Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Blank Canvas: 1951 Chevrolet 5-Window Short-Bed Pickup

This 1951 Chevrolet 5-Window is a pickup that is open to a number of options for the new owner. It is truly a blank canvas as a project. You will find it listed for sale here on eBay. Located in Dallas, Texas, it comes with a Bill of Sale. There are obviously a few people who can see potential here, as spirited bidding has pushed the price to $2,000 in this No Reserve auction.

While this pickup has more than its fair share of surface corrosion, not only does the body appear to be remarkably straight, but actual external rust-through appears to be limited to a few small holes that are not much bigger than pinheads. There are some holes in the cab floor on both sides, so this will need to be addressed. The major component missing from the body is the tail-gate, but sourcing one of these shouldn’t be a problem.

The interior is all pretty second-hand, although the dash is only missing a radio (or a blanking plate) and the lock for the glove compartment. It is the state of the interior which is part of my reasoning behind this being a blank canvas. The new owner may choose to undertake a faithful restoration, but the interior condition in combination with the drive-train opens up another option.

The engine bay is empty. The Chevy lacks both an engine and transmission, although it does roll and steer. I have always been a great fan of full restorations, but I can really see the potential in this pickup for a rod project. I think that this vehicle is just screaming out for that, and that’s the path that I would probably follow. I have no problems envisioning a really nice small-block (or a big-block) resting under the hood, backed by the transmission of your choice. Some upgraded brakes and suspension and you’d have a really nice vehicle.

Blank canvas? It definitely seems to be. Regardless of which pathway you would choose, this pickup is just screaming for someone to take it on. If you took it on would you undertake a restoration, or would it become a really cool custom?

Comments

  1. Avatar Classic Steel

    Nice!

    I am restoring a 54 3100 and kept close to original other than putting in disc brake front conversion that still uses the original six lugs and upgrade to 12 volts. It’s close to send to paint shop now 👀

    These are fun lil trucks to hot rod or keep close to original . If one goes hot rod it’s the usual swap out the rearend and closed drive shaft etc. the conversion of six voltage system etc.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar geomechs Member

    Where do you go from here? For me it’s a complete restoration, right down to the Stovie babbit-pounder and three-speed manual (Of course, now that I take another look at it, I think it might’ve had a 4 spd.). I might add that I have access to a plethora of 216s, 3-speeds, and even a few 4-speeds. An alternative would be a 235/261, or even more modern with the newer series, like a 250 0r 292. V8? Not interested. I spent 47 years standing on my head working on others’ vehicles; I’ll play with a simple six. But I would really push the envelope and paint it red. All my life I saw these in green, blue, tan, brown, maroon and even silver. I never saw a red one until I saw a restored one in Kalispell when I was probably 20. I thought about that ever since. I might add that, despite the fact that red vehicles are more likely to be a target for police radars, with the stock engine, a speeding ticket would be a major achievement…

    Like 4
    • Avatar Danny

      Police speeding ticket

      Like 0
      • Avatar glen

        What other kind is there?

        Like 0
  3. Avatar JimmyinTEXAS

    Sold for $2050.00
    Well bought.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.