Over the past couple years I’ve seen interest in old trucks really climb. At first it was a bit of a surprise, but the more I look at these old workhorses the more I see why they are so appealing. Trucks were built to last, so the ones that are still around tend to still be in good shape. They also have a level of functionality that most classic cars lack, I don’t know too many ’50s cars you would want to toss a load of 2x4s into or a greasy engine, but you can do that with an old truck! This Chevy 3100 definitely isn’t perfect, but it looks like it’s a good ol’ truck that you can use and enjoy! Find it here on eBay in Roberts, Wisconsin.
Like many old farm trucks, this rig has some rust in the cab corners and the floors, but it doesn’t looks too serious. As long as the frame is solid, you can still use this truck to haul junk and lumber. While I’m not a fan of rust, it actually gives this truck a certain rugged look that I kind of like. Looking at it, you know this isn’t a pampered trailer queen, but a rig you can climb right into and put to work.
If I had this truck, I would struggle to decide what to do with it. Restoring it will involve lots of metal work, but these rigs are quite simple and parts are available for them. At the same time, I like the idea of having a truck I can toss stuff into without worrying about the expensive paint job or fancy truck bed. I would be inclined to leave it as is and just make it a nice driver, but what about you? Would you restore it, leave it as is, or meet somewhere in the middle?
Fix the cab corners and any other rot, hit some of the potential rot areas with POR-15, source some new/NOS/”new-to-you” running boards, spray the repaired, bare-metal areas w/flat black, hang a rear bumper, and call it good!
I’D start by replacing the brake system 100%,possible saving the drums and backing plates if they pass.Yep,the steel lines go too…you don’t know how old a hose is nor want to deal with a failure if that single chamber master cylinder should crap out on you.Running issues fix as needed,if you’re beating around town you can do some compromising there,but you MUST be able to reliably stop!
I’ll sure be happy when this patina RUST goes back out of style. It’s rust and it needs to be dealt with or it just keeps advancing. If this were mine I’d fix the rusty areas with new metal, Sand down the entire truck and put a driver quality single stage paint job on it. I’d then replace the boards in the back with some pressure treated boards and reinstall the proper metal strapping. Finally I’d go through the mechanicals to make it safe, then summer drive it and enjoy it.
I don’t get the “patina” thing either. To me it’s a sign of neglect, a visual of undesirable wear and a cop-out to consider it finished and drive it looking like that. I’d rather see this one (or any one for that matter) cleaned up and at least done in primer. This one looks like a good candidate for a resto.
I think that the P-word is greatly overstressed too. A driver restoration is the ideal way to go. Restore it and use it. If it gets some road badges so be it. Enjoy it for as long as you can then it’s someone else’s turn…
Me to. Rust is deterioration, nothing else. If patina is glazed paint, I would be ok with that. But that is not the case with many people.
Totally agree. Patina patina patina….that’s all we hear these days. Guess I’m just too old school. Rust is rust. The only reason we drove cars back in the day with rust is that we were too poor to afford a paint job. That’s when I pulled out the sandpaper and primer in a spray can!
i too would make it safe and put the truck back to work. when someone offers me more then i have in the truck i would sell it and move on to my next project. i remember when this truck would have been a $ 300 back lot special, but those days are long gone. great find.
My first truck was a 1953 Chevy 3100. Bought it in parts blasted and primed for $500 in 1979. I put the 235 from my 57 chevy into it and daily’d it for a couple of years. I sure loved the ride! And the 4 speed was great too!
This truck is already at $5,100. It’s not a five window so it not bring the same value for a high end restoration. IMO it is fully priced. Not a truck to fully restore. I agree with those who suggest to fix it up as a utility driver, unless the bid price goes crazy, then walk away. There are still many of these around.
What a vortec 4.2 straight six turbo can do…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn6Do9gCbRA
1950, not a 1952. The 1952 trucks had push-button door handles.
I like all kinds. Non enthusiasts often do not understand the level of work required by restoration. Original, as manufactured, has its place as well. I appreciate them all.
I’m not a fan of the title situation with this truck.. And–this truck has run through EBay in previous months and didn’t sell.. Honesty about the truck history is questionable at best–
Wouldn’t the Title show the year or at least the date it was originally Titled? It’s clearly not a 1952 model.
This is a kool truck, I would buy it if I wasn’t only 11 years old. My great grandpa had one of these and it would roar, it was a powerful truck.