350-POWERED 1953 CHEVROLET 3100 5-WINDOW 4-SPEED

OVERVIEW

This 1953 Chevrolet 3100 five-window pickup received a frame-off restoration in 2020. Power is generated by a 350cid V8 crate engine paired with a rebuilt Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission and a Positraction rear end. Equipment includes power rack-and-pinion steering, power front disc brakes, an independent front suspension, a Rochester carburetor, LED exterior lighting, and a stainless steel dual exhaust system. Finished in Crystal Gray Metallic over a black leather and gray cloth interior, this garage-kept 3100 is now offered with build documentation, restoration photos, and a clear title in the seller's name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

The three layers of Chrysler-derived Crystal Gray Metallic paint are topped with a Cromax clear coat along with a protective ceramic coating. The frame-off restoration in 2020 included the replacement of the cab, fenders, running boards, and floors as well as the weatherstripping, bushings, grommets, and stainless steel hardware. Exterior features include chrome brightwork, LED lighting, side mirrors, a split windshield with electric wipers, a pop-up cowl vent, replacement hardwood bed planks, a Chevrolet-embossed tailgate, and a stainless steel dual exhaust system. Photos in the carousel to the right show various stages of the build process.

EXTERIOR – WHEELS AND TIRES

The body-color American Racing five-spoke 17-inch wheels have polished lips and come wrapped in new 235/65 front and 255/60 rear Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The interior of the cab is equipped with a two-tone black leather and gray cloth bench, matched to the door panels, dash, and carpeting. Amenities include a removable center console, USB ports, tinted windows, dome and door lighting, a new heater in a restored factory housing, a Grant steering wheel on a tilt-adjustable column, a retro-look radio with a separate Bluetooth adapter for the audio jack, and a long-throw Hurst shifter and knob. An American Autowire harness has been installed, which allows for air conditioning to be added.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

The replacement factory-look instrumentation includes a 90-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. Supplementary readouts have been added under the dashboard. The odometer reads 4,200 miles, but the true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The crate-sourced 350cid small-block V8 has been upgraded with a mild RV camshaft, custom-painted valve covers, ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds, a hidden battery housing, a Champion aluminum radiator, and a Rochester four-barrel carburetor with an automatic choke. A Wilwood hydraulic clutch kit has been installed. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a rebuilt Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission and a 3.42:1 Positraction 10-bolt rear end from a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro. The fluids were refreshed during the restoration in 2020 and have received subsequent checks, according to the seller.

UNDERCARRIAGE

The subframe was designed and fabricated by Hitman Hot Rods, a custom car builder in Ontario, Canada. Stopping power comes from power disc brakes up front and drums in the rear. Additional chassis upgrades include a 1.75-inch anti-sway bar, a front-end conversion with power rack-and-pinion steering, an independent front suspension, and a frame-mounted fuel tank with a locking billet filler cap. The seller notes minor rust on the leaf springs and rear axle area from light driving since the restoration was completed.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The sale includes restoration photos and build documentation.