Vehicle Description
1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
There's just something about old school pickups that's universally
appealing. To us, they're clean, straightforward work vehicles
which have morphed into wildly popular classics. And it seems many
enthusiasts agree, as trucks like this Chevy are some of our
hottest sellers...because they are trucks!
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.
