We see our share of classic Pickups at Barn Finds, with many suffering rust issues. That’s what makes this 1952 Chevrolet 3100 worth a closer look. This beauty is a solid survivor with none of the usual problems, and the odometer reading of 62,000 genuine miles adds to its appeal. The new owner could perform a faithful restoration, although many may believe the preservation pathway is the best to pursue. It is listed here on eBay in Bellingham, Washington. Although it sits short of the reserve, frantic bidding has pushed the price to $14,200 with time remaining on the auction.
The seller indicates that this 3100 spent its life in the desert before finding its way to its current location. That helps explains the baked state of its Windsor Blue paint. The seller states that most of the paint is original, with only one fender showing evidence of a repaint. Considering the life it would have led, the lack of significant bumps or dents is surprising. Those taking a serious interest in this classic will be pleased to learn that life in drier climes has left this Pickup rust-free. There is surface corrosion, but none of the steel penetration that is common in areas like the floors or lower cab corners. It could prompt the new owner to tread the preservation path after treating the existing corrosion to prevent further deterioration. The original bed timber is intact, and while it is now weathered and gray, it shows no evidence of rot. The seller replaced the wheels, adding spotless hubcaps that contrast nicely with the weathered paint. The remaining trim and chrome are acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and there are no visible issues with the new glass or rubbers.
For me, the interior is the undoubted highlight of this Pickup. The seller treated it to a total restoration, and it seems to need nothing. The painted surfaces are spotless, with a new cover on the seat and a fresh rubber mat covering the floor. The wheel shows no wear, and the presentation is close to showroom-fresh. Surprisingly, it retains its original horn button and radio blanking plate. Those items tend to disappear as time passes, but their presence gives the inside of this classic a “complete” look. There are no aftermarket additions, although the restored factory heater should make life on the road pleasant on cold days.
The seller supplies no clear photos of this Chevy’s engine, but the information they provide indicates it is the original 216.5ci “Thriftmaster” six. That motor should send 92hp and 176 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. For potential buyers, there appears to be nothing but positive news. Not only is the drivetrain original, but the seller claims this Pickup has a genuine 62,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, making that a claim worth pursuing further. To ensure the Pickup is mechanically sound, the seller cleaned the fuel tank, rebuilt the carburetor, replaced the entire exhaust, and fitted new shocks, brakes, and tires. They say that it starts, runs, and drives perfectly. I can’t think of a better way to develop a relationship with a classic than by flying in and driving it home. That could be a reality with this old Chevy.
This 1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup will undoubtedly divide opinions among readers. Some will argue that it is a prime candidate for restoration, while others will believe that it could serve as the perfect foundation for a custom or ratrod build. If I found it in my workshop, I would select the preservation option. Its interior needs nothing, it runs and drives well, and it has no rust issues. It would attract plenty of attention if the new owner pursued either of the first two paths, but it would receive as many admiring comments if it remained untouched. Do you agree?
I’m with you, Adam-this is a good case for “leave it well enough alone!”
Sadly, the day’s gone by that someone would find a gem like this (minus the new wheel paint/hubcaps/interior) on some remote mountain ranch for 1/10 the price of what’s being currently bid, but then some still dream of finding the Lost Dutchman’s Mine or El Dorado (the place, not the Cadillac).
A lot of subtly done hard work here, and done well IMHO.
This old guy deserves a new coat of that blue paint to match the physical condition it’s in. If it was originally painted is some stogy truck like color I’d leave it alone but that blue is a great color and would really make the truck pop.
Crusty Ramblings:
I’m with you pal, we’re a dying breed. While this is a slight improvement over the red one, merely because of it’s condition, all the same “virtues”, or lack of, apply. Today, for any interest, it seems, it has to portray this “old truck” image. I firmly believe, older folks are buying these, as a reminder to their younger days, but I think they’ve driven new F150s too long to remember what they are really like. As nice as it is, I can just imagine the 1st words a younger person might say, Golly, Gramps, no radio, and no power port, WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO???
I bought a 1946 GMC pickup last year and used it as my everyday ride all summer.
I bought the old relic precisely because I know what modern pickups offer. And in my seventies, I’m rebelling against velvety smooth suspensions, mandatory automatic transmissions, sensor-guided “park assist,” automatic emergency braking (which, if ever engaged, would certainly give me an MI), 360-degree cameras, and the plethora of other electronic gadgetry favored by younger folks.
Indeed, I glory in my truck’s stiff, truck-like ride, its need to be double-clutched between gear shifts, its tilt-out windshield, and–above all–in the almost musical whine of its straight-cut lower gears, a sound I wouldn’t trade for even the best audio system.
Some would be quick to point out my truck’s 45-50 mph cruising speed, calling it a major problem. But for me, though, it isn’t. For I drive it on only secondary roads. Hell, I’m retired, after all!
It’s a twin to my 55f100. I swapped in a 89 f1500 5.0 and aod and daily drive it in New Hampshire. It’s my only vehicle and I love it.
Perfect just as it is.
I say don’t keep the paint job but, fix the paint where it has thinned and leave it alone. That way it’s not a total repaint but, it’s not the lazy patina look.
It’s everything I would like.
It’s love at first sight.
Driving the back roads with no agenda with my best buddy riding shotgun my black Labrador Retriever Cody life is good!
No way should this be turned into a rat rod or otherwise messed with. That 216 will purr like a kitten if it’s in good shape and if you wanted to just drive it, it will serve you for years. I’d drive that every day.
My question is how come only one pic shows an external mirror on the passenger side and the others don’t? Does it or doesn’t it have one?
I’m not a huge fan of the patina thing, but this one just works! I’d love to have it, especially since I am the same vintage (1952). I would the collect minor things to restore it as original, and paint it back to the original color. Great looking truck!
My father had one just like this one from 1967-72. I would love to have this one and wouldn’t change a thing
Howard, We are on the same page today! This one is nicer than the red one. I do have to laugh at all the comments from those that say, they would drive it every day. Maybe they would if ,they had never driven in anything ,but a pre-53 vehicle. I am pretty sure anyone that says that, has never done it. I have and it gets old fast. New cars go faster, they stop faster, they protect you from the elements, snow, rain and heat. They have creature comforts for long trips, A/C , Stereo, power everything and GPS and Cruise Control. If you have experienced these amenities , you are going to miss them, especially in congestion and long road trips. Think about it before you speak. I drive a 53 F-100 everyday. I should mention it has rack and pinion steering, Mustang II suspension 390 V-8, Automatic , 4 wheel disc brakes 9′ rear with coil overs, A/C, electronic gauges, heated seats, stereo, blue tooth and GPS and 3 point seat belts. LED lights and a cushy interior. Trust me it makes a difference. There really is a reason you don’t see stone stock original cars on the streets everyday
I’d like it more if it was a five-window.
superb ……….. only wish it was in the UK …keith
I understand “patina” is not for everyone! But neither is a showroom restoration.
My 1949 is this same color with patina–but the underside and engine and interior are like new (restored).
Guys with their kids stop and take pictures with it at Home Depot!
I had to laugh about ‘drive it home’. I had a 1950 back in the 70’s and ‘cruising’ speed was insufficient for the interstate back then.
Do wish I still had it so I could restomod it. I’m tall so I’m guessing I would stretch the cab about 4″.
There’s a Time and Place for every thing, I’m 80 now, Just wish someone would put this outside my place, With a “Big” Red” Ribbon” to go along with a Beautiful Mother of Pearl Blue Paint Job. “Oh what a Christmas that would be.”
My brothers first vehicle was a ’52 Deluxe Cab (5 Window). He bought it from my grandfathers mailman. Paid $150 for it in ’74. The truck had good original paint, no rust or body damage, good interior and ran like a top. Being a young kid, it didn’t move fast enough for him so he didn’t keep it very long.
If you could only go back in time!
My brothers first vehicle was a ’52 Deluxe Cab (5 Window). He bought it from my grandfathers mailman. Paid $150 for it in ’74. The truck had good original paint, no rust or body damage, good interior and ran like a top. Being a young kid, it didn’t move fast enough for him so he didn’t keep it very long.
If you could only go back in time!
Ah, yes–if we only go back in time!!
(this one will never hit 88 miles per hour!) Ha Ha!
I drive a 1949 3600 Chevy picamuck truck , my daily driver and work truck . Wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m 72 and been driving it now for 3 years, hope to have it till the end.
Only 62000 original miles? This truck has had a rough life.
Auction went to $26,100 and didn’t meet reserve? Seems insane to me but that’s the numbers
Love that ol” chevy. I am a hot rodder at heart and have hot rodded everything ive ever owned,but, i would have to leave this one alone. Its just perfect the way it is. Besides, if i want to go fast ,i have a 1000 horse corvette street/strip car and my wife has a 500 horse ss camaro. We could definately see our sevlves cruising the back roads of our Hillbilly Hollar ranch in this…..lucky you, whoever gets it. Wish it was ours.