Vehicle Description
You either get rat rods or you don't. They aren't built to be
pretty, but they are possibly the most accurate reflection of early
hot rodding's roots. Rods like this 1948 Chevrolet 3100 pickup were
built from a variety of parts that were a unique expression of the
builder's vision, and no two are alike. In a world filled with
me-too plastic '32 coupes and carbon-copy 3100 trucks, something
like this stands out everywhere it goes.
Obviously, primer paint is a mainstay of the rat rod movement, and
it works exceptionally well on cars like this 3100. No-nonsense,
low maintenance, and designed to show off the builder's custom
touches, it has a timeless look that will never go out of fashion.
The familiar curved 3100 cab remains, along with the hood, although
the latter has been modified to accommodate the monster that lies
beneath. But we'll get to that later, for now, note the unique
features like the chopped lower body, bed-side exhaust exits, and
Lexan back glass. There's a custom trimmed bed out back and the
lowered and channeled stance makes it look low and lean without
being claustrophobia-inducing inside. Factory fenders were removed
to show off the fat radials, and the hood was trimmed to make way
for the giant aluminum radiator and monster air breather. It may
have taken a fever dream to help inspire the design, but man are we
glad it was realized.
It's pretty austere inside but that doesn't mean it's not
comfortable and functional. They dropped the seats between the
custom transmission tunnel, and there's good head room even with
the chopped top, and those are cloth bucket seats out of a
late-model that are surprisingly comfortable. High-density
carpeting on the floor helps with the industrial look and a simple
steering column and 3-spoke wheel give it a vintage feel. There are
cool VDO gauges and an Equus dash-mounted tachometer that look
suitably retro and a B&M shifter gives you someplace to rest
your hand while you drive. Like most well-built rat rods, this one
is fully functional and safe to drive, not just thrown together for
effect. That matters.
Power comes from a thumping 454 cubic inch Chevy V8, and with the
cog belt-drive system, it's easy to hear it rumbling down the
block. Bright chrome valve covers bookend the chrome intake, and a
stout Holley 750CFM carb is centered on the block. There's a
good-sized cam inside that gives it that lumpy idle that makes a
true hot rod, but with an HEI ignition system, it fires easily and
drives great. Shorty headers feed a Flowmaster dual exhaust system,
adding a rumble to that big block lope. Rack-and-pinion steering
makes it easy to handle and disc brakes at all four corners are
more than adequate given the truck's miniscule curb weight. The
front suspension is a familiar Mustang II so it rides surprisingly
well and there's a GM 10-bolt and a 4-link out back. A TH400
3-speed automatic transmission simplifies the driving experience
and the stance is just about perfect with blacked-out alloys and
sticky blackwall radials.
Old school, the next best thing, or simply a traditional rod that's
ready to rock? How about all of the above? Call today!