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Wrong Year? 1950 Chevrolet Pickup

The owner of this Chevrolet 1314 Pickup has listed it as a 1950 model, but the VIN number, along with a few of the body features, indicates that it is actually a 1952 model. It is a fairly solid vehicle, and it could make a great restoration project. Located in Pembina, North Dakota, it has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $2,026, but the reserve hasn’t been met. A BIN option of $3,500 is also available.

The 1314 Pickup is the Canadian equivalent of the American 3100 Pickup, and this one is finished in Seacrest Green. The frame appears to be nice and solid, but there are some areas of the body that sport a few rust issues. There are a few spots visible in the fenders and running boards, but none of these are particularly bad. The worst of it is in the floors and front cab corners, which is pretty normal. The body also carries a few dents and dings, with the worst of these on the rear fender on the passenger side. The external trim and chrome are all present, and it is some of the external hardware that provides a further clue to the vehicle’s year of manufacture. In 1952, the external door handles were changed to push-button operation from the previous swing handles. This Chevy wears push-buttons, indicating that it is a 1952 model. There will be some shopping to do because the driver’s side windshield will require replacement, but the passenger side is there, along with all of the remaining vehicle glass.

The minimal amount of chrome trim on the dash is another indication that this Chevrolet is a 1952 model. It was in that year that Chevrolet decided that the trim should largely be painted, rather than being chrome as in previous years. However, one slight anomaly with this interior is the manual floor-mounted shifter. This was relocated from the floor to the column in the 1948 model year. That would suggest that the transmission fitted to the vehicle might not be original. The interior will require a full restoration, and it appears that the only significant item missing is the radio blanking plate. These can be quite hard to locate, so it will possibly be easier to locate a period-correct radio to install instead. It also appears that the seat is going to require more than just a simple cover, as plenty of the padding has fallen out over the years. On the positive side of the ledger, the interiors of these old pickups are actually pretty easy and generally inexpensive to restore.

Under the hood of the Chevy, you will find a 216ci straight-six engine and a manual transmission. As previously stated, I don’t believe that the transmission fitted to this Pickup is original, and it isn’t clear whether it is a 3-speed or a 4-speed unit. What is clear is the fact that the 90hp engine hasn’t run for a number of years. The owner doesn’t provide any information on whether the engine turns freely. However, these are a pretty robust item, so if it turns freely, then it is quite feasible that it could be kicked into life with little effort.

This Chevrolet 1314 Pickup would make a decent project vehicle, and one of the great features of these vehicles is the ready availability of virtually any part that you are ever likely to require. These also make a great base for a custom conversion or rat rod project. Given its Canadian heritage, that makes it slightly different to the average Chevrolet 3100 that you will see plying American roads. That is one factor that might swing in favor of a restoration project. It is just different enough to make it interesting.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo geomechs Member

    I’m inclined to agree that it’s more ’52 than ’50. I’m sure it’s running a 4-speed; I never saw an Advance Design with a floor-shifted 3-speed. And that would be okay with me. Restore and drive, right down to the 216. These were tough trucks. You couldn’t work them to death; you had to kill them with a stick…

    Like 10
  2. Avatar photo bobhess Member

    Agree with Adam. This guy has bones good enough to build on.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar photo Howard A. Member

    More than likely, destined for a resto-mod, and that’s ok, I guess. These have to be much nicer, to begin with for someone to keep it original. Same with the previous Jimmy. As less and less folks have connections to these, and it has to come apart anyway, it will be redone with modern parts. Now, if it was grandpa’s pride and joy, still shiny and running sweet, and just needed plugs and tires, or whatever, that’s a different story, but the allure just isn’t there to redo one completely stock. It just can’t be used today. The upside to resto-mods, at least they will cruise the streets, looking kind of like this no matter what’s underneath, and that’s pretty cool.

    Like 7
  4. Avatar photo Bellingham Fred

    I always wonder what’s going on when the seller gets the year wrong, but the listing says it has a clear title.

    Like 2
    • Avatar photo Howard A. Member

      Good one, I think somewhere down the line, someone transferred the title and put the wrong year and nobody caught it.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar photo Matthew

    If they try to import that as a 1950 it could cause a lot of issues with titling it. I would be very wary.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar photo ccrvtt

    Iconic body style and worthy of attention. If you want to use, drive, and enjoy it you could transplant an Atlas straight 6, power steering and power brakes. Otherwise you can cancel your gym membership and drive one of these puppies for your daily workout. Save the body, it’s beautiful, but the running gear is best left to die a quiet death.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar photo Mr. Bond

    The 4 speed was an option. Desirable, with the granny gear. My 1953 had one, Great driving truck, once I replaced the king pins and spring bushings.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar photo Chevy Guy

    This thing is awesome!! My mom was born and raised in Pembina, so that’s hilarious! What are the chances!!! This would be a great time to visit as a family!! :) (i wish)

    God Bless America!!

    Like 0

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