Restore or Rat Rod? 1951 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup
This 1951 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup is a blank canvas for the next owner. It runs and drives, but it does need some work. It could be the basis for a restoration, a rat rod, or it could be just driven and enjoyed as it is. The Pickup is located in Eureka, Montana, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is currently sitting at $2,025, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The first thing that I noticed when I looked at the Pickup was just how straight it actually is. Sure, there are plenty of small dings and dents in the back of the cab, which is hardly surprising in a workhorse of this vintage. But, if you look past those at the rest of the body, it’s actually quite remarkable. Rust issues are also pretty limited. The floor on the driver’s side will need a patch, there is some rust in the rear corner of the cab on the same side, but the rest of it appears to be quite clean. The rear window is quite badly cracked, and it will require replacement, as will the passenger side door glass. I have to say though that this is one of the cleanest unrestored 3600s that I’ve seen for quite a while.
The interior of the Pickup is basically complete, but it will need a complete restoration. Having said that, with the blanket thrown over the seat as it is at present, there is no reason why the vehicle couldn’t be driven as it is. The only thing that appears to be missing from the dash is the lighter, which is no great problem. The great thing about these old pickups is the fact that the interiors are quite easy to restore.
The old Chevy is said to run and drive, but the owner doesn’t suggest driving it too far at present. The tires are said to be pretty ancient and will need to be replaced. The 216ci straight-six starts and runs really well, and the 4-speed transmission shifts smoothly through all gears. The owner suggests that a full service and check should also be undertaken before the Pickup hits the wide open road. He also states that the generator charges, but that a full rewire would be a good idea. Apparently, the Pickup will also need a new exhaust and the leaking radiator will either require repair or replacement.
This 1951 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup is a solid vehicle that opens a world of possibilities for the next owner. For me, the choice would come down to either undertaking a full restoration, or getting it mechanically healthy, and then driving it as it is. It will be interesting to see what our readers would do with it.
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Comments
Into 3/4 ton territory again. I’m starting to think that I’ve seen more Advanced Design 3/4 tons on this site than in my entire life. A little longer and heavier than a 1/2 ton but still ride and handle very well. The old plodding 216 soldiers on. You could replace it with something newer and more powerful but why.
The saying that they are only original ince definitely applies to this truck. I would address the mechanical issues and the hole in the floor but otherwise celebrate its original powertrain and body condition.
I have a serious thing for those add on rear bumpers with the gravel deflectors that rise up the rear fenders around the rear lights.
I may have to move to Montana and find me another 3 window with that gravel deflector rear bumper.
Upgrade the brakes, steering, suspension. Make the interior livable,then enjoy.
That is a four speed, but first gear is a granny gear, some people call it stump puller, or creeper, but it is low. My Dad bought a used one when I was a teen and I drove that thing all over the place.
Ratting this shouldn’t be a consideration, too nice.
Montana Man selling those Canuck farm trucks again
I don’t think this is a Canuck truck. The Canadian designation, I believe, is a ‘1420.’