Contemplating purchase of 1951 Chevy Pick Up 3100

[LBird]

I have never bought (or driven) anything like this before but there is an opportunity to acquire one for what seems like a very reasonable price - so reasonable that I'm wondering if I'm missing something! It is "only" the straight 6 engine and I suppose this makes it less desirable than the later 1950's examples with the V8? The current owner has partially restored it, including all new wiring, rebuilt carb, new exhaust and brakes. Needs minor body work and spraying. Pick up bed removed, needs new wood. Its a runner.

Anyone have experience of anything similar? Does anyone know if there is anything peculiar to Chevy pick ups of this age that I should check before committing to the purchase - the sort of thing that might be a show stopper, rather than the usual caveats for buying an ancient motor. N.B. Before you ask, I haven't seen it yet - to do so requires a significant investment (time and money) so I'm trying to make sure I'm "armed" before I get there!

Any advice gratefully received!

[LuS1fer]

I have no experience but they're generally starightforward shells on a big chassis so anything should be fairly obvious. Here's a 1961 V8 on Find It for £7500 as a comparator:
http://www.findit.co.uk/cars/american/cars/1807313...

[LBird]

Thanks LuS1fer. I've found some useful literature and have decided to take the risk. Not even going to bother looking at it as the air fare will be 2/3 the cost of the truck! Soon I'll be the (hopefully proud) owner of a Chevy pick-up

[evolutionvalet]

Over at www.rebel-v8.com there are a copule of guys who have old pickups. One has a 50's Chevy the other a Dodge from the 50's. both have restored and modified theirs.

The Chevy has air suspension and bright Yellow etc whilst the Dodge is more subtle in black but a very nice job.

If you logon over there and speak to Jobs rated (Stef) MrPickup (shaun)they should be able to help.


Kev

[LBird]

Thanks for the pointer to the web-site.

[Motorama]

When looking for a 50's truck you need to decide if you want it stock or modified.

A stock one will be like driving an old lorry with rock hard suspension, struggle steering and no power brakes. Also Chevy didnt introduce the V8 till 55 so a 51 will be a straight six, also they are very low geared. We are currently restoring a 55 Chevy 3100 Step Side truck and other than putting in 350 V8 and TH350 from an early 70's Camaro using the factory mounts we are doing it all stock as i like my old cars to drive like old cars.

A common mod on fifties trucks is to 'clip' them where you basically weld in the front clip from a Camaro or Mustang. This combined with a rear axle change will make the truck more car like to drive giving you IFS, power steering and disc brakes. Obviously you are now driving a modified car so insurance maybe affected although the NSRA have a good scheme

[LBird]

The current plan is to leave it stock, to do any necessary repairs (for example repair / replace the seat which is in poor condition according to the current owner) then not to restore but just to maintain. Having an old truck which drives like an old truck sounds totally appropriate However, this is my first foray into anything of this sort, so I may well change my mind once I've driven it a few miles! All this is conjecture at the moment though - I'm still waiting to seal the deal. Hopefully by the end of the week......