1950 Chevrolet 3100

1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window Restomod LS V8 4L60E Wilwood 6-Piston Brakes $250K Build

Highlights


1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window

Professionally built full custom restomod

Build stated to have exceeded $250,000

Previously sold at Mecum Auctions for $143,000; bill of sale accompanies the truck

GM LS-series V8 engine

4L60E 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission

TCI Mustang II independent front suspension

Power rack-and-pinion steering

Ford 8.8-inch rear axle

3.73 rear gearing

Wilwood 6-piston front disc brakes

Cross-drilled brake rotors

Vintage Air air conditioning

American Autowire wiring harness

Tanks Inc. fuel tank

Raingear electric windshield wipers

Ididit tilt steering column

LeCarra wood-rim steering wheel

Dolphin instrumentation

Custom RetroSound stereo system

JBL speakers

Custom leather interior reportedly representing approximately $30,000 of the build

PPG basecoat/clearcoat paint

Full-body clear protective wrap

New glass

Gloss-black 20-inch Chevrolet wheels

245/40R20 tires shown in photos

Custom wood-look bed floor with American eagle/flag artwork

Dual exhaust

Approximately two years invested in the build


This 1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window is far removed from a stock Advance-Design pickup. Built as a comprehensive restomod, the truck combines the unmistakable lines of Chevrolets early postwar pickup with modern V8 power, overdrive, independent front suspension, power steering, upgraded brakes, air conditioning and a fully customized interior.

According to the documentation accompanying the truck, the professional build represented more than $250,000 and approximately two years of work. The same documentation states that the truck previously sold through Mecum Auctions for $143,000, with the corresponding bill of sale included.

Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood is a GM LS-series V8, paired with a 4L60E automatic overdrive transmission. The combination provides the dependability and drivability expected from a modern GM powertrain while keeping the truck Chevrolet-powered.

Out back is a Ford 8.8-inch rear axle with 3.73 gearing. The undercarriage photographs show a clean, thoughtfully assembled drivetrain installation along with a dual exhaust system.

Suspension, Steering & Brakes
The original-style front suspension has been replaced with a TCI Mustang II independent front suspension, incorporating power rack-and-pinion steering. This is one of the major upgrades that separates a properly engineered restomod from a cosmetically updated vintage pickup.

Stopping power is equally substantial. The truck is fitted with Wilwood six-piston disc brakes, visible behind the black wheels with bright red calipers and cross-drilled rotors.

Exterior
The body is finished in a subtle sage/olive green that complements the rounded lines of the 1950 Chevrolet exceptionally well. According to the build information, the body was finished in PPG basecoat/clearcoat paint and subsequently protected with a full-body clear wrap.

The exterior retains the important classic styling cues, including:

- Five-window cab
- Chrome horizontal-bar Chevrolet grille
- Chrome front bumper
- Hood center trim and Chevrolet emblem
- Chevrolet 3100 side badging
- Dual exterior mirrors
- Traditional running boards
- Chrome windshield and window trim
- Modernized headlights

The stance is considerably more contemporary, with the body sitting low over gloss-black 20-inch Chevrolet wheels. The tire photographs show 245/40R20 rubber.

Custom Bed
One of the most distinctive areas of the build is the bed. Rather than a conventional painted or plain wood floor, it features a custom wood-look design incorporating an American bald eagle and flowing American flag artwork. Polished bed strips divide the individual sections and give the rear of the truck a genuine show-quality presentation.

Interior
The cabin received the same level of attention as the exterior. The documentation describes the interior as a roughly $30,000 full custom leather installation.

Brown and tan leather cover the sculpted seating, door panels and much of the cabin, while a suede-style tan headliner and overhead trim complete the upscale appearance. The door panels are fully custom fabricated with integrated speakers, contrasting inserts and polished trim.

Driver controls include an Ididit tilt steering column, LeCarra wood-rim steering wheel, and white-face Dolphin gauges. The column-mounted automatic shifter retains the classic appearance while operating the modern 4L60E drivetrain.

Comfort and convenience equipment includes Vintage Air air conditioning, Raingear electric wipers, and a modern electrical system built around an American Autowire harness.

Audio & Electrical
The sound system is centered around a RetroSound head unit with JBL speakers, integrated into the cabin without disrupting the vintage dashboard design. The truck also uses a Tanks Inc. fuel tank, further illustrating how extensively the supporting systems were upgraded during the build.

Chassis & Undercarriage
The underside confirms this was more than a cosmetic restoration. Visible components include the TCI front suspension architecture, power rack-and-pinion steering, Ford rear axle, rear leaf springs, upgraded shocks, dual exhaust and extensively refinished chassis components. The floors and underside present cleanly and show the scope of the restoration.