1949 Chevrolet 3100

Description

The thing that drives this great hobby is passion, and it's what results in great vehicles like this 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup. This truck unquestionably cost more than the asking price to build, but you can't put a price on the passion that went into it and the results speak for themselves.

This substantial-looking gray pickup was finished a few years ago, but time has done little to diminish its handsome good looks. Of course, the Advance Design pickups are still some of the most popular haulers for restorers and hot-rodders alike, and this one neatly bridges the two. The bodywork is pretty much stock, with a correct 1949 cab wearing 1951 doors, but it's not like anyone but an expert would be able to tell the difference. The charcoal gray metallic paint is a great choice on a commercial vehicle, being subtle but unique enough to stand out. All the trim remains in place, including the brightly chromed grill with neat alternating bars with a satin finish for contrast. The wood bed floor is brand new and beautifully finished with a golden glow that really pops against the dark gray paint. This truck may show a few signs of use and time, but you'll have no qualms about hitting the next cruise night and people at Home Depot will go nuts when you load it up on a Saturday afternoon. That's one of the biggest joys of a vintage pickup: being able to still put it to work.

The interior of this 3100 is really impressive. First, there's the gray leather power seat, which was cribbed from a late-model truck and fits inside this '49 like it was born there. With a handy center console, supportive cushions, and headrests, it's the kind of truck that you can drive across the country without feeling like you'd spent 20 hours in a penalty box. Black carpets give it a finished look and the door panels have been fully upholstered to match-a big improvement over the original steel panels. Today it's quiet and comfortable inside, and thanks to a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo with speakers both in the center grille and in the doors, it sounds great. Beautiful Stewart Warner gauges were fitted to the original holes in the dash, and a tilt column with a billet wheel makes it easy to get comfortable for long hauls. There's a Vintage Air A/C setup under the dash and electric wipers inside, so this really is a no-compromises truck that feels quite modern.

Power comes from a Chevy 350 cubic inch V8. Nothing exotic, just a 4-barrel carb and dual exhaust, but it moves the little truck with effortless ease and makes great V8 sounds while doing it. There are a few billet aluminum dress-up pieces inside, so popping the hood is always fun, and the reliable components mean that you never have to think twice about a road trip. Underneath, the front suspension is a Mustang II independent setup with rack-and-pinion steering, while a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission feeds a 10-bolt rear end. It all works well to create a unique driving experience, and it just looks right with those chrome Rally wheels and fat 235/60/15 Uniroyal radials.

So passion should play a part in your decision on this truck, but you'll probably find this one is easy to love. Call today!