While there were many advantages to growing up in Australia, one of the great disadvantages was the fact that we rarely saw any of the American pickups on our roads. I always thought that this was a shame because the vast majority of them are cool vehicles that would have acquitted themselves really well in our rural environments. It also means that pickups like this rarely appear in Australia as potential projects, and that’s Australia’s loss. This particular Chevrolet 3100 Pickup will need some work to bring it back to life, but it does look like a pretty solid vehicle. Located in Murdock, Minnesota, it is listed for sale here on eBay.
There is some rust to deal with in several locations on the Pickup, but none of it looks to be particularly bad. The floors have been patched in a couple of spots, and at least one of these is a pretty ordinary effort that should probably be re-done. There is also a spot on the driver’s side of the cab in the foot-well by the parking brake pedal, but apart from a couple of minor spots on the fenders and bed edges, it looks pretty solid.
Under the hood is the 216ci Thrift-Master 6-cylinder engine, backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. The Pickup rolls and steers, but the engine doesn’t run. Unfortunately, the owner doesn’t tell us whether the engine turns freely. The pickup is also missing a few items, including the radiator.
The interior has definitely seen better days, but there is no reason why it couldn’t be restored. The upholstery looks like it all has a date with the trash can, but re-upholstering the door trims looks like it would be easy. The seat looks like you would have to start with just the frame, and replace all of the padding material as well as the cover. There is a hole in the dash where it looks like someone has removed the blanking plate to fit an aftermarket radio. If you were going to restore the interior, it would certainly be possible to weld up the additional holes to return the dash to its original appearance.
The Chevrolet 3100 makes a great base for a custom or a rat rod project, and there are plenty of these kicking around on the roads today. This one has a great look about it, and it would be equally suited to both purposes. They are also a great looking vehicle when fully restored, and well-restored examples are selling for anything from $25,000 upwards. The bidding on this one has reached $2,025 at the time of writing, but the reserve hasn’t been met. There is also a BIN option of $3,250. If you bought this one, would it be a custom, a rat rod, or would you restore it?
Lots of these around when I was a kid. I could recall several just like this in the same livery. If this was to come my way it would get the full restoration right down to the 216. I would sure be checking out the color charts to find something else to get your attention.
At least it’s a plausible starting point, and not $11 grand( SMH) This truck, like many, has one of my biggest pet-peeves, drilling holes in the fender to mount turn signals. It’s not rocket science to convert the parking lights to turn signals. Speaking of which, that’s an interesting turn signal control. You know as well as I do, there’s a slim to nil chance this will remain original, it’s the #1 choice for resto-mods, but at this price, it’s a great start.
Nice little truck for a good price. Sure would be good for running around with. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
PLEASE ……
stop calling vehicles that have been riddin’ hard and put up wet ” SURVIVORS”
.. this needs full restoration and is NOT in the ” Survivor ” category of vehicles.
If it still exists it’s a survivor
Have 2 ‘49s. First one got a restomod and the second is a full resto to original including paint color. Both were fun to do but the original is more satisfying to me….The sound of the 216 and the trans whine, takes me back……Although… the restomod looks like original with all new driveline and I have taken it across this great country. Both have their good and bad points. The one thing I will say is that they are both going to be around and enjoyed for a long time to come. I love my Chevy trucks and cant wait to start on the next one….’46 1 1/2 ton….Nothin but FUN!!!!!