Robert,
If you are just looking for an old truck for a daily driver maybe you should
consider a 55-59 truck because they have many more possibilities as far as
engines, transmissions, rearends, etc. Just a thought.
Terry Stellman
1949 3600
Missouri City, Texas
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Horvick [SMTP:rhorvick@GreatPlains.com]
> Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 10:07 AM
> To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
> Subject: [oletrucks] Finding what I really need in an oletruck
>
> The oletruck fund is starting to finally pan out to something - though I
> still have yet to find the truck-of-my-dream. I came close yesterday -
> driving down a local street I saw either a 52 or 53 (I'm still just
> learning
> how to tell them apart - but it had vent windows [51-?], split windshield
> [51-53 - weren't they replaced in 54?], and push button door handles
> [52-53]) ... I saw the owner through a window (looked like he was washing
> dishes - so perhaps he wouldn't mind being interrupted :)]. I knocked and
> we talked for a while.
>
> Turns out to be a great truck - he bought it running (216, original all
> over
> except the previous owner had done some innovative farmer-style body work
> to
> meet some of his needs around the field) for $500 ... a great deal. I
> was,
> needless to say, jealous.
>
> As we went on he mentioned that for his particular model (this is the 52
> 3100 3/4 ton) he couldn't get a rear-end gears (without dropping in a Ford
> rear-end) for his truck with a friendly enough ratio to do highway
> cruising
> [60-70MPH]. The goal for me with this first truck project would be to
> satisfy the following criteria:
>
> - Daily Driver on a 25 mile one-way commute [so I need highway speed
> driving
> - or the ability to attain that without major surgery].
> - Ease of maintenance. From what I've seen/read and experienced the
> Stovebolt 6 is ideal for what I'm looking for here.
> - Availability of parts ... if I can't get it from NAPA I'm looking at a
> long wait. There isn't much for auto-recycling yards up here [Fargo, ND]
> and what is there is new - it has to be ... nothing survives long with our
> salted roads.
> - Driving pleasure
>
> From what I understand (from reading, listening and asking) I've narrowed
> my
> search down to an AD 3100 - but have yet to drill down further. Perhaps
> some of you can help.
>
> Is the 3/4 ton really out of the picture for highway speed driving?
> Is there a practical difference between the 216 and 235 that makes one a
> better option for a relatively green backyard-"mechanic"?
> Are there years I should be avoiding or seeking out?
> Should I be looking at the GMC's as well or will Chevy's have more
> abundant
> part availability?
> How do I tell a 52 and 53 apart (not really related but bugging me! :)
> What else???
>
> I realize I'm asking broad open-ended questions - but I think they are
> ones
> that many people probably have firm opinions about. The more I listen and
> learn the more I realize I don't know - now that the moment of truth (or
> purchase) is drawing closer - I don't want to impulsively buy a certain
> year
> or model and then find out later that it is the bum of the lot.
>
> My goal isn't collectability or showing the truck. It isn't to have the
> coolest/fastest/best looking/latest/greatest/most-original/[fill in your
> category here] truck ... I just want to have my own oletruck. My first
> oletruck. The truck that all future ones will be measured against. The
> truck I drive my kids to school in and carry the Christmas tree home in.
>
> And if someone else thinks it looks cool - even better.
>
> So what do I need to know before I shoot myself in the foot?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert Horvick
> Global Development Build Coordinator
> Great Plains Software, Fargo ND
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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