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

[@FarmAlarm]

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

[@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!

[@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)

[@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!

[@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!

[@73F100]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@thyslop1737]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@TubbySqueakers]

I loved the facts about the tumbler and ignition!

[@drkays51]

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

[@FarmAlarm]

I can't wait to drive it!

[@johnsoran701]

Fantastic. It's getting there

[@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.

[@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

[@richards5843]

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

[@PaladinSix]

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

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks!

[@angeldelacruz7254]

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

[@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!

[@4Score747]

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

[@USMCCGAGNG]

What a COOL truck! 😎

[@EssayonsFG]

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

[@allenwood3329]

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

[@mirceapopesculondon7828]

Great work Mate

[@lasalleman]

Good find. Looks pretty straight.

[@paulechols]

What a treasure you found. Awesome videos 🤠

[@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.

[@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.

[@Zarealy]

What a fun project! Looking forward to the progression.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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!

[@mechanoid5739]

Just a tip on connecting up a battery. ALWAYS connect the positive first then the earth. That way if you hit the bodywork with the spanner while you are tightening the clamp it won't short out to the body. Doesn't matter if you hit the body with the spanner when you do the earth terminal! Disconnecting the battery you START with the earth lead then remove the positive lead for the same reason.

[@FarmAlarm]

Very true. I guess I got caught up in the excitement and didn't do that. But you are correct!👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@arrowridge2770]

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

[@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.

[@carmac1652]

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

[@jamessmith7691]

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

[@ourtinyacres5173]

I love your old truck.

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks 👍

[@fgdhdusj6118]

Very nice video old car

[@PaulaJoDavis]

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

[@FarmAlarm]

Thanks Paula

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@dwaynekendall]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mjdoug44]

Glad your keeping it patina...

[@alanbaird9846]

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

[@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" !!!

[@centralscrutinizer76]

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

[@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.

[@daverush3483]

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

[@nickowens895]

What a great video

[@lkendrix7782]

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

[@everchevy]

Always put the positive cable on first when installing a battery. Incase your wrench hits metal there will be no sparks to ignite battery gases. The condenser will die after setting for a few years. You will see spark but not enough to start engine.

[@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

[@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.

[@jameshook961]

On old GM cars the key code is stamped on the tang on the passenger door lock which is easy to remove, give the code to a locksmith and they will cut you a key.

[@robharrison9781]

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

[@oxygen454]

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

[@dananderson3877]

Man, I felt the anticipation when you dropped in that new battery! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

[@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.

[@blanchae]

I didn't have a key for my 1954 Pontiac's ignition and most people don't know that there really aren't too many keys for GM vehicles. I went to the local wrecker who had a coffee can full of GM keys and started trying them in my ignition lock. The counter people were laughing at me but within 5 minutes I had 3 keys that worked and took the one that worked best. A buddy of mine had a 71 Ford Mustang, 78 Ford Pinto and a 76 Mercury, they all opened with the same key.

[@FarmAlarm]

Thats awesome

[@Markver1]

It’s alive! It’s alive!

[@FarmAlarm]

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

[@stepht5]

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

[@farmerbrown3768]

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

[@ErlefromVa]

Awesome, excited for you!

[@arkansashomestead6015]

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

[@hollywilson6236]

I love your videos

[@FarmAlarm]

Hey thanks so much!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@wesfrazier5739]

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

[@JP-xg8cd]

U can only open the passenger side with a key for safety reasons, back then the streets were narrower and people used to get in their car thru the passenger side.

[@OutlawNix]

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.

[@woof3598]

I was asked if the yellow pin stripe below the door windows on mine was stock , now I know

[@maryritelli3495]

So exciting

[@FarmAlarm]

😀😀😀

[@jmccracken491]

Ol Chevys run for ever if kept tuned. Get Henry out there with ya he is sharp.

[@FarmAlarm]

I'll probably let him drive it soon too

[@rontownsend8235]

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

[@GottliebGoltz]

Good ol' boy..Yup!

[@williamblakeley3744]

Please after you get it running Take the old gent for a ride .i think that would be very nice ..