In the 1950s, if you needed some heavy gear moved but didn't have space for a giant industrial-strength truck, machines like this 1953 Chevy 3600 were a smart choice. I suppose today we'd call it a ¾-ton, and despite with the same great looks and tidy maneuverability, it could do a lot more work than the smaller 3100 series. Restored by a professional mechanic, this truck offers just the right combination of utility, beauty, and functionality. Sure, some of these are over-restored into trailer queens, but that's almost insulting to these blue-collar workers who can still pull their own weight. But that doesn't mean they can't also be handsome, so this one received a muted beige and brown paint job that emphasizes the rounded fenders and longer wheelbase. It also features a 5-window cab, popular with enthusiasts, and there have been few deviations from original specifications. Fit and finish are quite good, about what you'd expect for a vintage pickup, and while it's ready to get to work at the local Home Depot, that beautiful oak bed with six coats of varnish might make you think twice about filling it with rough stuff. Correct (and rare) 3600 badges were re-chromed and reinstalled on the hood, the bumpers were refinished, and that's a correct 8-lug spare tire carrier mounted behind the driver's door. A set of accessory fog lamps and a pair of step plates dress it up a bit, so it will fit right in anywhere you go. The original bench seat was vinyl, which tends to get sticky when it's hot and brittle when it's cold, so the aftermarket cloth seat cover is a welcome addition if you're planning on driving this one regularly. The original rubber mats are on the floor, augmented by a pair of carpeted floor mats for protection. Painted to match the body, the dash is honest and simple, with two round pods housing all the instruments and the radio mounted in the center stack (a modern AM/FM/cassette unit in place of the original AM box). For some contrast, the door panels were painted in the same paint scheme as the bodywork, and a chrome glove box door adds some bright trim to the working environment. The mechanic/owner's expertise shows under the hood, where the original 216 cubic inch inline-six has been fully rebuilt with new bearings, rings, and a full valve job. The original carburetor was rebuilt and there's a new fuel pump feeding it. The original 6-volt electrical system was upgraded to 12-volts, complete with an alternator and a new wiring harness. The 4-speed manual gearbox still lives behind the engine, although first gear is so low you can pretty much ignore it unless you're trying to pull a house off its foundation, and the stock 4.57 gears were dumped in favor of more street-friendly 4.10s. The brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems were all rebuilt or replaced during the restoration, so it runs and drives like it should. Five new 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps wear 235/85/16 LT truck tires, just in case you'd still like to put this one to work. Handsome and practical, trucks are popular for a lot of good reasons. Stand out from the crowd with this 3600 that's ready to work. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Charlotte showroom. For more information, please call (704) 598-2130 or toll free (866) 542-8392.
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