1951 Chevy 3100 – Steven V.

Aqua 51 Chevy

I’m a car guy and have been all my life. While I’ve worked on cars and even done some body work I’ve never tackled a full blown restoration. I love to work in my shop and when there is not a project I get really antsy. A few years back I was doing a restoration on a 1970 Chevelle that I had contracted all the paint and body out to a local restorer. I was fascinated by their skill and workmanship and it planted a seed in my mind that I wanted to be able to do the same. While they had the Chevelle I started to look for a project I could work on in the meantime. I found and purchased a 1949 Dodge Pickup that had been sitting for 10-15 years. I went through all the mechanical functions, replacing brakes, water pumps, cleaning everything up and got the truck running and driving. Throughout the process I was frustrated by the lack of any type of aftermarket parts. Rather than continue to struggle for parts I sold the Dodge and went searching for a truck that was supported by the aftermarket industry. This is when I found my 1951 Chevy Pickup 3100.
While I was delighted that I could find all the parts I needed from LMC I was determined to keep as much of the original as possible. While never having restored a complete vehicle, I was determined to do everything myself. From cleaning and polishing to welding and body work. I had never welded before. My wife and kids had given me a wire feed welder for my birthday and I had played a bit but never tackled anything serious. The cab needed floors, corners and several patch panels which was a new adventure for me. Happily for me all were available from LMC. I learned that as a welder I was a pretty good grinder and it was touch and go learning how to go slow and not burn through the metal or not to grind through the metal when finishing the welds. I went through the cab, doors, box and front fenders cutting out rust and replacing with solid metal. When it came to the hood, rear fenders and running boards it was just easier and better to replace them and again LMC had the parts. In between welding and sanding when I needed a break I worked on the gauges and cleaning up the small interior parts. While these were all available as aftermarket for my own satisfaction and budget I wanted to use the original. LMC came through with new face stickers; trim rings and glass making the gauges look like new. I was able to polish the stainless to better than original shine. When it came to windows and rubber trim LMC came to the rescue. In every respect with the exception of the paint color I tried to stay original from 6 volt system to running gear.
Amazingly after 70 years and a little TLC, or maybe a lot, the truck is running and everything is working, from the original gauges to engine and running gear. My 1-2 year project ended up taking 4 years. I’m lucky enough to have a separate garage to have staged my project in. It’s a messy process and there was a lot of shuffling, cleaning and temporary structures. I made a homemade 10 ft x 20 ft spray booth out of 1 ½ PVC wrapped in plastic which was inexpensive but very effective. While there have been some frustrating times I’ve had fun at every step of the journey and learned a ton. At this point I really enjoy the attention the truck gets when I’m out and I take a great deal of pride in saying “I did it!”

Thanks LMC
Steve[lmc_story_gallery]