Restore or Rod? 1957 Chevrolet 3100
There’s just something about the front end of this 1957 Chevrolet pickup that draws you in. Like me, many enthusiasts will likely get drawn in and immediately begin daydreaming about what this old project could become. Found here on eBay in California, this looks to be a decent project with some great possibilities.
The seller states that he’s kept this one tucked away in storage since 1999. It’s not hard to speculate that this truck was intended to be a restoration project at some point, but that point never came for the current owner. Fortunately, it doesn’t look to have had a hard life and remains in decent shape for the next owner. Aside from extended exposure to the sun, it doesn’t appear to be all beat up. While the seat likely been replaced, the interior looks encouraging in that it’s not all ragged out.
The big question here is what the next owner should or could do with the project. The purist will say to restore it to its original state, while those with a bend towards customizing will see this is a great platform to create something special. The costs associated with restoring it to the original condition would far exceed what it’s worth, so going another route would be a better financial option. The original powerplant was a small block Chevy with a three on the tree but was later fitted with a big block Chevy, automatic transmission, and a Camaro rear end. With no engine currently in place, it would be interesting to know what the next owner plans to do there. Back to a small block? Maybe something really different like a Buick Nailhead? Or what about a Cummins diesel?
Outside of the surface rust, the seller claims that the only real rust is a small spot on the floorboard. The reality, though, is that there’s likely more rust hanging out than what meets the eye. Even so, it doesn’t appear to be too rough around the edges. The purists will likely hate that patina while others will find it to have a really unique look that should be preserved. Either way, I hope someone will find a way to get this one back on the road. If you were the winning bidder, what would you do with this one?
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Comments
Well I’m certainly partial to this era of Chevy. The rounded Advance Design never appealed to me like this one. What would I do with it? Restore it (as if I would recommend anything else). I would source out another 283/3spd and drop it in. I could be talked into a 350 but that would be putting me in the conformists’ camp. 283/3spd, ugly pointy hubcaps and an ugly pink (salmon) paint job with an off-white trim.
My first time posting here.I too am from bi sky country,billings. I’ve been reading your post for a couple years now and really appreciate your extensive knowledge.
1972 I bought a 1959 Apache short box 4×4 rebuilt the napco front end it still hanled and drove like a truck but what a beast there was no stopping that truck.Pulled a friend out out dry side channel on the Yellowstone up and over a three foot ledge , no problem what’s so ever! Sure miss that truck had to trade it in on my first mobel home I was 18 yrs old.
Welcome to our virtual coffee row, CC. I hope you enjoy your time with those of us who would rather fool around with trucks, cars, bikes, and most other mechanical contrivances instead of chasing skirts. Speaking of which, I’d be scared to chase skirts nowadays because you never know what’s really underneath them anymore. I’ve lost track of the number of years I’ve been here; I think it’s almost been since Jesse and Josh began this back when they were still living under the shadow of ‘Steamboat.’ They’ve got a good site here and we all love to drop in and give our 2-cents worth.
’59 Short box 4×4 Chevy? You sure love to turn a person’s pallor green don’t you? Most of us DREAM of having a truck like that. Those trucks were made when a 4×4 was actually meant to run off-road instead of today’s overindulged palaces that need a staff of eight to keep functioning. It sounds like you put it through its paces as well. Hope the mobile home was a good buy. Myself I had some toys, then I got persuaded into selling my Harley to help finance a 5th wheel RV. Then I sold the RV to help finance a divorce. Shoulda kept the Harley, and married the lady I’ve got now. Have fun my friend…
No question or debate from me, this would be a “Resto Mod P/U “, all the character of an early P/U, and all the convince of new truck , that you can drive all the time. Plus, this truck is a blank slate, its condition is a great start for anything you want, it is not like you are harming some irreplaceable artifact.
I to would do a resto-mod.
What is the current bid? It’s not mentioned ANYWHERE in this posting?..
And how many days left I the aution for it ..?
How’s the Frame, Or the bed floor boards,etc…ud Conccidder a bid if I knew what the # is currently ,that I’d Have to meet or surpass .
@Tom – Just click the “here on eBay” link in the first paragraph to get all the info.
Thanks I’m just used to these BF articles already showing the $ #’s..rather than going off site to find it..I’ll do so for this one though..
Well I clicked that Here on Ebay ” link it jumped around 3x and right back to thos page on BF? didnt even touch Ebay!- page??..I guessing wont bebidding on the truck after all.
Thnx anyway
Tom may just be in a lot of pain right now….
No longer available.
Computers are hard lol.
Excuse me but if (like most BF ARTICLES) it shared current bid / BIN $ price o wouldnt NEED to ask – would I. It’s not a computer issue- so what. General question not due to individual Stupidity! U assumed.
Oh please…this puppy would get a SEMA-level restomod in a heartbeat from me.
Restore or rod? Rod. This thing has been “original” for the past 62 years. Time to let it live on as a drivable rod that can at least get out of the way of today’s traffic.
I have a ’57 3200. 6 cyl.,4 on the floor. Been sitting waiting patiently for me to decide,resto or restore. Needs alot,but parts are readily available. Driven from New Mexico to New York before the points gave out.
I would like to bid $50 and dodge would be my choice of drivetrain. Thanks sincerely,Anthony
Excuse me but if (like most BF ARTICLES) it shared current bid / BIN $ price o wouldnt NEED to ask – would I. It’s not a computer issue- so what. General question not due to individual Stupidity! U assumed.
Thomas, quit while you’re ahead. Just click the link and bid.
It’s at 5200.00 with a day left. Wait til tomorrow to bid so you don’t drive it up needlessly.
It,s at $5,600 now (9-19-2020) Pugsy. I,d restore it and the 283 will keep up with todays traffic–with a load. This truck has been around since 1957. Alot longer then any of todays throw away vehicles coming off the assembly line now days. I,d restore it and drive it as time went on. I like the style–on all of them. Today its something they don,t have or quality.
Tom, that has happened to me too. I was able to get through tonight. Currently $5600. No engine or transmission and the wooden bed is gone too. Decent shell to build from.
Decent shell is an understatement. The shell and chassis of this truck are phenomenal.
A tri-five Chev pickup is the next project on my list. I would be hitting a bid if I didn’t have five years left on my 41 New Yorker rod project.
Right on Johnny. Don’t let memories of how a 283 felt like a powerful engine back in the day fool you. I had a 283 in my 76 Chev pickup when I bought it. What a slug. 11 MPG and gutless. I installed a 350 and got power and 16 MPG. I then added a TPI fuel injection intake and got more power and got 20 MPG more power.
Chris Clark:
Would do neither. I would CUSTOMIZE it!!
You know me by now, I do things different!
I even spell “Flathead” defferently..yes, defferently. I “Defer” the the odd side of spelling in the phonetic prose of raising awareness here on your site. And, also to add a little humor as we toil our “Gearhead” way through our search for cars we can work with to create masterpieces of raw horsepower or jalopnick pleasure with you and your associates help.
Soon, I will join as a “member.” I like your Barn Find ‘Rules.” Too many personal attacks on social media.
Just want to note I’ve been involved with highly sophisticated mechanical systems most of my life, and have done some radio appearances as well but, retirement looks mighty good and cars are one of the best ways to enjoy it, IMHO. LOL.
Now this: Some 10,000 years B.C., Grog & Igor invent the wheel. They thought it was a good idea until a neighbor stopped by for a beer and suggested they attach two wheels at each end and the first cart was invented. Then, Grog’s wife came out of the cave and said; “You idiots,” why not catch a horse and make it go fast! The Chariot was then created. From there a group of bystanders said hey, let’s make a bigger and better one and add another horsepower. Then came the juggernaut, the carriage and so on. Then Henry Ford and the Dodge brothers appeared on the scene. Next came the tank and the half track until some “Mad Scientist” invented something called a “Hellcat.” Not to be outdone, Ford introduced the Mustang G.T. 500. Who knows what happens next, but, I think I see Grog & Igor raising their beersteins in the Grandstand shaking their clubs and shouting; GLORY TO THE GODS OF HORSEPOWER !!!!
Good article Phlathead Phil. Thanks for the laugh
Johnny,
You’re most welcome. I’m glad to know you enjoyed my humor!
-P.P.🚗🇺🇸
Its gone.👍
Maybe, but there’ll be another one come along. “Finds” are coming out of everywhere lately.
As baby boomers die off and millennials grab the wheel of destiny, cars that NO ONE could possibly get ahold of (due to the “Death Grip” on the title) are being sold off by inherited offspring.
Electric cars are NOT the wave of the future IMHO.
Classics will be around for a long, long time. Even if their power plants are converted to the fuel source of the day.
They are simple works of art without all of the software gagetry.
Beep, Beep!