For those considering a first project build, a classic Pickup from the 1950s can be the ideal choice. Locating parts is rarely a problem, while the simple engineering and construction techniques mean that the owner can usually complete many of the required tasks in a home workshop. This 1951 Chevrolet 3100 offers a world of possibilities. Because it runs and drives well, the buyer could enjoy it immediately while deciding how to tackle their build. It has generated the interest we typically expect with classics of this type since the seller listed it here on eBay in Waukon, Iowa. Bidding has raced to $6,600, although it remains short of the reserve.
Unrestored Pickups from the 1950s generally have loads of character, and this old Chevy is no exception. The faded green paint gracing its panels isn’t original, with several areas of the vehicle indicating it emerged from the factory wearing Seacrest Green. The panels sport a few bumps and bruises, and the buyer will probably elect to address these as part of any restoration or custom build. The trim is restorable, and the only glass problems are a crack in the windshield and one side window. The photos suggest someone has repaired rust in the cab floor, but other areas will eventually require attention. Tin worm has impacted the known weak points like the lower cab corners and kick-panels. Since it hasn’t severely deteriorated, tackling it now could save a lot of work later. The bed timber is gone, with a steel plate providing a solid floor. The Pickup sports a mesh tailgate, and although reproductions retail for around $850, a brief online search unearthed a couple of nice original tailgates for under $500.
This Pickup’s interior is a mixed bag, but returning it to its former glory could prove satisfying. The seat sports a relatively new cover but requires cleaning due to a few dirty marks on the driver’s side. I believe the person who performed the rust repairs in the floor painted it black, but adding a rubber mat would lift it significantly. The painted surfaces have aged badly, and a fresh coat would have an impact. It is refreshing to see the radio blanking plate and horn button intact, although the cracked wheel requires restoration or replacement. The gauge markings are illegible, and the needle is missing from the speedometer. They could be professionally restored, but the buyer may consider sourcing replacements. A patient search of online auction sites may unearth good originals. However, a complete set of reproduction gauges retails for under $700. That is a reasonable slice of cash, but it would be the perfect option if the new owner plans a high-end interior restoration.
The mechanical news with this 3100 is positive, although it isn’t totally original. This Pickup would have rolled off the line powered by a 216.5ci six, but the seller states the engine bay now houses a 235ci powerplant. Although that undermines the possibility of a faithful restoration, the new motor brings a worthwhile performance improvement. The original would have produced 92hp and 176 ft/lbs of torque, but this motor should pump out 105hp and 193 ft/lbs. The increases don’t sound dramatic, but they would be noticeable when this classic hits the road. The power feeds the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, but a few tasks await the new owner. The brakes are slightly soft, but they work okay. The listing suggests it is a hydraulic issue, so a new master cylinder may find its way onto the shopping list. The seller pumps the clutch a couple of times during changes, suggesting that it also requires attention. While the tires have plenty of tread and hold air, they are getting old. Since they are the only contact between this Pickup and Planet Earth, I would probably replace them before hitting the open road. The seller provides this YouTube video that includes a walkaround and allows us to see and hear it in action. It sounds pretty good and rolls down the road nicely.
The solid nature of this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup means it has no immediate panel or paint needs. Addressing the brake issue should not be difficult or expensive, which would be my first port of call. I would then enjoy what it currently offers while developing a plan for its future. It could make an excellent candidate for a faithful restoration, a solid foundation for a custom build, or the new owner might choose to preserve it as it currently stands. If you found it in your workshop, what would be your approach?
Appears to be another dealer buying these up in
their area & reselling them.I wonder if this belonged
to some old farmer in the area.
In 2008,on my way back from Denver,there was
one of these parked along the main street in Ely,Nevada.
It was actually in pretty good shape,& had a for sale sign
on it for something like $600.
I saw a bakery just up the street with a MKI Cortina
out front,so I HAD to stop.When I mentioned the pickup
to the owner of the bakery,he told me that it was way over-
priced.
Sounds like the ’49 Cadillac I saw parked outside a garage in Livingston, LA, with $700 in white shoe polish on the windshield … seemed to be in good shape but I didn’t have the money at that time …
These old trucks seem to be going up in value. I’m currently redoing a ’52 from my childhood now. This one in particular appears to have a passenger door off of a ’50 model or older, since it doesn’t have the vent window that the driver’s side correctly has. Reproduction tailgates can be had much cheaper than quoted in the story, and there is a man who can be found on several of the facebook groups for this bodystyle truck that rebuilds the original gauges much cheaper as well, and does amazing work.
That little 235 will run for ages if it is taken care of and you don’t mind slow going. Or you can do like I did, bolt a rear end out of a 80’s K5 blazer and convert to open driveline. Better highway gears and I still have my straight six and SM420 four speed. This one will be alot of fun for someone.
As much as I love cars and such. Pickups were always on the back burner. The biggest reason was in the northeast ALL of them were horrendous rust buckets and parts years back before the web were sourced cruising swap meets, vacation spent roaming the west. Plus there are SO many other vehicles that are tons of fun more. Don’t get me wrong but that old truck is just that, an old truck. Do you spend $$$ on that or a wagon or something far more unique that can go traveling. The Midwest, South and West are still littered with these but for me this is very local, not a long traveler. I had 54 with three windows but it was so rusty, everything was crap. You get to the point do you put the time in this or a 59 convertible. Trucks are neat but for me have become too pricey and are boring after a short while.
Looks good for a ’51`. Hopefully, someone will keep it original.
The left door is a ’51, the right is not. The vent on the left side of cowl makes the cab a ’50 or older.
Looks like a bunch of mismatched parts to create a truck. Not a 51, not a 48 but some of both. I guess it was bought cheap to flip. Not for me.