During the dark daysthe of ’70s emissions systems, there was stalwart gearheads. However, during the disarray of the ’80s malaise scene, there was hardcore gearheads. Regardless, no matter where the future leads, there will ALWAYS be lifestyle enthusiasts who build a culture around the rush of turning transportation into art.
As a result, enter the 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup Truck Restomod. However, this happens when a machinist turned hot rodder executes a six-figure build with virtually no limits. Moreover, the product of an uncompromising vision and many talented builders, this stunning Chevy wraps a tuned LS3 small block and stalwart 4L60E transmission in a custom suspension and classic aesthetics.
1955 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup Truck Restomod – BODYWORK/TRIM
Professionally restored by Legens Hot Rod Shop of Martin, Tennessee, this 3100 spent most of its life as a solid Arizona worker. However, this was a no-expense-spared rebuild. Rust-free truck body stripped. In addition, it’s painted and massaged, and coated in Jet Black 2-stage.
Traditional touches, like shaved fenders and a nosed hood, complement shaved wipers. In addition, it has a smoothed cowl, shaved mirrors, and polished LED taillights. However, a gorgeous burled wood bed’s affixed using highly polished stainless hardware. And, for good measure, Legens even smoothed the truck’s mirrored bumpers.
Today, this incredible half-ton is a unique combination of time, talent, and exceptional attention to detail. However, with its killer paint, hot small block, and stylish interior, it’s the kind of top-notch street rod. Moreover, it’s guaranteed to make you weak in the knees!
1955 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup Truck Restomod – LS3 Swapped Engine
Toss the truck’s domed hood and you’ll find a hot LS3 crate engine that, thanks to the skilled techs at Street & Performance, makes a solid 480 horsepower! Furthermore, GM Powertrain invested a great deal of time and research into getting the most out of its Gen IV small block, and it definitely shows. However, changes started with a 20% stronger casting, featuring an increased bore of 103.25mm.
The focus shifted to flow efficiency, resulting in the use of rectangle-port heads and an all-new intake manifold. Then, factor in a new piston design, and injectors borrowed from the brutal LS7, and you get a very potent track weapon that happily doubles as an everyday commuter. However, at the top of the block, a black, chrome-trimmed air cleaner funnels wind into a factory throttle body. The air cleaner’s attached to a composite intake.
At the sides of that intake, ceramic-coated headers hover under high-quality Taylor plug wires. However, in front of those headers, a Billet Specialties Tru Trac system spins a plethora of Jet Black ancillaries. In front of that system, a body-matched radiator swirls coolant around a big electric puller fan. Moreover, an American Autowire wiring harness ensures everything communicates well.
And details, like braided fluid lines, Chevrolet-branded fuel rail covers, billet hood supports, and a body-matched power steering reservoir, ensure the engine looks every bit as good as it runs.
1955 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup Truck Restomod -DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Shimmy under this Chevy and you’ll find a super clean undercarriage. Moreover, it’s been prepped, primped, and polished to match the truck’s slick engine bay. In addition, it has a stunning exterior. The subdued LS3 twists a Street & Performance 4L60E 4-speed transmission. However, it’s hooked to a painted Ford 9-inch that’s fitted with 31-spline axles and big, 4.11 gears.
That proven pumpkin pushes a C-notched parallel 4-link, which features high-quality QA1 coil-over-shocks. Tracking is provided by a Mustang II front clip, which is complete with drop spindles, two more quality QA1 coil-overs, and power rack-and-pinion steering. And that chassis hangs from a fully boxed Street Rod Garage frame.
Quick stops are a cinch thanks to 4 and 6-piston Wilwood calipers, which utilize an 8-inch booster to squeeze 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors. At the center of the floor, a custom, 3-inch exhaust system routes spent gases through an X-shaped crossover.
At the corners of the floor, stylish Billet Specialties Stilettos throw torque through 235/40ZR18 and 275/40ZR20 Toyo Proxes4s. Furthermore, from the truck’s braided fluid lines to its painted stainless fuel tank. Well-planned, well-executed, and ready to reflect!
INTERIOR
But the show doesn’t stop there. Not by a long shot! When you pop this pickup’s doors, you’ll find a detail-oriented cockpit with charmingly retro surfaces that were installed by Paul Atkins Interiors of Hanceville, Alabama. Top dead center, a matte dash hangs clean Classic Instruments gauges above hidden controls for modern air conditioning.
In front of that dash, an angled seat, which straddles chrome power window switches, aligns perfectly with custom-sculpted door skins. Speaking of those skins, they found traditional handles over custom, AC-piped kick panels. Beneath those panels, fresh carpet highlights billet foot pedals.
Opposite that carpet, a custom headliner rides between a classy rearview mirror, a functional dome lamp, and custom cab skins. And in front of the driver, a tilting Flaming River steering column spins a shrunken wheel around an elegant shifter.
AWARDS/FEATURES
During its relatively short show career, this Chevy has received many accolades. Here’s a chronological list of the truck’s major accomplishments:
- Top 25 at the 2013 Shades of the Past Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Trick Truck Corral Pick at the 2013 Goodguys Lone Star Nationals in Dallas, Texas
- Goodguys Pick at the 2014 Goodguys Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Pro’s Pick at the 2014 Goodguys All-American Nationals in Kissimmee, Florida
- Pro’s Pick at the 2014 Goodguys Nashville Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee
- Terrific 12 Finalist at the 2014 Goodguys Southeastern Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Truck of the Year Finalist at the 2014 Goodguys Southeastern Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Pro’s Pick at the 2014 Goodguys Lone Star Nationals in Dallas, Texas
- The truck was featured on the cover of the November 2014 edition of Classic Trucks Magazine
- The truck was featured in Classic Instruments promotional materials
