This 1956 Chevy 3100 4WD was acquired by the current owner in 1998 and, approximately 10 years later he managed a comprehensive body off restoration of the truck. Reportedly, the 3100 is a lifelong California truck with a total of 3 owners.
During the restoration that took place during several years around 2008, the entire truck was removed from the frame, the body taken down to bare metal and the entire cab, bed, dash, door panels and other areas repainted to match. The interior received a complete refreshening and mechanical components were rebuilt and upgraded. The mileage was re-set at the time of the restoration and reflects 4,195 miles since completion.
Mechanically, the truck features a rebuilt 350c.i V8 Chevy engine mated to a built 700R, 4-speed Overdrive TurboHydra-Matic GM transmission and a late 90’s transfer case putting power to the wheels through a rear end with a ratio of 3.73:1. The 3100 rides on 15” wheels that were restored in matching body color with chrome accents and trim rings. Tires are size 31/10.5R-16/6 Open Country H/T with less than 5K miles. The braking consists of power-assisted discs in the front and drums in the rear. Later style front leaf springs from a 90’s Blazer, and new Chevy rear leaf springs and air shocks have been installed and truck is lifted by approximately 4” from stock.
The highly detailed engine compartment reflects other upgrades including ATSCO power steering (?), an MSD coil, Edelbrock manifold, Edelbrock 4-bbl carburetor, Hedman headers mated to a FlowMaster exhaust system, aftermarket electric windshield wipers, Hurricane Series heat & A/C, and a completely updated wiring harness. Chrome dress-up items include Chevy logo chrome valve covers, a chrome air cleaner, and a chrome alternator.
The interior received the benefit of replacement front seats from a Chevy Silverado, new side upper door panels, and a new headliner. Behind the 4-spoke steering wheel is a complete gauge cluster from Classic Instruments providing analog readouts for temperature, voltmeter, oil, fuel, mph, and an incorporated tachometer. The steering column is adjustable manufactured by Ididit. The factory radio has been replaced with a modern JVC head unit mounted in the original location and speaker boxes behind the seats. The aftermarket A/C is mounted under dash and other interior features Chevy logo floor mats, new switches and dash pulls, and a complete interior repainting at the time of the restoration. The electrical system is fully functional including working A/C. The odometer currently reads 4,195, reflecting the miles accumulated since the truck was restored.
When the truck was repainted, it received the benefit of new doors, tailgate, and forward bed panel while the bed side panels were stripped and refinished. A new oak wood bed kit was also fitted. The cab retains its original panels and was reportedly in good, restorable condition due to the trucks long California history. New chrome bumpers were added front and rear, all rubber trim and exterior brightwork was replaced or replated, and the side windows received a green tint. The truck rides on 15” wheels that were restored in matching body color with chrome accents and trim rings. Tires are size 31/10.5R-16/6 Open Country H/T with less than 5K miles. The braking consists of power-assisted discs in the front and drums in the rear.
The paint is high-gloss and no partial repainting has been done since the car was restored. Minor imperfections from use, consistent with the low mileage, include minor nicks and chips that can be seen in the photo gallery.
The clean undercarriage can be seen in the extensive photographs. Within the previous 500 miles, the truck received fresh oil pan and transmission gaskets and new fluids.
Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.