$49,950
Classic Auto Rod is extremely proud to present this holy grail of trucks. This 1953 Chevrolet 3100 5 Window Shortbed finished in the most desirable color combination underwent a several year, exquisitely detailed restoration, leaving no stone unturned. The time and money invested in this frame off restoration entered into the 6 figure league. Please enjoy the pics of the completed truck as well as the walk through journey getting the truck to its present state and note the special attention which was paid to the underside of the truck's body through the process. The very strong 235 motor within the truck power it but the 216 Babbit that accompanied the truck prior to restoration is also included in this sale. The following is the first hand description from the owner of the truck when restored:
Offered for sale is this beautiful and original 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck. It was originally manufactured at the old Chevrolet Leeds Plant in Kansas City, Missouri. I purchased it in 2010 from a member of the family that originally purchased it new back in 1953. Over the next five years, I performed a full body-off, nut and bolt restoration. The truck had ZERO rust on it when I purchased it because it had been stored for many years in a climate-controlled environment. Many of the original cadmium/zinc plated bolts were still silver-colored when I removed them. The truck was repainted in its original Transport Blue color. Although I could have repainted it in original lacquer, I chose to repaint it with a high quality, modern base coat/clear coat paint system.
My goal in restoring this classic 1/2 ton pickup truck was to reuse as many original parts as I could. I did make a few modifications: Although I still have the original “born with” 216 engine, I chose to replace the engine with a 1957 Chevrolet 235 engine because it is a better engine for highway driving. (The original "born with" 216 engine will be included in the sale of this truck). I also converted the electrical system from a 6 volt to a 12 volt system, and I decided to install wide-white wall radial tires. Some cosmetic enhancements have also been made, such as adding a chrome grille (the original "born with" painted grille is in excellent condition and will be included in the sale of the truck), oak bed boards with polished stainless steel and some other cosmetic chrome upgrades.
The restored frame and suspension are in original, undamaged condition. There was NO RUST or damage on the frame anywhere! After I sandblasted the frame, the frame was powder coated. The transmission and differential were professionally restored and operate like new. Since this truck is no longer a “farm work truck”, I replaced the original 4:10 differential gear with a more friendly highway 3:55 rear ring and pinion gear. The suspension parts are refurbished originals. This is a beautiful, original truck that received the highest level of “body-off, nut-and-bolt” restoration. Even the original owner’s manual is included. I have hundreds of restoration photos if you are an interested buyer. The truck only has approximately 250 miles on it since I completed the restoration. If you are a serious collector, and you are looking for a high-end Chevrolet Advanced Design truck, here’s your opportunity. Although I have restored many Midyear Corvettes to NCRS standards, this is my first AD truck. It is a true beauty. I completed the restoration in July, 2016. It’s not cheap, but quality and originality never are.
