1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

Design features of the 1954 Chevrolet Series 3100 half-ton pickup were unique -- but also short-lived.
Chevy's Advance-Design generation of trucks, introduced in 1947, received its first major restyle in 1954, including a triple row of large horizontal grille bars bisected by a vertical bar, with parking lights incorporated in the grille. (Incidentally, these interchanged with the corresponding GMC model.) The new grille could be ordered in chrome, but because this extra cost, it is seldom seen on surviving trucks. On painted grilles, the outer bars were painted in the body color; the inner bars painted Thistle Gray, Argent Silver (on red trucks), or white (on white trucks). Bumpers were Anvil Gray.

For consignment, a body off ground up restoration with a 3-inch chopped top, blackened single stage black paint with 20/20 clear coat, I was afraid to touch it because it still looks wet! A new 350ci GM crate engine, 700 R4 overdrive tranny, and some upgrades and custom features for the interior. Old trucks are hot, and this one is very hot with all its black bells and whistles, turn the key and take off to go and show.

Exterior
PPG Acrylic 9300 single stage black with 20/20 clear coat drapes all the straight steel panels which have well minded gaps. The triple chromed bumper has been blackened and all paint is definitely the deep end of the pool, still wet looking. Nicely rounded fenders are added to the front, and the bed frame, sides and chromed diamond plate bed are really well done. A custom spare tire holder, bowtie and all is centered behind the cab in the middle of the bed. All chrome trimmings still on (side view mirror, door handles and American Racing Torque Thrust wheels) are just mirror like. On back, the bumper has been removed and custom taillights are now flush with the newly fabricated roll-pan, and shiny dual exhaust tips from below. Some red pinstripe highlighting is on the sides and around the cab, as well on the tailgate to highlight the Chevrolet letters stamped into the rear gate. Sideboards are covered with rubber, and cab is nearly perfect.

Interior
Molded dura-panel doors are tightly covered with gray tweed and have a black swoop to hold the door pull. The molding into these doors sport a bowtie on top and some curved arches below the black swoop. Inside power, late model bucket seats also in gray tweed and a central armrest sit in a sea of black carpet. A custom console is between the front of the seats, and the shifter rises proudly from the floor. A GM power steering unit and tilt wheel support a snappy steering wheel in the rally style with an angel wing polished center. Power brakes, power antenna, A/C and an AM/FM/Stereo Cassette with a 10-disc CD changer has been added. Headliner is also gray tweed and remains nice and tight.

Drivetrain
A new GM 350ci crate engine in all its bling polished glory is under the original shaped hood. Plenty of extra polish and chrome is on several adornments. A new GM 700 R4 automatic transmission is on back, and upfront a Walker 4 core radiator keeps everything cool. For the rear axle we note a Trans Am 3:31 Positraction unit. Very nicely done and plenty of eye candy with a lift of the hood.

Undercarriage
Underneath is nicely patina, rust free, and structurally sound metal in black. Body hangers, running board undersides, rockers, and wheel wells are very clean. Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes are installed. A shock absorber/leaf spring suspension is on back, and independent front suspension is now installed. A Pacer front end provides the parts.

Drive-Ability
She fires right up with a nice rumble, and after a brief warmup period the test track awaited. Here it handled every aspect just swimmingly with good acceleration, nice handling, smooth steering, and transmission shifted ultra-smooth. It can cruise at highway speed without even breathing very hard, and all was comfortable inside for my drive.

Take a 1954 example of the GM truck and do some modifications to it mechanically and visually, throw in a new interior, and engine and transmission, and do we need to say more? No wrenching on this one, its turnkey condition, you go with it, you show with it, and never look back…unless it's at 1954!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.