1948 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

1948 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

There's just something about old school pickups that's universally appealing. To us, they're clean, straightforward work vehicles which have morphed into wildly popular classics. And it seems many enthusiasts agree, as trucks like this original Chevy are some of our hottest sellers...because they are trucks!

For consignment and your enjoyment, a very nicely restored Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup, retaining its original styling just as it was on the showroom floor 73 years ago. Plenty of newer parts have been put on replacing some of the older technology from 1948, including a 2004 Yukon 5.3 liter mill which has been worked for better performance. An advanced design, from Chevrolet was billed as stronger, larger and sleeker, and the first redesign since WW2. This truck is a short wheelbase 1/2 ton 3100.

ExteriorWith the full aged effect of wear and tear only gently aged condition for the exterior steel panels of this truck. Gaps are well minded, and there is an overall patina which shows through on the sky facing surfaces giving the effect of wear. A satin clear coating was then applied, and we now have a very straight exterior faded and slightly surface rusted truck which looks like an aged classic. Any chromed parts were replaced and polished and now appear as new. The gently curved front grille, bumper below and flanking headlights (now LED lights) frame the front of the truck, and are topped with a nice rounded hood. Fenders frame new Coker white walled tires and shiny moon capped wheel covers with some trim rings on the edges. A solid running board is seen below the doors, and on the drivers side is a spare tire hanging from the side of the bed. Stake sides top the bed on top and add some extra support for a higher cargo load. These are painted a body matching green and are like new. The bed has been sanded and nicely stained and finished and has a nice feel of age to it just like the remainder of the truck. Classic bullet style taillights have been welded to the rear sides of this truck and a nicely curved bumper hangs below.

InteriorDoor panels retain their original coverings which is utilitarian, and even retain their lower panel dirt from getting in and out with work boots that were worn in less than ideal conditions. Moving inside a brand new triangle stitched and lightly tufted full bench stretches from door to door. This bench is a near perfect butterscotch vinyl and has brown bolsters below. To the dash which also shows age with surface rust for the front, but now Dakota Digital gauges are installed into the original round holes for the gauge cluster. The passenger side is where a long ribbed chromed panel stretches to the other door panel in front and includes an ashtray, speaker cover and chromed glovebox. A wood rimmed rally steering wheel is now installed and has a tilt wheel column. Black carpeting, nice and clean, covers the floors.

DrivetrainFlipping the hood is a mixture of new and old. The engine bay has the patina and surface rust of the old look but a 2004 GMC Yukon 5.3 Liter V8 LS sits proudly in the center. This engine was completely rebuilt with a polished crank, and new high horsepower cam now inside. New pistons, and EFI and the consigner states that the horsepower is around 350. A 4L80E automatic transmission is bolted to the back, and a Ron Frances 12-volt wiring system now replaces the original. On the rear axle is a 1994 Thunderbird independent rear. The engine has a mere 152 miles clocked on it as indicated by the digital gauge on the dash.

UndercarriageAll metal surfaces were stripped and painted with black John Deere chassis paint. A Mustang II provided the frame and front clip which sports independent front suspension with adjustable coil overs now on. A new master cylinder is running 4 wheel disc brakes with all new lines. Also, the fuel tank was removed and resealed. Undercarriage is looking solid as a rock.

Drive-AbilityThis Yukon 5.3 Liter fired right up and on the test track it proved to be a real nice runner. Great handling, smooth acceleration, and bias free braking with the new system I would expect nothing else. The new seat is very comfy, and the digital gauges are a plus. I noticed the radio was inoperable as well as the heater was not working at the time of my test drive.

Great lengths were taken to retain originality as to the exterior, but make it look old. It was successful, as now you have a classic great running truck with virtually a new engine, great suspension and underpinnings, and a nice interior, albeit looking well used and aged.

VIN DECODE21FRJ507121-Janesville, WI Assy PlantF-1948R-3600 SeriesJ-October Build5071-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.