1949 Chevy 3100 Will it Run? First start in 30 Years

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We found a 1949 Chevrolet 3100 truck in a storage shed. Will it run? We had to drill out the ignition and install an ignition tumbler. It hasn't been started in almost 30 years. Lets see if we can get this Barn Find started.
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[@FarmAlarm]

Did you see when we found this Truck? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnXLf3WghpWliZY Also check out our Merch! teespring.com/stores/farmalarm

[@carlboehm3858]

I would feel better with a few squirts of oil in the cylinders while you had the plugs out ... Lube the cylinders and it will raise compression helping it start ... Also adds more smoke to the garage as she fires up ...

[@rockinrowdy13]

I agree..first thing I do with a motor that's been sitting for a while is squirt some Marvel Mystery down to help lube those very DRY cylinders..then turn it over by hand a few rotations before crankin' on 'er!

[@not-pc6937]

The idea of only a passenger side lock was that the man or “gentleman “ would unlock the ladies or passenger side first as a gentleman would - and when the lady was seated she would unlock the drivers side - as told to me by a mechanic with over 60 years experience What a lovely notion 👍

[@smallfootprint2961]

Yep!

[@ShowCat1]

Social graces have gone the way of the dinosaur.

[@adriantomlin2902]

That is exactly why they designed that way!! Chivalry is dead!!

[@not-pc6937]

Adrian Tomlin yep long gone I’m afraid 😕

[@donovang6911]

This was my brother in-laws test for my sister before they got engaged .... lol

[@PontiacBandit]

There's a blue Chevy that I pass by everyday... It's very similar to this one. I'm in love with it. One day I'll stop and ask the owner if they're willing to sell. (It has been parked in a shed for years)

[@ogr7771]

I can't believe that after sitting 30 years that he didn't pre lube that engine! Pull the plugs, squirt some marvel in each cylinder, pull the valve cover, oil up the rockers, pull the distributor, spin the oil pump with a drill....GOOD GOD man!!! COME ON!!!!

[@ObsoleteOddity]

Don't listen to the bitchin' knee jerkers, who always look for something negative to whine about - it's your project and it's a learning curve. A really nice find, I watched the first part too; was so happy to hear the history.

[@richards5843]

Wet sand the truck clean it up then spray a flat clear coat on it to protect the patina!!!

[@JustShortOf]

I had a '47 chevy when I was in high school. Watching this video really sent me back to those days. Thanks for posting. I really appreciate it!

[@user-sz8tp4zu3n]

Made me feel glad when you said that you are going to try to leave it pretty much as is. Good job!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I’m almost as excited as you are to see this old truck run, and I know next to nothing about car mechanics. My 4 year old granddaughter was spellbound watching you trying to start it, great stuff! Thanks!

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

What a great journey! I'm just giddy about this pick up! So happy for you and you'll love it. Don't sell it to a relative! Yes, I did just that and they wrecked it and I'm forever sad. Good memories though! Thanks for sharing!

[@4speed3pedals]

Keep Bartenders Friend in mind for cleaning up the chrome. It is sold in supermarkets next to Comet. It is a talc based cleaner that will not scratch. Just rinse it good after cleaning, maybe coat with a paste wax. Purple Power will attack paint if left on.

[@4Score747]

Awesome! Glad I found this channel! Love watching restorations. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@Zarealy]

What a fun project! Looking forward to the progression.

[@TubbySqueakers]

I loved the facts about the tumbler and ignition!

[@johnsoran701]

Fantastic. It's getting there

[@michaeltaylor520]

Your vid gave me a flash of memories. My Grandfather owned a 1949 GMC which I learned to drive when I was a pre-teen. We lived in the country so there were lots of gravel roads to learn on. Thanks for a blast from the past.

[@FarmAlarm]

That's awesome Michael. Thanks for sharing your story

[@drkays51]

can't wait to see it run. Brings back memories of my childhood.

[@FarmAlarm]

I can't wait to drive it!

[@EssayonsFG]

Cool update Tracy. Ignition!!!! Uh oh! Hope the coil fixes the problem. Looking forward to the next update. Rob

[@truejoy3779]

I love old trucks ;-D I hope you're successful getting her running again! I'm looking forward to the "We're Cruising in the Ol' 49" video!

[@Kosodaddy]

My dad owned one. He sold it to my brother and I wound up with it as a young teenager. I only drove it around the farm. I miss that old truck. It was originally that crappy green color too.

[@FarmAlarm]

Awesome. Thanks Alonzo

[@rusty1850]

Thank You for Your Video. Informative, Entertaining, and at times Funny.

[@ErlefromVa]

Awesome, excited for you!

[@kickit59]

Tracy I like your plan for the truck! It will look great when you get it done! Looking forward to the next video! Man your truck sure brings back memories of my old truck!

[@paulechols]

What a treasure you found. Awesome videos 🤠

[@mjdoug44]

Glad your keeping it patina...

[@lasalleman]

Good find. Looks pretty straight.

[@jjmichaels3281]

What a great find. Keep your truck the way you want to. I drive my 48 5window Chevy everyday after sitting in storage 18 years

[@PontiacBandit]

Beautiful!

[@USMCCGAGNG]

What a COOL truck! 😎

[@USMCCGAGNG]

I just watched another video with a guy trying to start an old Jeep. He kept trying to get away with as little work replacing ignition parts as possible until, in the end, he had to just break down and do it right. It’s been sitting a long time... consider how rubber and metals age, replace, reset, refurbish and restart! This truck is worth all the time it needs. Nice buy!

[@allenwood3329]

This is what I like to see, you got a new subscriber.

[@angeldelacruz7254]

Nice,,,one quick tip,,,always connect positive + first.

[@jac.mobile5646]

I have one sitting at my work im determined to get started! Same year! No keys, cranks but won't start! We're also rebuilding the tie rods they got rusted out! Thanks for the videos

[@daverush3483]

love that you are keeping patina, I would replace gas tank

[@robharrison9781]

too cool man super excited for you, and to continue watching the progress, have that notification bell hit!

[@HermanLabuschagne]

We had an old 1948'er on the farm, bought new in the year my dad was born. I still have some film footage of it on safari to Portuguese East Africa. I tried many times to get her running when I was a teenage boy, but knew too little and had no help. My dad took the rear part off and turned it into a tractor trailer but the cab and engine was still original. For all I know it is still standing there, under a sagging old tin roof.

[@mirceapopesculondon7828]

Great work Mate

[@thyslop1737]

The truck what a score. Like finding a hidden diamond.

[@PaladinSix]

Congrats on finding a gem of a truck. Sweet find!

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks!

[@nathanlovern5283]

My dad used comet cleaner it’s ruff enough to take the old layer of film off I grew up with these trucks (49-66) mostly fixing them up in the 80’s, I cried watching this. I have no boys . all girls so the interest is just mine my wife doesn’t understand how my heart feels with these old trucks. My first truck was a 60 Chevy in high school in the 80’s. There so hard to find anymore I got me a 66 Chevy truck to slowly fix up its been on a farm for 30 years so you know the body is almost beyond repair but it’s all I have and ever will have no title for it or anything. Traded my old Goldwing for it. Maybe next year I’ll have it on road Good luck there are many parts you can get for these

[@FarmAlarm]

Nathan, thanks for the tip on the *Comet cleaner, I will be using that!* also thanks for sharing your story. Good luck with the 1966

[@douggillock]

Good job man I love them old Chevy 3100 good old trucks u can't beat them little six cylinder

[@FarmAlarm]

You got that right!

[@senhorspock]

A tip: to clean the chromes try bronze wool. It'll clean it just as good and with no damage nor scratches.

[@mlbseward]

or rust!

[@arrowridge2770]

Welcome to club of grey heads. I have been a member for a few years now

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Great ingenuity out there Tracy! Between you and your Dad you made some pretty good progress. That was crazy exciting to see it start up, I can't imagine how you felt.

[@alanbaird9846]

Great worked out proper. A little luck and good to go

[@pjd3028]

Nice job! Love the truck. WOW! That is surely a classic! Blessings from E Missouri!

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks Paula

[@ourtinyacres5173]

I love your old truck.

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks 👍

[@skydiver6711]

I had an old pickup once and lost the key to it. I called a locksmith and he came to the house with a metal ring about 6 inches in diameter that was full of old chevy keys. He tried one after another until he found one that worked, then just cut me a new key from that one. It worked in the ignition and the door both. Cost me maybe $20. Of course that was in the early 80's.

[@rickuyeda4818]

I had a '49 Chevy 3100 3 window as my first car. Mine was originally blue but it was re-painted to green before my Dad gave it to me. 216 and 4 speed. A good locksmith would have made a new key.

[@keithhaycraft3765]

I would have suggested a Locksmith too. That way, you would not need a new cylinder to lock the door because the keey should be the same for both ignition and door lock.

[@fgdhdusj6118]

Very nice video old car

[@CreatingEssence]

Ok, I honestly have zero interest in old vehicles, but this was fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing this project!

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad I held your interest lol

[@lazymanism]

I see how everyone is telling what you should ,but what I think is you are a good dad because you are teaching your kids how to do stuff good job buddy.

[@FarmAlarm]

Hey thanks Dennis

[@obamagate4887]

The last time I drove my 48 Chevrolet was around 1991. I was driving to town with my girlfriend back then. I forgot to check the brake fluid before heading out. About two miles from town I remember, didn’t have a lick of brakes. Ended up slowing down as much as I could drove into a big Gravel parking lot. With the door open, one hand on the huge bus steering wheel. I Flintstoned it until it stopped. Heavy truck to stop for a skinny 16yr old but it worked. Seeing you work on yours is making me want mine back on the road again. Great videos man!!

[@FarmAlarm]

Awesome story Sami. New brakes all the way around with new master cylinder and brake lines was not too expensive really. These trucks are super simple, as you already know. Good luck!

[@bennettmusiclabs9382]

all you young'uns that were born too late to know anything about these models. These trucks were what made America great, They just WORK and they keep on working... we kept these things running with baling wire and chewing gum. with these trucks you simply follow the basic Tune up procedure, and there will be no guess work involved. and it will run unless there is some other major issue. put in fresh oil and filter, and that includes the oil bath breather ( air filter over the carb.) install new points and condenser and a new coil, don't argue about it, just do it, no coil will last more than 15 years let alone 30, they dry out inside and stop making high voltage. replace the fuel filter, install fresh spark plugs , and make sure the fuel bowl in the carb. has fresh gas in it. This was called a basic tune-up. and most of these vehicles stopped running because they needed a tune up and the owner was too broke to afford it.. you do that and she WILL run.. and be sure to check the timing once she fires off.

[@pappabob29]

The Marvel Mystery Oil everyone is suggesting is a good idea. These engines don't make much oil pressure. Most of the engine is not "pressure" lubricated. Look up "Splash" oil system and "babbitt" bearings. That's what this truck has. You should put new points and condenser in it too. You're going to do that eventually anyway so ??? If that fuel tank looks anything like that filter, it CERTAINLY needs to be sent out to be "boiled out". Flush out the cooling system. Do the new ignition stuff, some fresh oil, use a temporary gas can and eventually freshen up the carburetor to get all the varnish out of it and you should be "golden" !!!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Oh, my gosh... I got as excited as you. I was yelling, I heard it, I heard it. I'm an old girl that just loves old cars and trucks. I worked on cars with my dad, scavenged through junk yards etc. I know this is an older video, so I subscribed and will catch up on how it all plays out. Love that you're going to keep it stock, and not going to paint. I am a fan of the green. I was going to ask you if you were going to keep that great patina. Going to go binge watch your videos.

[@stevemiller6766]

I had a 53 3 window 43 years ago. The rotor would sometime short out in the center and no spark. I found a 12 volt starter that bolted in and put an alternator on it. Drove the wheels off that thing for years after that. Nice find man.

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks Steve.

[@nickowens895]

What a great video

[@tomthumb1941]

some old cars/trucks had positive ground, turn the headlights on, if the amp gauge needle goes to the plus side, switch terminals on the battery, if it goes to minus side polarity is ok. check thge coil by holding a plug wire a 1/4 in away from the block, blue spark ok orange spark replace. check gap on points .018 and file clean.

[@johnhoward7298]

All You had to do was take the glove box lock off @take it to chevy dealer , thea can cut You a new key

[@dwaynekendall]

Nothing smoking yet... lol. Can’t wait to see it running

[@lockeyestlocksmith2349]

As a third-generation Locksmith you could’ve pulled the door lock out and there was a code number on it and you could add a key made by code. And the reason the lock is in the passenger side only is because it was against the law to step out on the left side, you might scare a horse most of the 30s cars and some 40s only had a key on the passenger door and all these cars in that era 20s and up have code numbers on them. GM use the same keyway from 1935 till 66. Great looking truck you’re a lucky guy, Love the patina.

[@jeffstewart3614]

keep it all original except maybe for radial tires . this is almost the exact truck I learned to drive in , I'm loving it.

[@carmac1652]

It's only the pins you are drilling that makes it turn after Nice Truck 👍

[@russellvolk3459]

Richard has a darn good idea.im keeping up with ya cause I had a 50 model 3window but I never did get to fix it up so I will b keeping up with your progess.

[@stepht5]

Always good videos! 🙃. Even without Henry. 😁. That is an awesome truck!

[@danrobingilliam3540]

This has a 216 babbit bearing motor. It runs about 15 pounds oil pressure normal Mine was green but I painted it 1978 Mack truck green. Looked great with a bit of metallic flake. Check out Chevy's of the 50s in Washington state. Great parts catalog. I ended up putting a 235 from a 54 in it.

[@JamesCouch777]

I grew up with that same model truck. They will run forever. The truck is long gone but I do have a 1969 International flat bed dump truck that runs.

[@FarmAlarm]

Way cool.

[@fload46d]

I have all the confidence that you will be able to get it running and have a very nice vehicle. There is nothing like that truck design from GM in those years.

[@oxygen454]

My igniotion in my VW golf was the same way (key in to pull out)

[@cordovanbee713]

Nice

[@SchnelleKat]

I Love your Idea of keeping it original, Not a lot of people these days do that and I love that, B/c Stock Vehicles of the past are so Friggin awesome Not to mention that Green I'd say Is a fairly Uncommon color & Those Inline-Six are DIEHARDS That Will easily Outlive the both of us If taken care of Properly. Front Grille Chrome really cleaned up!

[@johnhenke6475]

The door lock on the passenger side was also a feature on Fords. That way you had to slide across the seat to get out on the curb side rather than the street side to get out and lock the door. It was the first safety feature that I can think of in these old trucks.

[@brianmatthews9697]

Great truck! I like green! You may want to take that gas tank out and clean it. Easy to do. Fuel line and filter too. Promise you will get some hay bails and take the old man for a ride, I gotta see that video! Don't know why you thought she wouldn't start, it's a stove bolt six! Glad to see your boys are involved. Good luck and have fun!

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

Awesome!

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks 😀

[@billsmith2212]

I have started vehicles by putting Gibbs Oil in the cylinders and disabling the ignition . And few SHORT cranks to build oil pressure . But after 30 years , the hand crank idea seems best to coat the cylinders . I would check the oil and gas for water contamination , etc . There could be rust in the gas or it could be rotten . Any gaskets , rubber or carburetor parts could leak or be gummed up . Good luck .

[@maryritelli3495]

So exciting

[@FarmAlarm]

😀😀😀

[@GottliebGoltz]

Good ol' boy..Yup!

[@antoniocoho6303]

Nice nice.....👍

[@bux49]

Smart fellow. Only original ONCE ! My uncle had 4 or 5 of these and his Hudson. You only need 4 lbs. of oil pressure.

[@jamessmith7691]

Keeping it original is a nice touch. Try a bit of rubbing compound to get rid of the dead paint.

[@tammysarrazin7078]

i have been waiting to see this video yeahhhhhh hugssssssss from Ontario Canada

[@FarmAlarm]

Haha thanks Tammy!

[@rontownsend8235]

Napa parts still has eclin brass points and condenser, it is a must and the power wire from coil. Pricey for sure.

[@hollywilson6236]

I love your videos

[@FarmAlarm]

Hey thanks so much!

[@centralscrutinizer76]

I am restoring a 51 , the original color was green just like yours.

[@arkansashomestead6015]

I think you should paint it Plum Purple and make it really nice lookin :)

[@andrewerskine4301]

If anyone was wondering, the reason why only the passenger side door has a lock is because it was customary for the man to unlock and open the door for the lady and she would unlock the driver's side door from inside.

[@richardturk7162]

Clean the fuel system, change the oil and fluid/water in the radiator. I would have run some Marvel mystery oil in the cylinders while you had the plugs out.Way too much of a chance in scoring the dry cylinder walls. Might add lead or octane booster to the fuel.

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks Richard. I will definitely be getting some marvel mystery oil

[@mitchstreetman9935]

Hell. I would have drained ALL the fluids, just for starters, and replace them. Lube, etc.

[@leecox1513]

@@mitchstreetman9935 .....and examine the interior of the gas tank for rust that could enter the fuel lines.

[@adriantomlin2902]

@@mitchstreetman9935 Agreed!!

[@erictompkins8226]

For something that old, try a popsicle stick. Thats how we started my Grandmothers car back in the day. After daily use for years, things were a lot less needy of precision. Or try a thin shim.

[@wesfrazier5739]

Chevy truck rallys, radial tires keep it under fifty miles an hour and she'll work for ya from now on. GREAT FIND!

[@pneumatic00]

You'll be lucky to see any oil pressure until you get the engine running at some number of hundreds of RPM; maybe you'll barely see the needle on the gauge budge. 216 engines get oil to the lower connecting rod bearings with a "scoop" system of little sheet metal thimbles on the bottoms of the conn rods, and those little scoopers dip into the oil pooled in the pan. It's an "open" system and it's not uncommon for an old 216 engine to run 10 lbs of oil pressure. Kind of scary, actually.

[@FarmAlarm]

That is crazy low oil pressure. I guess that explains why I didn't see the gauge go too high. Thanks for the heads up! 👍👍

[@lkendrix7782]

Did you change the oil? Where’s the next episode? I wanna see it run!

[@jerrybrooks870]

You really should have put oil in the cylinders before trying to start it, especially as long as it has been sitting. You can damage the cylinders by cranking it over dry like that. I'm really glad that you are leaving it original like it's supposed to be instead of ruining it like most people do by putting modern junk running gear in it. My daily driver is a stock 1959 Chevy panel truck. I also have a 1951 Chevy 2&1/2 ton truck that I hope to get running again soon. It's getting a rebuilt engine. I wish you luck with getting your truck going. It's so much fun to drive an old vehicle like that.

[@pl747]

My 1962 Ford SWB Ford unibody has an outside door lock only on the passenger door too. I have had it since 1973 when I acquired it in high school from the original owners son with a $100 bill.

[@FarmAlarm]

Now that's and awesome $100 find!

[@edwardbenkert2618]

I still say once you get it running you keep it forever and then give it to your son when he's ready to drive it's something that you need to pass down

[@frankgriffin9453]

Hi pal, just a suggestion to mark your episodes by number, that way us subs can pick them off when we see a new one !!!

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks for that suggestion Frank! I will definitely do that. That will work good, because I do have a few different things going on at the same time currently on my channel.

[@singleman1986]

It Fired! You have compression. Fine tune the electrical and fuel and it's a truck. JMHO....~Eli.

[@Markver1]

It’s alive! It’s alive!

[@FarmAlarm]

HalleluYaH. I was super excited to see it run, even just a little bit

[@ShapdCrusadr]

I would clean up the paint oxidation on that truck. At that point I would just place a layer of clear coat on the truck to stop any further oxidation and ect.

[@farmerbrown3768]

Tracy I hope you changed the oil and put oil down the cylinders before you cranked it.