We’ve seen a number of classic pickups appear across our desks in recent times here at Barn Finds, but as a potential project vehicle, this 1952 Chevrolet 3100 has to rate as one of the better ones. There is no doubt that it would benefit from some cosmetic work, but it is about as solid as you are ever likely to find in a project vehicle. In fact, there is no reason why it couldn’t be returned to a mechanically roadworthy state to be driven exactly as it currently stands. Located in Great Falls, Montana, you will find the Pickup listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $4,055, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

Finished in Forest Green, the Chevy carries all of the hallmarks of a commercial vehicle that has had to work to earn its living. There are a number of dings and dents around the body, with the worst of these being in the rear fender on the passenger side. However, this looks to be repairable, and I don’t think that a panel replacement would be required. What marks this particular pickup as special is its general lack of rust. The only obvious sign of this is in the rear cab corner on the driver’s side. This hasn’t advanced too far at this point, so addressing it with a patch should be fairly easy. The rest of the prone cab corners look to be solid, and while the floor has a heavy coating of surface corrosion, there is no penetrating rust. All of the external trim is present, but as is the case with the rest of the exterior, it will require restoration. The majority of the glass looks like it might be okay, although the vent windows are becoming cloudy around the edges, and the passenger-side windshield is cracked. One thing that the next owner should probably address is the seals around the glass. It all looks pretty dry, and I’d hate to think that moisture could find its way under it to promote rust growth. Otherwise, I can’t see any reason why the vehicle couldn’t be returned to a roadworthy state and driven as-is.

Under the hood, we find the 216ci Thriftmaster 6-cylinder engine, which is hooked to a 3-speed manual transmission. This would have pumped out 90hp in its prime, and while this didn’t make the 3100 a rocketship, it was certainly capable of carrying its allotted load with ease. The bad news here is that the engine doesn’t currently run. You can see that the plugs have been pulled, so it would seem that the owner has made some attempt to coax it back to life. It isn’t clear whether the engine turns freely, but if it does, it might not take a lot of work before it roars into life once again. The owner says that the vehicle rolls and steers easily, but doesn’t mention whether the brakes function correctly.

When I’ve discussed these classic pickups in the past, I have made mention of just how easy the restoration of the interior can be. That would still seem to be the case with this vehicle, although if it was treated to a thorough clean, then it could certainly be used as-is. The only items that appear to be missing are the radio delete plate and the knob off the shifter. Radio plates are easy to find, and prices generally range between $75 and $125, depending on the condition. Shift knobs are just as easy to locate, with reproductions selling for around $50, and NOS ones popping up occasionally for around $100. If I bought this pickup, I would be very tempted to address the surface corrosion on the floor, refinish the painted surfaces, fit some new upholstery and a rubber mat on the floor, and restore the existing wheel. Even if the Chevy’s interior remained untouched, the restored interior would provide a nice contrast, and would also provide a more comfortable driving experience.

There is no doubt that this 1952 Chevrolet Pickup has plenty of potential as a project vehicle, and it is a virtual certainty that our readers will be split into three distinct groups when it comes to how they feel that it should be tackled. Some will advocate for a full and faithful restoration, while some will provide some fairly sound reasons why it should be returned to a roadworthy state, and then be driven as an original survivor. The third group will plump for it representing a solid basis for a rat rod or custom project. The reality is that every one of you is right, but the choice will ultimately fall to its new owner. Could that owner be you?