Time can be kinder to some classics than it is to others. It would seem that it hasn’t been the enemy of this 1952 Chevrolet 3800 Pickup, because while it might be showing its age, it is also showing us that it is a solid old classic that would make a pretty respectable project vehicle. If you feel the same sort of attraction to this vehicle that the 93 people who are currently watching its listing would seem to, then you will find it located in Cleveland, Ohio, and that listing is here on eBay. This could also represent a potentially affordable project because with the bidding now sitting at $5,200, the reserve has been met.

We’ve seen our fair share of classic pickup project vehicles over the years here at Barn Finds, but I actually have to rate this as one of the better ones. The owner is a bit short on details in some areas, which means that we have to rely on our own powers of observation to a certain extent. The first of these is to consider the state of the body and frame. These old things were bought as workhorses, and some of them were beaten to within an inch of their lives in that role. What I notice with this pickup is the lack of significant dings and dents. It isn’t perfect, but what is present is pretty minor, and should be easily repaired. The Windsor Blue paint has worn away in quite a few spots, and while this has allowed surface corrosion to develop in a few areas, actual penetrating rust is virtually non-existent. Areas such as the cab corners, floors, running boards, and the outer edges of the bed all look remarkably clean. While this doesn’t make it inevitable, it is a good indication that the frame is probably in a similar shape. As an added bonus, the owner has recently replaced both the front and rear windows. If the next owner wants to dress-up the vehicle’s appearance a bit, then included in the sale is a secondhand chrome grille.

Owners faced a choice in 1952 between two different 6-cylinder engines to power their 3800 Pickup, and this one features the smaller of those. It is a 216.5ci six, producing 90hp. This power finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Once again, the news here seems to be all good. The Chevy is said to run and drive nicely. This is entirely understandable because it has recently been treated to new brakes, new brake lines, and a new dual master cylinder. It has also received new shocks, new hoses, new belts, a new fuel pump, and the carburetor has been rebuilt. Throw in an HEI ignition, an alternator, an upgrade of the electrical system to 12-volts, and the fact that the vehicle runs and drives well is easy to understand. The owner does suggest a couple of things for potential buyers to consider. He does have a six-lug front suspension that can be included if the next owner wants to get rid of the current eight-lug setup. He also suggests getting rid of the current split rims and moving across to single-piece wheels. Both of these ideas are ones that would be well worth considering.

The interior of the Chevy is showing its age, but it does remain serviceable. The seat wears an aftermarket slip-cover, and it isn’t clear how things look beneath that. The dash is pretty reasonable for a vehicle of this vintage, and it has been recently treated to a full set of new gauges. I’m not that sold on the shifter knob, but hey, to each their own. The reality is that exactly how the next owner tackles the interior will depend entirely on what their vision is for the vehicle. If a full restoration is on the cards, then it is a no-brainer. However, if they intend to leave it largely as-is, or pursue a rat rod or “aged” look, then it would be very tempting to completely restore the interior to provide a striking contrast. As I said, it is all a matter of personal taste and the owner’s vision.

I initially rated this 1952 Chevrolet 3800 Pickup as one of the better pickup project vehicles that I have seen for a while, and I am willing to stick by that belief. It is a solid vehicle with minimal needs for the body, and it appears to be mechanically sound. My first thought would be to restore the vehicle to its former glory. However, part of me is tempted by the thought of applying a satin clear to the exterior, treating the interior to a full restoration, and touching little else. It’s a matter of personal taste, so it would be interesting to see what our readers would do. It will also be interesting to see whether any of our readers are tempted to bid on this one.