! Sounds like you've got a great truck. Any chance you can post some pictures of it sometime? We like photos around here.

I apologize, I can't be of much help with the transmission question... but I know there are a lot of helpful folks here that will chime in soon. Good luck!

Damon

 

[jnycnuk]

these trucks look great as a 4x4. the big curved fenders cry out for big rubber. that is some nice patina on there.

 

[Zig]

Looks like a pretty awesome truck, there, Sam! Like Damon, I won't be any help to your question, but I loved the part about how far you had traffic backed up!

I agree. While you're waiting, post up some pictures of your rig. We *love* pictures!!!

 

[ccharr]

Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride while here.

 

[53Chevy31004x4]

53Chevy31004x4 Photos

Hello All,

Attached are some of the photos I was able to dig up. Please keep in mind, this truck used to have Chickens living in it.

Someone was saying that a 4 speed manual will work, but the speedo wont work correctly. I a pretty much up to date on which bolts to what as far as bell housing, clutch, pressure plate, flyweel, input teeth, output teeth.

I stayed away from which BMW tranny (actually the M50 in a BMW has a General Motors Tranny) but I dont think the bellhousing separates from the tranny so wont fit.

I am wondering if I have to do a clutch pedal change to mount the hydraulics that come with a Tremec 3500 or 4500.

Anyone running a 4 speed on a moderate Chevy 350? Is the gas mileage savings enough to convert to a 5 speed?

Also, I dont think the Tremec 3500 will handle the torque from 4x4 tires.

You guys are smarter than me. Any thoughts?

Does anyone else have the same instrument panel layout? This is the only one i've seen like this.

 

[53Chevy31004x4]

Thanks Man! After I get small things like brakes, brake lights, windshield wipers, I'm going to send it in for media blasting.

 

[vwnate1]

Welcome sam !

Interesting truck there , I see a lot of works put in over the years .

Too many years have passed since I worked in Jeep so I can't be of help with the tranny troubles , I'm sure there's a 4 X 4 site that'll know what you need to know , why not just rebuild the old Saginaw ? .

 

[53Chevy31004x4]

The shop that did my driveline repair didnt torque the u-joint brackets, the bolts they used came out, brackets twisted, and the adapter shaft tore the tranny from the bell housing. I was doing the speed limit and the transmission fell out...about 200 pieces all over I85 south inside the perimeter.

 

[Zig]

That's an "Aw hell" moment for sure!

Your dash is covered with something puffy?

The PO has done (a little) work to modify the dash, for sure.

Thanks for posting the pictures! I think these trucks look pretty good, no matter what is done to them. That big, tall 4X4 look is tough!

 

[Blueflame236]

Welcome aboard !

Is this what they call a monster truck ? I am not shore really what to think of it but i am shore it gives you a lot pleasure.

Welcome aboard Martinius!

 

[53Chevy31004x4]

The Funniest Response to It

The funniest responses I get are from Tractor Trailer drivers. Yes, the Dash matches the headliner and door liners.