Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration
216 cubic inch Thriftmaster 6-cylinder
3-speed manual transmission
Vinyl interior
Era-correct Surf Green & Dusk Gray paint
Hickory bed
Era-correct heater
16-inch steel wheels
10-bolt rear axle
As General Motors' stalwart mass-market brand, Chevrolet has
produced years of innovative and desirable offerings that run the
gamut from basic compact cars to luxury-lined SUVs. And, when it
comes to restoration, dedicated fans of the bowtie division have a
rich legacy of preserving unique and exceptionally well-done
classics that cause a big stir every time they roll out of the
garage. A cool head turner that celebrates the all-American swagger
of vintage pickups, this polished 3100 capitalizes on GM's timeless
design and Chevy's universal appeal. And, whether you're a diehard
Chevrolet fan, an old school truck lover or just a curious buyer
who's looking for something a bit different, it's a cool
collectible that 'fires on all cylinders'!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Dressed and ready to roll, this mint Chevy has been meticulously
rebuilt to preserve all the innate appeal of GM's popular Advance
Design aesthetic. Speaking of mint, the truck's expressive body
panels have been bathed in a rich coat of Surf Green 2-stage, which
is accented with Dusk Gray fenders. Under that retro pigment, an
incredibly straight fuselage hangs solid panels that have
benefitted from a frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration that, in the
words of its restorer, returned the truck to original, assembly
line specifications. Naturally, fit is good and finish is great.
And overall, this road-ready cruiser carries every indication that
its high quality reboot was a well-planned effort.
While its basic shape is certainly appealing, first rate detailing
is what makes this pickup really pop. At the front of the truck, a
polished grille centers green-trimmed bars and clear parking lamps
between GM driving lamps, chrome-trimmed headlights and a guarded
bumper. Behind that grille, a Chevrolet-branded hood leads the eye
to a spilt windshield, which centers a prominent visor on a
5-window greenhouse. At the sides of that hood, Dusk Gray running
boards seat textured steps under chrome mirrors, chrome door
handles and a chrome-capped fuel filler. At the back of those
boards, a stainless-trimmed hickory bed adds tangible credibility
to a classic work truck theme. And at the back of that bed,
polished blue dot taillights illuminate a second guarded bumper,
which reflects trick bowtie plugs, partially sleeved chains and a
"CHEVROLET branded tailgate that's accented with Dusk Gray
lettering.
ENGINE
Hoist the truck's domed hood and you'll find a 216 cubic inch
6-cylinder that, according to its 3835253 casting number,
originated in 1949. Introduced for use in large platforms, and
regarded as one of the all-time great Chevrolet powerplants, the
Thriftmaster is a favorite among vintage GM truck buyers because of
its simple design, adequate power and excellent durability. A
petite Rochester carburetor and old school air cleaner combine with
stainless fluid lines, a tagged Delco-Remy generator and Belden
EDGE Premium 7mm cables to keep the engine clean and functional.
And items like glossy fenders, a correct horn, bold "Thriftmaster"
lettering and traditional blue block skin ensure the mill is very
impressive to look at.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Crawling under this classy bowtie reveals a clean frame and
straight floorpans that have been coated in a nice layer of Satin
Black skin. Power meets the ground through a traditional 3-speed,
which twists torque to a driver-friendly axle. Correct leaf springs
and drum brakes occupy all four corners of this chassis, mixing
rugged road prowess with firm and solid stops. A single-pipe
exhaust system begins with a cast iron manifold, progresses through
a welded muffler and ends with a polished, bowtie-branded tip. And
everything rolls on color-keyed steelies, which turn 6.50-16 Lester
whitewalls around polished, red-trimmed hubcaps.
INTERIOR
When you pop this pickup's doors, you'll find a crisp vinyl cockpit
that's full of utilitarian charm. A requisite bench seat
complements small door panels, a tight headliner and a black floor
mat. A "CHEVROLET" branded steering wheel spins around fully
restored gauges. And items like warm heat, a Guide traffic light
viewer and a retro AM radio make country drives a little more
civilized.
Whether it's simple nostalgia or their long list of extremely
useful virtues, one thing is certain: trucks NEVER go out of style.
And when they're built this well, they seem to never fade away. If
you're in the market for something that's classy and cool, don't
miss the chance to claim this impressive 3100!