Some classics leave potential owners with a mountain of choices to make. Such is the case with this 1949 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup. It is a rock-solid survivor that can be enjoyed immediately. It is also a prime candidate for a faithful restoration, while some readers will have visions of a ratrod dancing in their heads. Whatever path the buyer takes, it is guaranteed that this classic will turn heads. The seller has listed the Pickup here on eBay in Katy, Texas. They set their BIN at $22,000 with the option to make an offer.
While it took a few years following the end of World War II for American manufacturers to release genuinely new passenger cars, Chevrolet unveiled its Advance Design commercial range in 1947. It remained in production until 1955 before being replaced by the Task Force Series. Our feature Pickup is a 1949 model, and if the “3600” badges on the hood are an accurate guide, it rolled off the line in the second half of that model year. The engine bay shots suggest that its first owner elected to cloak its panels in Forester Green, with the lack of bare steel almost guaranteeing that it has undergone at least one repaint. It remains presentable as a proud survivor, wearing the dings and scars that attest to a life of labor. Most of the bumps and bruises are repairable if the buyer wishes to return the Pickup to its former glory, as is the rust, which appears to be confined to the driver’s side lower cab corner. Fabricating a patch would be possible, although I probably wouldn’t bother since these are readily available for under $100 each. It is a simple “cut and weld” process that would create a “factory” look. It features secondhand bed timber that is solid enough to sand and refinish, with the bumpers, badges, and the glass all intact.
This Pickup’s interior is a revelation, presenting far better than you might typically expect from a workhorse of this vintage. The seatcover appears to be new, but I suspect that most of the remaining trim and paint could be original. It is encouraging that the wheel looks so nice, retaining the horn button that often disappears with age. Nobody will mistake this for a Cadillac, but the factory radio would have felt luxurious in 1949. It isn’t visible in the supplied images, but the seller states that there is a plug and cord for an MP3 player if the new owner wants a more modern feel. The gauges look nice, leaving almost nothing for the new owner to do to lift the appearance beyond possibly sending some of the bright trim to the platers.
It was “business as usual” in 1949, with Chevrolet continuing to utilize its 216.5ci “Thriftmaster” six as the entry-level engine in the 3600. The company raised the compression ratio very slightly, although this change didn’t translate into increases in power and torque. The Thriftmaster still generated 90hp and 174 ft/lbs of torque, with this Pickup sending that power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. It is always wise to ignore the modest figures quoted by manufacturers during this era, particularly when they refer to commercial vehicles. This six produces peak torque at around 1,200rpm, making it extremely flexible. The engine bay is very tidy for its age, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Pickup recently tackled a 100-mile road trip with no problems, indicating that this gem is a turnkey proposition.
This 1949 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup leaves me torn, but I do believe that transforming it into some form of custom or ratrod would be pretty sad. It isn’t perfect, carrying scars that boldly and proudly tell the world that it has worked to justify its existence. Therefore, preservation would be my first choice, with a faithful restoration another consideration. The fact that it runs and drives would allow the buyer to take their time contemplating their plans moving forward. What I will say is that the seller’s BIN represents a significant investment for a custom project, which is why I believe that this option is probably off the table. That leaves preservation or restoration, but which would you choose?
A while back, the author made a plea, of sorts, to chime in with comments. Sadly, for whatever reason, I’ve noticed a steady decline in comments and hope that turns around. Even you seniors in the back, much to BFs possible dismay, we’re never going to buy anything, it’s the stories I truly enjoy.
Take this truck, about as opposite the derelict Jag as it could get, and for the same price, I might add. This truck right here, represents America right after the war. I read, this truck cost the farm $1353 bucks new. While some spend that at the grocery store every week, it was a lot of money then. Electricity was just coming in, and a whole new set of electrical goods was needed, for most, this truck and a tractor did it all. I believe the 3600 was the 3/4 ton, and with the side boards, surely hauled a lot more. From the looks, somebody, probably old man Johnson, checked every option box, chrome grill, radio( that was a biggie) heater, oil filter, dual taillights, arm rests, all extra. Look at it now, folks and wave goodbye, the next time you see this it will be a LS powered, clown wheeled, puffy interior resto-mod. Hate to break it to the “sons”, but as is, and it is a very nice one, nobody wants “pas” truck anymore. 16K? Nah, this truck was restored probably a couple times in it’s life.
I’m ridin’ shotgun on everything Howard says up there. Got nuthin’ to add. Cheers
I can’t think of a more appropriate avatar for you than the one you chose. Good job, Howard. 😉
Oh, get off my lawn, :), if I had a lawn, that is,, we are what we are, John, and what makes this site great, they let noodniks like me aboard,,,
I worked on a brother in law’s family farm in the early 1970s. They were very much a Ford family but always had 3 or 4 of these Chevy pickups around. We would load them with grain until they squatted (not easy with the spring packs they had in the rear) but the pickups always performed their duties without fuss. It seemed you never had to worry that one wouldn’t start or do whatever was asked of it.
I’ve owned the 1950 3800 one ton with the 9 foot box for several years. I don’t think I’ve ever made the rear springs flex and definitely have never been on the overloads. To say it is a rough ride is an understatement!
Man that truck is just beastly(!!) in the friendliest way :)
I used to be a perfectionist when I was young. Had to have a nice paint job, had to look nice. Years ago I would have wanted to repaint this old Chevy. But now, as Adam brought out very nicely, it bears bumps and bruises and scars from its years of service. Heck, I’ve got bumps bruises and scars from all the years I’ve worked. I’d leave it. And enjoy the living daylights out of it. Live the seat too very nice job on that. I’m ok with faded paint now. Just don’t like the fake ” patina” look. Buy this truck is about as genuine as they come from where I’m sitting.
I love these old AD Chevys. Guess I need to get off my dead a$$ and get my ’49 3100 back on the road. 22k is a lot of money, I figure I can do mine for 10 cause I can do all my own work, just need to get at it.
This is a beauty I wouldn’t change a thing.
Just enjoy driving it.
I own the fraternal twin to this truck,3600, even the same solid original condition w/ some bumps and bruises. Faded blue w/ painted grill. Biggie this truck has over mine are those wonderful corner windows!
Drive one of these even one time without them and you wish over and over again at the original owner with a ponied up a few bucks for ‘em. Blind spots without them are hideous!
Perfect truck, and I don’t like trucks. Possibly because I drove one of these from Michigan to Maine to California back in the ’70s. Solid, heavy, and painfully slow. You needed a reservation to access the freeways out west. Brakes were just wishful thinking. And the thing rode like a, well, truck.
But they sure looked great.