The 3100 was part of Chevrolet’s Advance-Design Series launched after World War II. The same trucks were marketed as the New Design at GMC. The first was available in June 1947, and production continued into early 1955. The 3100 was the ½-ton model while the 3600 was a ¾-ton. The seller has owned this 1953 edition for about four years and has done some work on it, but more is needed such as fixing a leaky later automatic transmission.
This truck was probably built with the “Stove-Bolt” inline 6, but a bling-laded 283 cubic inch V8 lives there now. It has a 4-barrel carburetor and a 700R automatic tranny which works well until the fluid leaks out of it (that may be the first thing the buyer of this pickup will need to address). The ignition is provided by MSD and there’s a Chevy 12-bolt rear end out back. The radiator and Coker tires are new.
The body looks mostly solid with surface rust in a few places. The truck came out of North Dakota but lives in Washington State today. Since the seller has owned it, it appears to have been to a few car shows (per the photos). If you’re into patina, this truck has loads of it, and perhaps a coat of clear coat would help preserve it longer. The original wood is still in the bed, but it’s seen better days, and you may want to redo it.
Due to a busy work schedule, the seller doesn’t have the time to take this running project to the next level. Some parts will come with the deal, including the front bumper but not the rear (MIA). The seller was contemplating an LS swap, but if the 283 does the job, why go to that trouble? From Vancouver (Washington), this old workhorse is available here on eBay where the current bid is $4,180 (no reserve).
It’s, it’s, it’s just so beautiful.
No sure on beautiful but that’s one neat truck.
The AD Chevy, or ND GMC( thanks Russ, many forget that) has become the standard “old truck” in our society. As long as I can remember, folks have always been hot rodding the AD Chevy. This is cool, in that, in 1953, Chevy truck buyers could only dream of that new fangled V8 we’ve heard so much about. Have to wait a couple more years for that, besides, to be honest, there was no need for a V8 in a pickup. The 6 was adequate for the time. I feel bad the seller can’t finish it, but looks pretty straight forward, and shouldn’t vary too much. I think we’ll see a whole lot more of this. I just hope there are takers for this uncompleted stuff.
Let’s have it for the “Stove-Bolt” inline 6. Why mess with GM’s motor?
What you call patina I call needs a paint job nice truck overall
In the old truck hobby “patina” means looks terrible. In the antiques world where the word was primarily used, it referred to the delicate look only pure age could give a material. It was an overall pleasing look, that was very difficult to duplicate artificially. Now, on trucks (mostly) it is just pure neglect, rust, and lousy paint lovingly preserved under a clear coat. Easily duplicated, if said truck has led a sufficiently hard life.
I couldn’t disagree more. Only a truck that was never used would have a good original appearance. But this one was used as intended so it looks like this. Besides, patina has an interest that a freshly painted vintage truck will never have again. I prefer to buy them in this condition, you never know what sins that fresh “paint job” hides.
This could be a great start for someone, depending on how high the bid goes?
Right now under 5 K ,I don’t think that is going to last..
A poorly performed switch-out, IMHO. The seller want’s someone else to pay for that mistake.
I really like this truck!
I paid too much for a ’57 Chevy truck project four months ago. I would rather be working on this ’53. I haven’t seen a nicer body for sale during my two years of looking.
It will probably be bid into the $12,000 to $15,000 range. Adding $3,000 for transport, registration, and sales tax, a buyer will be financially upside down right away. But, he would definitely have a nice truck.
At 12 to 15k, “underwater” is a gross misstatement. While I realize that this “collector car” market has gone completely bonkers, in my humble opinion, that kind of money makes absolutely no sense. If you are successful, about all I can do is wish you well.
Sanford and Son!!