Vehicle Description
If you're building a resto-mod pickup truck, feel free to use this
1951 Chevrolet 3100 as your guide for how to do it right. An ideal
blend of vintage looks with a smooth V8 powertrain give this truck
an edge that embraces history and still delivers modern
performance.
The color is actually pretty close to Windsor Blue, an original
Chevy truck color in 1950, which probably explains why it looks so
right. Of course, no working-class machine in 1951 was this nicely
finished, else everyone would have been afraid to, you know, use
them as trucks. The post-war "Advance Design" pickups are some of
the most popular pickups ever built, and their fat-fendered look is
downright gorgeous. Fit and finish are good, from a hood that fits
well to the bed that's full of beautifully refinished wood planks.
The Windsor Blue paint has a nice shine and a bit of metallic, and
thanks to a recent respray with modern paints, it shines up well
and could be taken to the next level with a professional color
sanding. Note the shiny chrome grille, bright bumpers, and handsome
taillights that look exactly right out back. Nothing radical or
extreme, just a clean, well-done truck that still looks like it
belongs in the '50s.
Part of an old truck's charm is the no-nonsense interior, and this
truck offers a neat blend of old and new that works quite well. The
original bench seat is covered with a black vinyl cover that looks
correct and should wear like iron. The rest of the interior has
been trimmed to match, with black carpets and door panels, so it's
a bit more civilized than it was 70 years ago. The original dash
remains in place, painted to match the body, but with big Auto
Meter gauges nestled into trick billet gauge pods for a very
finished look. There's also a tilt steering column with a handsome
wood-rimmed steering wheel that's easy to grab. There's also an
effective A/C system tucked under the dash, making this a truck
that's ready to go anywhere. The original 3-speed manual
transmission is long gone, supplanted by a 700R4 4-speed automatic
unit, which is controlled by the column-mounted shifter. And just
like in 1951, there is no radio.
Simple is often the best choice, so the engine and transmission
from a 1988 Chevy Suburban were neatly installed in the 3100's
chassis. The 350 cubic inch V8 offers plenty of power, a great
soundtrack, and the same reliability that was built into the truck
when it was new, so it's an excellent choice. Dressed with Chevy
Orange paint, chrome Moroso valve covers, and a matching air
cleaner, it has a hot rod look that seems to work well with the
truck's overall demeanor. Other upgrades include an Edelbrock
carburetor on a Weiand intake, upgraded cam and heads from Summit
Racing, Speedway HEI distributor, and a giant aluminum radiator.
The front suspension is still a rigid axle on leaf springs, but
it's been upgraded with power front disc brakes, and the custom
dual exhaust system offers a muted rumble that isn't annoying on
the highway. Slick 15-inch wheels are a perfect fit in the truck's
big wheel wells and wear brand new 225/70/15 Goodyear radials.
Built for the road, this truck is fully sorted and ready to enjoy,
so if you appreciate original virtues with a few subtle modern
upgrades, this is your truck. Call today!