The Advance Design pickup Chevrolet began its life in 1947 and was updated in
1955. During these years Chevrolet has made one of the nicest looking pickups
ever. Nice round shapes, beautiful chrome grill and qualitative sheet
metal. No wonder that they were the best selling trucks at that time.
The standard pickup was called the 3100,
having a load capacity of 1/2 ton, the 3600 model could load ¾ and the long bed
3800 was able to load 1 ton. Furthermore these pickup could be ordered as dump
trucks or general trucks.
There were 2 engines six-in-line available:
- 216,5 cu in (3.500cc) 90 HP
- 235 cu in (3.900 cc) 105 HP
These engines were called Stovebolt, as the
bolts were common with stoves produced in those days.
It all started in 2009, as a small
restauration project. Overhauling the gear box, renewing the brakes and
adjusting the 216,5 engine. However once you get started and remove some
pieces, you can take it apart fully. That’s what happened.
First, we started with the sandblasting of
the chassis, this is a very though chassis. All in prefect condition.
Meanwhile, we started overhauling the 216,5
engine to keep the truck original. The engine itself was in good condition,
however the oil segments should be replaced as it has some oil burning. The
cylinder head was overhauled and the engine got all the new pieces available.
As I never had touched a wrinch before, we have followed lots of professional
lessons to restore old beautiful cars. Now it runs perfectly again, as it just
came out of the factory ;p.
The body work asked a lot of attention, as
it has been a working truck back in the days. Some dents and bondo were
covering it up. The bodywork of this Californian truck was in very nice
condition. It took a nice bath and came out with fresh sheet metal.
At this moment the body work is in its
final stage and the cabine has been reinstalled. The coulour is Ducati red.
It will be a very nice truck when it's finished!
