Advance Design short bed Chevy truck chrome vintage classic SBC automatic

1951 Chevrolet Other Pickups Additional Info:

If you're building a resto-mod pickup truck, feel free to use this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 as your guide for how to do it right. An ideal blend of vintage looks with a smooth V8 powertrain give this truck an edge that embraces history and still delivers modern performance.
The color is actually pretty close to Windsor Blue, an original Chevy truck color in 1950, which probably explains why it looks so right. Of course, no working-class machine in 1951 was this nicely finished, otherwise everyone would have been afraid to, you know, use them as trucks. The post-war "Advance Design" pickups are some of the most popular pickups ever built, and their fat-fendered look is downright gorgeous. Fit and finish are good, from a hood that fits well to the bed that's full of beautifully refinished wood planks. The Windsor Blue paint has a nice shine and a bit of metallic, and thanks to a recent respray with modern paints, it shines up well and could be taken to the next level with a professional color sanding. Note the shiny chrome grille, bright bumpers, and handsome taillights that look exactly right out back. Nothing radical or extreme, just a clean, well-done truck that still looks like it belongs in the '50s.
Part of an old truck's charm is the no-nonsense interior, and this truck offers a neat blend of old and new that works quite well. The original bench seat is covered with a black vinyl cover that looks correct and should wear like iron. The rest of the interior has been trimmed to match, with black carpets and door panels, so it's a bit more civilized than it was 70 years ago. The original dash remains in place, painted to match the body, but with big Auto Meter gauges nestled into trick billet gauge pods for a very finished look. There's also a tilt steering column with a handsome wood-rimmed steering wheel that's easy to grab. There's also an effective A/C system tucked under the dash, making this a truck that's ready to go anywhere. The original 3-speed manual transmission is long gone, supplanted by a 700R4 4-speed automatic unit, which is controlled by the column-mounted shifter. And just like in 1951, there is no radio.
Simple is often the best choice, so the engine and transmission from a 1988 Chevy Suburban were neatly installed in the 3100's chassis. The 350 cubic inch V8 offers plenty of power, a great soundtrack, and the same reliability that was built into the truck when it was new, so it's an excellent choice. Dressed with Chevy Orange paint, chrome Moroso valve covers, and a matching air cleaner, it has a hot rod look that seems to work well with the truck's overall demeanor. Other upgrades include an Edelbrock carburetor on a Weiand intake, upgraded cam and heads from Summit Racing, Speedway HEI distributor, and a giant aluminum radiator. The front suspension is still a rigid axle on leaf springs, but it's been upgraded with power front disc brakes, and the custom dual exhaust system offers a muted rumble that isn't annoying on the highway. Slick 15-inch wheels are a perfect fit in the truck's big wheel wells and wear brand new 225/70/15 Goodyear radials.
Built for the road, this truck is fully sorted and ready to enjoy, so if you appreciate original virtues with a few subtle modern upgrades, this is your truck. Call today!