Frame Off Restored 3100 Pickup 235 Dual Carb Straight 6 3 Speed Manual Oak Bed

1953 Chevrolet Other Pickups Description

SUMMARY

Frame-off restoration completed in 2009
Upgraded 216 cubic inch Thriftmaster 6-cylinder / Dual Weber carburetors
Muncie 3-speed manual transmission
Sale includes restoration photos, restoration receipts and a cam card
15-inch chrome wheels

The vast majority of classic trucks that attend magazine shoots and national shows sport lists of modifications that are longer than the third volume of War and Peace. But, while those extensively customized rigs are always cool to look at, this 1953 Chevrolet 3100 manages to carry the same level of appeal without any major gimmicks. That's because, as we've stated numerous times, old school pickups are timeless slices of Americana that'll likely never fall out of fashion. The recipient of a concours-style, frame-off restoration, this Chevy exhibits a level of quality that was simply unobtainable on 1950s assembly lines. Pairing a 216 cubic inch 6-cylinder with a 3-speed manual transmission and striking Burgundy paint, it's sure to turn heads. And, if you're in the market for some sweet collector metal that can be driven, shown and fully enjoyed, it's exactly the ride you've been looking for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

After World War II, GM rolled out its Advance Design pickups nearly a full year ahead of its revised passenger cars. Why? Well, most agree that, because truck production continued throughout the war, the General's body dies were getting worn and needed replaced. It's a simple answer, and the kind of thinking you'd probably expect behind such a wonderfully uncomplicated machine. Naturally, this 3100's appeal begins on the outside where all-steel lines, memorable enough to inspire the Chevy HHR and SSR, are coated in a fantastic layer of Burgundy 2-stage. That paint, detailed with a Charcoal pinstripe, presents well from any angle, remaining a true testament to rock-solid bodywork that was conducted during the truck's no-holds-barred restoration. And everything adds up to one crisp and clean classic that's been finished to 100% show worthy standards!

One of the best attributes of Advance Design pickups is their straightforward ornamentation. Not decorated to the hilt like most '40s and '50s cars, these blue-collar runabouts illustrate how solid design can remain fresh almost 70 years after it was introduced. At the front of this Chevy, a show-quality grille rides between a fresh chrome bumper, clean halogen headlights and a correctly trimmed hood. Behind that hood, a stainless-trimmed windshield leads a smoked greenhouse that's framed in bright, stainless wipers and a small driver's mirror. Beneath that mirror, a polished and bowtie-branded fuel filler floats amid stylized door handles and painted running boards. Between those boards, a spectacular Oak bed is detailed with stainless skid strips and bowtie-branded rail plugs. And beneath those plugs, a "CHEVROLET" branded tailgate reflects sleeved chains, polished tail lamps, a second chrome bumper and polished exhaust pipes.

ENGINE

Peer in to the truck's body-matched engine bay and you'll find a 216 cubic inch Thriftmaster 6-cylinder that was professionally rebuilt by Greeley Automotive Machine of Greeley, Colorado. Introduced for use in large platforms, and regarded as one of the all-time great Chevrolet powerplants, this "LBA" branded mill is a favorite among vintage GM truck buyers because of its simple design, adequate power and excellent durability. At the top of the block, painted Weber carburetors mix wind, supplied by satin-finish air cleaners, with fuel that's piped through braided lines and high quality XRP fittings. Those carbs ride on a clean Fenton intake, which floats above cast Fenton exhaust manifolds. Opposite those manifolds, a fresh distributor, which sequences fire between MSD Heli-Core Solid Suppression wires and a polished, 12-volt alternator, twists on a tough Comp camshaft. A beefy radiator provides cooling with the help of a large pusher fan and polished cap. And items like a Delco-Remy starter, a silver, "Chevrolet" branded valve cover and a polished oil cap ensure the bright blue powerplant is very impressive to look at.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Crawling under this classy bowtie reveals body-matched floors and a powder-coated frame that have never seen the slightest hint of inclement weather. Power meets the pavement through a traditional Muncie 3-speed, which is tied to a 10-bolt, highway-friendly rear end. Correct leaf springs and big drum brakes occupy all four corners of the chassis, mixing rugged road prowess with firm and solid stops. A polished, dual-pipe exhaust system, which is wired to a polished Patrick's muffler, runs the entire length of the truck. Everything rolls on chrome steel wheels, which turn 245/60R15 Goodyear Eagle STs around "CHEVROLET" branded hubcaps. And details like a silver oil pan, stainless fluid lines, a fresh brake booster, a silver flywheel cover and an Optima gel cell battery round out an impressive restoration.

INTERIOR

One part vintage and one part modern, this pickup's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of an old school Hot Rod magazine. At the front of the cockpit, a glossy Burgundy dash hangs classy Haneline gauges opposite an old school locking glovebox. In front of that dash, a cushy seat features "CHEVROLET 53" branded lap belts. At the bottom of that seat, clean carpet frames factory foot pedals. Opposite that carpet, a fresh-looking headliner flows from a polished rearview mirror to a simple dome lamp. At the sides of the passengers, body-matched doors feature minimalist upholstery and traditional chrome handles. And in front of the driver, a half-wrapped Billet Specialties steering wheel laps a factory shifter and chrome turn signal switch.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

A small binder of restoration photos
A stack of restoration receipts
A cam card
A stack of paperwork for the truck's high quality componentry

If you're looking for a unique classic that mixes a world-class restoration with unmatched style and unparalleled fun, this truck deserves your full attention. It's spectacular from every angle. It plays to nostalgia and Americana that everyone can appreciate. And it's a highly drivable piece that actually FEELS like vintage hardware. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the phone, park this Chevy in your garage and get ready for years of carefree cruising!