Vehicle Description
Beautiful restoration of a final-year AK Series 3100 pickup. Only
NOS parts used in the restoration. 216 cubic inch inline-6, 3-speed
manual transmission. Beautifully finished inside and out. Easily
the best early pickup we've ever featured!Yes, they were still
producing AK Series trucks in 1947 despite the introduction of the
all-new Advance Design models. It didn't make sense for GM to stop
all truck production for the model change-over, so it was done
gradually with both trucks being produced at the same time. That's
why this one was technically known as a 'First Series' pickup in
1947, to differentiate it from the new models. It retains the same
handsome pre-war look that resulted in millions of units sold and
thanks to an extremely high-quality restoration, it shows in
virtually new condition throughout. Speaking to the gentleman who
restored the truck, we are informed that he only used NOS parts,
including an NOS bed that had to be virtually impossible to find.
The dark blue paint with black fenders is a traditional look that
works well on the rounded pickup bodywork making this a very
appealing machine. There's enough chrome to make it look
well-dressed, including the grille and hood vents that give it an
art-deco feel that we like a lot. You'll also note it has optional
bumpers, accessory running board steps and dual taillights with
blue-dot lenses, just to make it look well-dressed. The bed is
beautifully finished in stainless and varnished oak, so it's
probably too pretty to work for a living but it sure does attract a
lot of attention at shows! And everywhere you look, the quality is
evident, from the delicate red pinstripes on the chrome trim to the
excellent panel fit, to the deep gloss on the paint that's probably
better than it was in 1947. The interior is simple but functional,
starting with a bench seat covered in brown leatherette that's
durable and comfortable. A big steering wheel makes the truck easy
to maneuver (steering effort is shockingly light!) and a
body-colored dashboard adds some color to the interior. But it's
still quite basic, with a rubber mat on the floor and a cardboard
headliner overhead. The gauges were restored and all work properly
keeping an eye on the six-cylinder engine up front, and the rest of
the controls are basic: knobs for choke and throttle, a cowl vent
under the dash, and accessory controls for the heater and
defroster, which were still optional in 1947. Someone has
thoughtfully added turn signals to make this truck a little more
user-friendly in today's world and the crank on the center of the
dashboard opens the windshield for a little extra ventilation-who
needs A/C? Certainly not your grandfather! And like the exterior,
it's just beautifully finished with correct finishes and components
throughout.By 1947, Chevy's rugged 'Stovebolt' six had grown to 216
cubic inches. It wasn't built for speed, but there's plenty of
low-end torque and the smooth six doesn't mid whistling along at
45-50 MPH without much strain. Fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and an
oil bath air cleaner, it's brutally simple and easy to service, and
parts are plentiful so it's an ideal hobby vehicle. You'll note
correct details like the hose clamps, ignition coil, and accessory
oil filter, and it wears correct battleship gray engine enamel for
a proper Chevy look. It also includes a reproduction cloth wiring
harness, correct horn mounted on the intake manifold, and the
original 6-volt electrical system works like it should (you can
forget that nonsense about needing to 'upgrade' to 12 volts). It
starts easily with a little choke and makes great mechanical sounds
that are a bit part of the joy of owning one of these trucks. The
3-speed shifts well with synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd, and there are
4.10 gears out back so the six feels lively around town. The
suspension is simple, with live axles and leaf springs, but it's
effective and ride quality is pleasant and not at all harsh. Manual
steering and manual drum brakes are effective enough for the
truck's modest performance and the new exhaust system makes a
pleasing 6-cylinder grumble that quiets down at speed. And for a
little flash, those 6.00-16 Goodyear wide whites sure look
good!Documentation includes an owner's manual.Beautifully finished,
joyful to drive, and just plain fun, this handsome pickup wins
friends wherever it goes. You'll note that prices are moving on
these pickups, making now a great time to get a superior example
that will always be in demand. Look it over, then give us a
call!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
