Looking for Suggestions

[duke1622]

Hello All,
Recently purchased a '55 3100 short-bed, straight-six, manual 4 speed trans. The truck has typical rust issues, but for the most part it's in decent shape. Everything is original and actually works. Thinking of taking it down to the frame and bringing it back to new as needed, with the intention of keeping the exterior stock. I would like to update the drivetrain and suspension, as I intend to use it as a driver during good weather. Doesn't need to be a hotrod, but a little "go" would be nice. Looking for any and all suggestions so I can start making a plan. Thanks

[octanejunkie]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your new ride! These trucks are great.

There is tons of info here, so search around, ask lots of questions and start making lists and plans... so many options. Have fun!

[47 Fasttoys]

Welcome Duke, you say a '55, would that be an AD or TF '55? Pictures?
Rob

[Kim57]

Welcome.
I would start by reading threads in the "Projects and Builds" section to get ideas on what others have done and what may be interesting to you. There are a ton of ways to tackle what you want and as long as it's safe there is no wrong way.
We do like pics.
Kim

[Dan in Pasadena]

Whether '55.1 or '55.2 personally I'd suggest hopping up the 235 with a small four barrel carb, headers and dress it up. The four speed typically me and you've got a very low (high numerically) rear end that is NOT highway speed friendly. Probably 4.11 ratio and possibly 4.56's.

I'd suggest swapping rear ends to something higher. It'll be much more friendly to drive

[mark '87 930]

"I'd suggest swapping rear ends to something higher. It'll be much more friendly to drive " either that or swap in a 5 speed overdrive transmission. as for suspension, I actually think these trucks aren't that bad. Just freshen up the motor and suspesion and i think you'd be surprised.

I drive mine about 5000 miles a year, to and from the cottage all summer, hauling my boat, quad and other things. They're wonderful.

I had a T5 in mine and loved it, dropped the hwy RPM's dramatically. i only drive about 65mph max anyhow. I also took apart the leaf springs and freshened them up as well as replaced all bushings and pins. Inexpensive and easy to do.

[mr48chev]

If it is complete I'd suggest doing the things that are needed to make sure it is safe to drive on the roads and just driving it for the next few months and decide what you like and don't like about it and plan your restoration/rebuild in the process. That way you can see what others have when you attend some local old car events or just read what others are doing on here.

First series 55's are a bit tight for a V8 swap but you could get pretty reasonable performance with a few mods to the 235 or if it is too tired swapping to a 250 or 292 six that with the right gears will let you run out with the big dogs. Second series 55 came with V8's from the factory and are pretty simple to swap one in in place of the six and a running 235 is pretty good trading material with a lot of us here.

One thing you will quickly discover here is that we are a fully mixedag and stirred bag of truck folk who have the full spectrum of how these trucks should be done up from the folks who feel that they should be restored to original with no changes and are still trying out how to save the original air out of the original tires to put back in their new tires to the, rust is a color brigade and on to the billet is it bunch with their my wheels are bigger than yours and look at the new piece of milled aluminum I just bought. 99 % of us agree that as long as you build your truck so it is safe for you and those around you on the road or otherwise life is good.

[pvienneau]

Duke, welcome from Massachusetts. Is it a 1st or 2nd series? I'm doing the same as you with a 49 3100 and want to keep the original look, no bags. I found a great 235 off this message board that I will dress up. Send pictures and keep us posted.

[duke1622]

Thanks everyone for your replies, big help for sure! I think just plowing through the posts for other projects will get me on the right track. The truck is a 2nd generation, with the small back window. I'll post some pics soon. Thanks again!

[G&R's57GMC]

Here's my '56 6 cyl. 4 sp. 3.90 gears 31x10.5R 15's on 15x7" front wheels 15x8" rear wheels

The tires tame the 3.90 gears and 65 mph is 2700 rpm

[duke1622]

Waiting for a make-over.