BF Exclusive: 1957 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup

Asking: $4,000Make Offer

Although designed as no-nonsense workhorses, classic Pickups often represent excellent project candidates. Enthusiasts can follow the faithful path, although these classics offer enormous scope for customization. This 1957 Chevrolet 3600 is a prime example of the breed. It has spent time hibernating, but its lack of rust and the V8 under the hood provide a perfect foundation for someone to create the truck of their dreams. The current owner wants it to head to a new home with somebody willing and able to do it justice. Therefore, he has listed the Pickup exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of a highly affordable $4,000.

Chevrolet introduced its Task Force truck range in 1955, replacing the Advance Design series that had been in service since 1947. The latest offering featured more modern styling and additional creature comforts, but remained faithful to the company’s philosophy of rugged dependability. This 1957 example is the 3600 variant, which was part of the light-duty range. Its exterior appearance confirms that it isn’t a trailer queen and has worked for a living. However, below the tired Cream paint is a diamond in the rough. The panels are surprisingly straight, and rust is confined to a few small spots in the hood. Lower cab corners and floors are known prone areas, but this Chevy is rock-solid. Therefore, whatever path the buyer elects to follow, it will involve minimal cutting and welding. The original bed has been replaced by a Utility unit featuring locking tool cabinets. The buyer could retain and restore the unit for practicality and a distinctive appearance, or add a custom bed to personalize this classic further. The glass appears to be free from cracks and other issues. Although some items require restoration, the trim is intact.

Buyers handing over their cash for one of these Pickups in 1957 received the 235.5ci “Thriftmaster” six as the entry-level engine. Those seeking performance gains could select the 265ci V8, which developed 155hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque. This truck features an upgraded small-block V8 engine, which is paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Judging by the air conditioning compressor, the previous owner sought to combine additional performance with comfort. The attraction of this combination is that it is effectively bulletproof. The Pickup hasn’t fired a shot in anger for a while, but the owner confirms that it ran when parked. Therefore, an engine revival may involve little more than a fuel system clean and rudimentary maintenance. If so, this drivetrain represents an excellent starting point for a custom build.

Finding a 1957 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup project candidate that hasn’t suffered from significant rust is challenging, but this one is a beauty. The new owner could perform a faithful restoration, although a custom or ratrod approach is a viable option. I can picture this truck with fresh paint, its drivetrain revived, and the utility bed restored. It would be an excellent and eye-catching shop or service vehicle in that form, and a potential business promotional tool that is guaranteed to attract attention. It offers a world of possibilities, but the most crucial factor is that it is exceptionally affordable. It would be ideal for enthusiasts considering a first project build, making this Pickup worth more than a passing glance.

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Comments

  1. geomechs geomechsMember

    A lot of these out west back in the day. Interesting that I saw half the 3100 series with V8 power but I don’t think I saw a 3600/3800 with anything but a six. Worked on a lot of them in our shop and they were all sixes.

    Looks like this engine was dropped in but doesn’t appear that it’s ever run in that bay. It would be a nice project to tackle but I think that A-C compressor would be punted. Besides, I don’t think I ever saw a York or Tecumseh compressor used on a GM product….

    Tempting, it would be nice to fix up and use for a tow/hauler for trailering the really old stuff back and forth to the shows. Got your truck and your tools all in one place…

    Like 5
    • Steve-O

      The York was never a factory installed unit as far as I know,l, just dealer or aftermarket kits. It would be good to leave on as an air compressor!

      Like 3
  2. BrockyMember

    This is a great 3/4 ton truck, very refurbishable for weekend warrior use, and trips to C&C,local shows. I am surprised it has only a 3 speed?? Unless as GEO says both the engine and tranny have been replaced with something out of a car or 1/2 ton truck??? My being of the originality mindset I would basically keep it as it is. Personally I would remove the top boxes for driver visibility reasons.That would still leave you enough box space to haul anything home from the hardware store, yet leave the uniqueness and versatility of the service body. And as Geo said be able to tow a trailer with other vehicles/equipment on it..

    Like 1
    • BrockyMember

      From the rear pictures it looks like it had a lift gate on it at one time, so you would have to build a tailgate..

      Like 1
  3. Duwop

    That’s not a 57 hood

    Like 0
  4. Arthur G Taylor

    It looks like a 57 hood to me .

    Like 0

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