For years I've read, looked and loved this forum, and finally, I've signed up. This is probably the biggest database of knowledge of vintage-automobile-know-how and I'd love to be a part of it. It's always one of the first helps when I need it. Greatness. I am out of the great country of Texas. I own a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup with an - I'll be honest - 1954 motor (oh the shame). But it was out of my hands. Somewhere in its years someone replaced the 216 dip-oiled, babbit-bearing motor for its younger brother, the tried-and-true Thriftmaster 235; No, it's not exactly how I'd prefer it, but it was probably the smartest and most welcome change that could have been made to it. (Not to insult its well-proven older brother, whatsoever.) I have attempted otherwise to keep it mostly all-original. Period-correct details are very important to me - White letters over the "Chevrolet" emboss on the tailgate? Incorrect! Took them off; Sheet metal bed floor? No way! Replaced with sweet, sweet wood...; P***enger side, side-view mirror? Get that **** outta here! Never had one. (And what in the world are seat belts...?) That being said, one HAS to put his/her own touches on their babies, right? I am a fan of the mild touches; the detailed customizations. I enjoy could-have-been period-correct customs. I replaced the painted grille for a chrome one. Added a nice little straight-pipe, split-tip side exhaust exiting just under the running board; I've had (am ordering more) wide white-walls (not available on the trucks til 1955); Lowered it *just* so. Sits GREAT, I think. But still retains the old, original leaf springs. Love it. I've had to make it more road-worthy too. A rear-end gear change from 4.11s to 3.51s. Good choice; A tachometer "made" to match the original gauges; An electric fan to keep it cool in traffic. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, it's my DAILY DRIVER! Heck-to-the-yeah. HAVE to drive 'em! Numerous other little things done to it to make it my own. Questions/critiques welcomed! Glad to be here, gentlemen. - Tyler "Stained Cl***" Kelly
Welcome to the HAMB! You should post these pictures over in the main forum somewhere and give us some of your build story.
Welcome, the thriftmaster is a great upgrade. one of the best you can do. still has the look and the fit, form and function, but its way more dependable running at todays speeds. the rearend change is also really great. I think the p***enger rearview mirror was a dealer piece. Mine had an original they have a funny bend to put it forward so you see it through the front gl***. If you are wanting period are you gonna run dual taillights? turn signals?
Yes, I've seen that mirror; don't think I need it! Dual taillights, yeah, that's what I'm running. I realize, haha, that the right one was an option, correct? Mine came with it, and when I re-wired it I kept that side as well. Turn signals? That's what arms are for! StainedCl***
your right right one was an option. I really like your truck, I just sold off two of them and already want another. I like were your headed
Thanks, all. CT, I'll take one definitely when I get back home. Pdunn, Thanks! They're a blast. And to all, per patmanta's request, I posted some build pics on the general discussion. "Projects My 1953 Advanced Design 'Build'" http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=878422&highlight=1953+advanced+design StainedCl***
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