Patina Pickup: 1954 Chevrolet 3100
There’s a lot to be said for classics that offer contrast, and that is undoubtedly the case with this 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup. Its aged exterior allows the freshly restored interior to stand out in a crowd and is sure to gain plenty of positive comments. It runs and drives, and is a rock-solid vehicle offering a world of possibilities. The big question is whether you would complete its restoration, or would preserving its current appearance prove irresistible.
Older Pickups remain one of the stars of the classic project market because they offer many possibilities. Faithful restorations are an obvious approach, while some enthusiasts favor preservation. Those that proudly carry their age as a badge of honor are prime candidates for a custom or ratrod approach, and those possibilities are all valid with this ’54 Chevrolet. The Juniper Green shows its age, and the panels have a few of the typical bumps and bruises that are the hallmark of a vehicle that has worked to justify its existence. However, what this Pickup lacks is any significant rust. The seller indicates there are two tiny holes near the gas pedal, but that is the extent of its issues. The floors and prone lower cab corners are rock-solid, while there are no dramas with the lower front fenders or cowl. The seller has a set of new side glass for the winning bidder to install, along with new door weatherstripping. They blasted and restored the wheels, which look pretty stunning against the aged exterior.
Powering this old Chevy is a 235ci six that sends 112hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The figures are modest by modern standards, although with the torque peaking low in the engine’s rev range, the 3100 was an effective load carrier that found favor with farmers and tradespeople. The seller indicates that this Pickup runs and drives, and that they have spent some cash for it to reach that stage. They installed a new radiator, water pump, battery, tires, master cylinder, a complete brake kit, fuel pump, sender unit, and plugs. They include a new carburetor for the winning bidder to install, which appears to be the final piece of the puzzle that will make this beauty a joy to drive.
Where this Pickup strikes a chord with me is when we focus on the interior. Most of the painted surfaces received a refresh, with the kick panels the only exception. The seller replaced the headliner, seatcover, door trims, and rubber mat. The wheel shows age, but kits are readily available for under $60 to return it to a factory-fresh state. The chrome gauge surrounds have developing blisters and corrosion, but with replacements retailing for around $40 each, sourcing and fitting those might provide the ideal finishing touch to the interior.
The seller listed this 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup here on eBay in Tarzana, California. The only surprise for me is the lack of auction action. The seller’s listing has received plenty of attention since they set the No Reserve auction to open at $10,800, but this hasn’t translated into any bids at the time of writing. I suspect that will change, but if it doesn’t, it offers an intriguing possibility. Somebody could become the new owner with a single bid, and that makes this an auction that is worth monitoring to the end.
Comments
An old truck in this good condition deserves a good paint job. It’s probably had “patina” it’s whole life. Give it some shine.
Take the back bumper OFF, it does nothing for this truck!
Love the look, but the straight 6 has to go.
I wonder if he replaced the headliner or added one? Would these have had one as original equipment?
Cardboard
Many years ago I had one of these in Mendocino County CA. I removed the 6 engine for another 235 from a 59 car and it ran well up and down the highway. It was a little slow for the log trucks, though, so just pull over if you’re smart. For cars, who cares! Back in the early 70’s that was one of the poorest counties, known for sheep, apples, redwoods and marijuana. Well now the same, except the vineyards have matured and not poor anymore. I’m back east again.
Very nice and at $10k at the moment. I prefer the 55-57 Chevy / GMC’s but I’d check this out if I wanted that year.
My neighbor had a 53 5 window 3 on the tree 6cyl. Was very straight old earl schrib paint. It needed a lot of mechanicals but ran and drove OK on the farm roads in Lancaster PA. In 2015 he delusionaly tried to sell it for 20k 😂. I told him that is what you get one at Barrett-Jackson for! He finally got 5k in 2017 after putting 2k into it!!!! I heard that the buyer put 12k just into body and paint. Proves it’s not a investment it’s a addiction. Still I love 😍 the hobby respect the people who have the ability and talent to make it happen.
Red wheels…yuck. I know it’s a trend now but they just don’t fit the character of this truck at all. Paint ’em black and put on some poverty caps. And yes, take off that rear bumper!
In 1958 my dad bought a 54 Chevy pickup. First year one piece windshield and flat rails on the bed. His was a very light shade of yellow. It was 235 with 4 speed granny transmission. He added aftermarket turn signals. It had a radio and heater and a Barton bumper similar to the one shown here. It had 16” wheels in body color with the small hubcaps and red rings painted from factory around the outer edges. I rode many trips in the back of that pickup. I sure hope someone keeps this one in original condition.
God Bless America
many years ago I built one of these, I installed a 350 horse 327 and Muncie four speed with a nine inch ford rearend, I drove the wheels off of it, driving it year round, after putting over one hundred thousand miles it needed to be rebuilt again, I didn’t want to do it , I put an add in a Chicago suburban area newspaper called the trading times, I got a call from the Chicago Outlaws, they were interested in my truck, they came out to my house in Bellwood and bought it.