This 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Advance-Design represents an interesting project vehicle. It appears to be solid and is virtually complete. You will find it listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Sweet Grass, Montana, and has a clear title. Bidding at the time of writing is sitting at $1,050.
The Advance-Design represented Chevrolet’s first redesign of their truck series following World War II and was introduced in June of 1947. This particular 1953 model is quite solid, with the floors appearing to be remarkably clean and only some minor rot-through near the A-pillars. There is also this area just forward of the driver’s door that may need investigating. Most of the external trim seems to be present, although it will require restoration. It appears that some of the glass is either cracked or missing, so that will also need to be addressed.
The interior is largely complete, although once again a full restoration will be in order. How this is finished is going to be very much to a person’s individual tastes. The dash is solid, but the deterioration in it is a bit disappointing. However, it is nothing that a bit of time and effort can’t remedy. There are also a couple of items missing from the dash such as the radio and ash-tray, but finding replacements should be achievable.
The original engine has been removed from the truck, and a rebuild was commenced some nine years ago. This rebuild stalled, so everything will need to be inspected since it has all been sitting in the shed beside the truck since then. One curious thing is the fact that while it appears to be largely complete, the pistons and conrods aren’t there. The seller is unsure why this has happened, but this is another issue that should be easily addressed.
Prices on these trucks are quite interesting. I located a project-grade truck that was nowhere near as good as this one for $4,000, and nicely restored ones are commanding prices in excess of $26,000. This truck needs some work, but the indications are that it seems to be a viable project. Is there a Barn Finder out there who is willing to take the challenge?
They are fun to drive. I drove one for a couple of years as a teenager. Hope the 4 speed comes with it, as it has the torque tube drive shaft. The A pillars will need a fair bit of work to replace what’s rotted. Rest of it looks like a pretty good start!
Lots of these around. I sure wouldn’t turn one down. Sweetgrass, you say? Funny I’ve never seen this one around. Of course it could be a newcomer. Going to need to check this one out. After all it’s almost in my backyard…
Lots of these around my area too. Can buy running examples in better condition for $1000 and less than $4000! And with extra windows in the back of the cab. The rust on this one seems to be in all the wrong places….painted dash, painted grille, A pillar? Not often I see the A pillar full of tin worm.