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50s Something Chevrolet 3100 Short Bed

'52 3100

We all make mistakes, it happens. The seller of this pickup has it listed as a “1952” in the title and “1953” in the description. Well which ever year it is, this ’50 something Chevrolet 3100 short bed is listed here on eBay and parked in Dallas, Texas. It’s being offered without a reserve and the high bid at the time of writing is just $830.

'53 3100 engine

As per the seller, the motor (engine) is locked up but it’s all there. The fuel filter looks newer, so either someone tried to start it only to discover it was seized or they ran it until it seized up.

'53 3100 floor

The seller says that there are very “good floors” in this truck. They look pretty rusty to us, but they are flat, so they would be easy to fix.

'53 3100 seat

According to the seller, the doors are good and solid. There are other images in the ad including the rust in the driver’s side of the cab.

'53 3100 left side

There are dents in the fenders. The bed is in rough shape. There are other images of the bed, or the lack there of, with the ad.

'53 3100 rear

The truck does roll on the original wheels with the original hubcaps. The tires hold air at this point. The seller will help load the truck for the buyer. There is no title for this 1952/3 Chevrolet 3100, so that’s another issue to take into account. At this point the seller is too busy with other trucks to finish, and/or start this project. At what price point does this “roller” make sense for you?

Motor-on,

Robert

Comments

  1. Avatar Mr. Bond

    Drove one for a year or so when I was 16 and really enjoyed it. Mine had the 4 speed though. Not made for modern freeways at all. Any higher horsepower will take out the front u-joint pronto!

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  2. Avatar Cassidy

    My favorite model years of Chevy trucks, they don’t get much cleaner of a design than this series. When I see other vehicles in the background in various stages of restoration, I get a little worried. What is he not telling us about this truck?

    For $12k, this one is all original, daily driver:

    santabarbara.craigslist.org/cto/5353367956.html

    Like 0
    • Avatar jim s

      i like the one you found on craigslist.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar randy

    Maybe Mr. Johnny Cash built this one, it’s 50,51,52,53,54,55 automobile

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Rick

    IMHO it’s a ’53, i.e. door vent windows (1st appeared in ’51) and push button door handles (1st appeared in ’53) a ’54 has a one-piece windsheild

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    • HoA Howard A Member

      Hi Rick, I think it’s a ’52. Wiki claims ’53 said “3100” only on the hood. Not much difference, though.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Mark S

    Looks like a stove bolt 6 under the hood, which were splash lubrcation. Full pressure came along in 54 I believe so I think it is 53 or older. If this were mine to restore. I would look for a slightly new in line 6 for it and store way this engine. Much more reliable and a little more power.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar JW454

    I’m betting the next time this one hits the road, it will have several coats of satin clear sprayed on it.

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  7. HoA Howard A Member

    I agree with Mark S. I’d repower it with a more modern setup, but leave it just like it is. ( fix the glass, of course) Man, that is one basic pickup. Looks like the heater was the only option. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to walk into a dealer today, and get something like this ?

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  8. Avatar Tyler

    52 was first year for push-button door handles, and last year for “CHEVROLET” script hood emblems. This is a 52.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar jim s

    seller also has a 54 3100 for sale that is at $3800 with no reserve. either one could end up being a nice project. great find.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar geomechs Member

    It’s hard to tell the difference between ’52 and ’53 because there were some running changes. The 216 was phased out during the ’53 production year; if my information is accurate, it was pretty much 235 all the way after January 1, ’53. The early 235 looked the same but was full pressure lube. If I look at the instrument cluster and see 0-60 on the oil pressure gauge I know it to be a 235. Nice truck. It’s going to be an involved project but this one would be well worth the effort…

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Bill

    Old navy reject???

    Like 0

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