1949 Chevrolet Truck 3100

This 1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup LS3 Restomod is a member of the Chevrolet Advance Design Series of light-duty pickup trucks. Introduced after World War 2, the series debuted in 1947 and ran for eight years. As well as two-door pickup trucks, you could also have two-door panel trucks or station wagons if you choose. Three carrying capacities were on offer; the 3100 was the ½ ton offering, the 3600 could take ¾ ton, and the 3800 topped out at one ton. The series has found great acclaim with the purist, as well as restomod communities; this particular example is firmly for the latter.

Exterior and Interior

Sporting an aptly named Lead Foot Gray paint theme, it's clear from the outset that this isn't how it left the factory. The truck has been lowered; slammed would be the correct term, given how low it rides. It also sports black five-spoke American Racing alloy wheels that are a whopping 20 inches in size, wrapped with low-profile street rubber. The Chevrolet 3100 badging remains, albeit blacked out, and the truck bed appears to have been refurbished too. The headlamps are modern LED-equipped units that offer enhanced nighttime visibility. The interior has seen extensive restoration and modernization and now sports a black and orange theme. The original-styled dash remains, as does the column shifter, but a set of modern, electrically adjustable seats have been placed for better comfort. You'll also find new white-faced gauges that offer engine RPM, oil pressure, and battery voltage read-outs in addition to the speedometer, fuel gauge, and coolant temperature gauges that this truck will have had as stock. Further investigation reveals a Vintage Air control panel indicating that this truck now has air conditioning and switches for power windows. Infotainment has seen a massive upgrade, with a touchscreen-enabled double-DIN Kenwood head unit installed within the custom center console. You'll even find that cup holders are now present.

Engine

A proper restomod isn't complete if the mechanicals haven't been touched. When this 1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup LS3 Restomod was original, it likely had one of three in-line six-cylinder engine options, ranging from 216ci to 261ci. What you'll find now is a modern GM LS3 V8 that displaces 6.2L and is easily capable of 400hp. Drive goes to the rear wheels via an automatic gearbox, making smoky burnouts very easy if desired. A peek under the skin also reveals some Strong Arms suspension components, and we're led to believe that adjustable air suspension has been installed to enable a raised height when driving. Wilwood brakes peek out from behind the rims, indicating a braking upgrade has been performed too.