The 1958 Chevrolet 3100 is already a desirable classic, but finding one with the rare big back window and a rust-free body makes this particular truck even more appealing. Listed for sale on craigslist out of Great Bend, Kansas, this solid fleetside pickup isn’t a showpiece or a full restoration, but that’s exactly what makes it an enticing driver. See it here on craigslist.
While it’s had a cab change and some blended paintwork, the truck presents as straight and honest throughout. The seller is quick to point out that this isn’t a high-dollar build or trailer queen, but rather a clean, functional cruiser you can actually enjoy without the anxiety. It rides on its original frame and looks to be finished in a period-appropriate paint scheme that suits the lines of the Task Force-era body well.
Under the hood is a 235 cubic inch inline-six mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine is said to run well, and the brakes are new, another helpful update for those looking to drive it regularly. This setup won’t win many drag races, but it’s a proven powertrain that keeps things simple and reliable.
One of the biggest selling points here is the condition. The seller notes this truck is “very solid” and “rust free,” a rare feat for a 3100 of this era, especially when you consider it hasn’t undergone a full rotisserie restoration. The big back window cab is another bonus—it was a factory option that adds both visibility and desirability, and is increasingly hard to find in clean condition.
If you’re hunting for a usable classic truck that still turns heads but won’t break the bank or demand perfection, this Chevy might be just the right fit. It’s a driver, it’s dependable, and it’s ready to go.
Would you keep this truck as-is for weekend cruising, or take it one step further with a full restoration?
Well, you could sure plant this one at my place. I would continue to drive it and look after it until it’s time for the next caretaker.
The wheels would have to go and be replaced with stock units with pointy hubcaps though.
Some major elbow grease and a paint restoration kit (or just a good wet sanding with ultra fine sandpaper would restore that paint to a presentable condition.
Six cylinder and a 4-spd. Add the foot-starter and you’ve got yourself a built-in anti-theft device. It would actually be fun to watch a would-be thief try to get away in that…
I’m right there with you Geomechs. Heck, it would be fun to have a hidden camera installed inside and see the “would be ” theif fumble and not figure out the foot starter, let alone a 3 speed stick on the column.
Hey Geo, if you had everything you’d say you’d like, you’d be able to see your place from the ISS. “If I were a rich man”, this would be on a bigger truck headed your way. Maybe next time around, if any, hey pal?
Well, if the truth be known, my place has drastically reduced in size as of late. My wife and I had an opportunity to sell our place (problem with stairs) and just “tread water” for a spell. So we’re in a rental (everything in storage including my shop) while we decide where we’re going to hang our hat.
Buy or build—where? Flathead Valley? Bozeman? If we move to the latter we can play “Yellowstone” for real. Well, in the meantime, we’re just going to take a break. Got an agent in PA who thinks she can make some headway with my writing attempts so maybe it’s time to pull the pin on that grenade and see where it goes. Still lots to do selling old truck parts and annoying my friends on BF and other pages…
The foot starter, aka horse c**k, is there.
What a great find. If I had $14k and was 10 years younger, I’d be all over this. Alas, I’m not in a position to take on any new projects at this point.
While I’ve long said leave the price out of the equation, which the author thankfully did, only to be flabbergasted anyway upon looking at the price. 1st, it’s a bit ironic this comes right after the fuel truck, and I swear, is there some nationwide( worldwide?) publication called, ” How to gouge your fellow enthusiast with unreasonable prices before the market tanks altogether” book? Practically everyone here disapproves of such foolishness, yet, here we are, $14 gran, buy a heck of a camper. Who in ‘tarnation is going to buy a truck like this, when so many uncertainties are around the corner?
I’m a little annoyed by “price gouging” comments.You can buy a bare shell cab with the doors hung on it from Ecklers. With the crating fee you’d only pay $15,000. Then who knows about shipping? The hood is $1300, fenders $600 each from LMC, and so on. This truck starts to look better all the time, right? Why would anyone give it away? And if the guy wants to negotiate you can probably get a better deal. If I had this truck I;d have a similar asking price, because thats the going rate. It’s not 1975 anymore
We are truly from different worlds and if you think there is nothing wrong with a $500 truck for $15grand, you’re part of the problem. Just the word “grand” doesn’t have the zing it used to. Re: Not 1975 anymore. Your loss!
14K is a great deal. A friend had one just like this, but with a stepside. He wanted 15K for it, I told him he should try to sell it on Hemmings, he might get 25K. He sold it on Hemmings for 25K! I am one of those that complain about the high prices, but he was a friend. I still think they are too high! 🤣
You’ll be happier if you stop living in the past. I own one very similar to this except for a later model drivetrain, and I wouldn’t dream of letting it go for less than $18K when I sell. It’s hasn’t been 1975 in a half century.
It shows a partial 1958 “Deluxe Package” in that the front grill and bumper
are chrome, however there is no aluminum trim around the side windows,
nor the front windshield and rear panorama glass. I cannot find photos of the dash, the chrome package included chrome knobs on the dash.
Still a nice truck. That 6-cylinder “Blue Flame” and 4-speed with compound low
are excellent.
I just moved back to Florida and sold the 3 car garage home in Ga with 30×30 detached. Unfortunately had to sell a 55 F100, unrestored C3 and zero turn Cub Cadet. (but not mowing 3 acres any longer) Been pretty devastated about the lack of old truck. Really miss cruising around town in it on Saturdays. Landed in Fernandina Beach with a 3 car garage setup. Will soon be selling an 09 Roadglide HD to create even more room. Sold an 03 100th anniversary fat boy here last year, purchased both new. With all the distracted crazies behind the wheels these days, riding has become a frightening hobby. Harley’s have lost a ton of value the last couple of years. This truck is very tempting but too soon to act. I hope it finds a good home.
This hasn’t been a $500 truck since the 70’s. Back then you could buy a house for 50K, now it’s a million so why would you expect classic vehicles to be dirt cheap?
To all of you young people in the audience, this is not 1958 anymore, the year I graduated from high school and joined the Army. The ’50s were great times, with gas wars and 10.9c per gallon gas when Hudson Oil decided to run others out of business here in Wichita Ks. I remember Dad pulling into a station and saying “give me $2 of regular. The old saying is you can’t go back, but I would sure like to do so.
Keep the articles and vehicles coming. Love the banter.
Not to be overly critical but this truck obviously has a four speed manual transmission with a floor mounted gear shift lever. Not a column mounted shifter. I spent many a mile driving a similar truck to this as a work truck many moons ago. The biggest difference was mine was green. I rarely used first gear on the street. But that “granny gear” sure made it easier to chug up a steep hill with a load though. This is a neat old truck and just seeing it here sure brings back memories of the old “Green Weenie”. Thanks. GLWTS.
How come authors don’t put prices on cars I want anymore. Do I really have to go to eBay or cl or fb to find the price?
Is it that hard to click the link we provide?
cool truck leave as is but change out those hideous wheels for a more factory style wheel
Seeing this truck is red with chrome grill and bumper I wonder if it used to be at a fire station. The paint almost looks good enough you might be able to buff it out. I like it just the way it is.
Back around the mid 80’s,while in the Air Force, I painted a pickup similiar to this. The one I painted also had the wrap around back window. The truck was owned by an Air Force friend of mine. He was T-Boned three weeks after I got done. Needless to say, that was the end of that pickup.
I love everyone’s comments here. I don’t understand tying to sell this without more pictures. With an iphone it is so easy to just take 10 minutes and take underside, dash, seats, etc, every angle. I am not old school even though I am old and would prefer to get AC, power steering, brakes and and an EFI crate motor. Would only repair other things as they would have been out of the showroom. I like my creature comforts, too old for 3 on the tree and armstrong steering. Too hot down south for 2 x 60 window AC!