1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
For consignment and your enjoyment, a customized and restored Chevrolet 3100 Series pickup, retaining its original styling just as it was on the showroom floor 69 years ago but with a modern frame, drivetrain and suspension underneath. The Advanced Design from Chevrolet was billed as stronger, larger and sleeker, and the first redesign since WW2. This truck is also sporting a custom 7-foot bed and late model 20" wheels.
Exterior
Bathed in an amateur application of orange, there is orange peel, evidence of prior body work, some crazing of the finish, and a light spray in some areas. Originality was the mindset for the body, and it has it from the black front grille including a triple row of large horizontal grille bars bisected by a vertical bar, with parking lights incorporated in the grille, (incidentally, these interchanged with the corresponding GMC model). The new grille could be ordered in chrome, but because this cost extra, it is seldom seen on surviving trucks. On painted grilles, the outer bars were painted in the body color; the inner bars are painted the correct thistle gray. Black bumpers in front and rear finish off this 3100 at either end. All the way through, the 7-foot custom bed which is lined with polished diamond plate steel and sports a diamond plate tool box. Due to the curved fenders being on the outside, you get a full unobstructed bed, (why weren't they doing this all along? GENIUS!). A mix of blacked out and stainless trim wrap the cabin glass, including the wrap-around corner windows. Late model 20-inch aluminum 5-spoke wheels are wrapped in staggered width blackwall radials from the 18th week of 2018.
Interior
Sprayed in body matching orange, the full metal dash holds a simple vertical ribbed front and center, but in front of the driver is a late model General Motors instrument cluster with a digital odometer and a slew of gauges. The door panels do not disappoint either with tan broadcloth uppers, chrome actuators and cranks, and twin storage areas including one made as a netted pouch. A pair of late model bucket seats in charcoal gray broadcloth with hobnail inserts flank an orange and silver trimmed console that races up to meet the dash and holds an aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo as well as push buttons for the headlights and 4wd selector. A late model steering column grows just from the dash and is topped with a thick wood rimmed Pilot steering wheel.
Drivetrain
Opening the massive hood, we are met with a 4.3 Liter Vortec V6 mill. It sits in a slightly dusty engine bay and is fed by EFI. Backing this is a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission that shifts very smoothly, and throws power to a 10 bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
A quick glance makes one think this is original, but here is where things take a turn to the modern side. A late model frame is now supporting the original body and is equipped with an independent coil spring front suspension while traditional leaf springs are in the rear. Structurally sound, it takes on the appearance of what a beautifully aged undercarriage would over time with only minor patina and surface rust. Power disc brakes are on up front and in the back are, you guessed it....more power disc brakes. A single stock style exhaust system is on for the big exhale.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth idle, and easy smooth shifting from the automatic. Overall the suspension felt nice and tight with no sloppy ride lumbering around curves here, this truck is a performer and a head turner as well. A few frowns crept up during our drive, that being a radio that didn't belt out any tunes and when pushing the 4x4 buttons it was unclear as to whether the transfer case engaged the front axle.
Overall a nicely performed amateur customization/restoration retaining the original bodystyle, but with a modern twist for the undercarriage and interior. This truck works very well on all fronts, and runs like it's 1954/1994 all over again, and we just left the lot with a smile on our face.
H54B020704
H-3100 Series
54-1954
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
020704-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
