1950 Chevrolet 3600 5-Window

Description

In the 1950s, if you needed some heavy gear moved but didn't have space for a giant industrial-strength truck, machines like this 1950 Chevy 3600 5-Window were the smart choice. Today we'd call it a ¾-ton, and even though it had the same great looks and tidy maneuverability, it could do a lot more work than the smaller 3100 series.

Restored with an eye toward utilizing this truck for its intended purposes, this Chevy 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 bright blue paint job that emphasizes the rounded fenders and longer wheelbase. It also features a rare 5-window cab, popular with enthusiasts, and there have been no notable deviations from its 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 and new oak bed with plenty of coats of varnish might make you think twice about filling it with rough stuff. Correct (and rare) 3600 badges were reinstalled on the hood, the chrome bumpers and mirrors are new, while the remaining trim and grille are likely original to this truck. Black running boards and white "wagon" wheels dress it up a bit, so it will fit right in anywhere you go.

The original bench seat was wrapped in new black vinyl upholstery and provides very good support, a very welcomed addition if you're planning on driving this one regularly. Plush carpet on the floorboard really warms-up the stock interior, along with a strip of matching carpet on the bottom of each door panel. Painted in bright silver, the dash is honest and simple, with two round pods housing all new Dolphin Gauges for an updated look into the engine's vitals. The radio was updated as well, but the builders did it right by installing a Retro-Sound AM/FM/AUX/Bluetooth in the factory center slot that powers speakers hidden behind the grille right below. Keeping the entire cabin nice and cold is an underdash R134a A/C unit, a welcome addition to this vintage worker. For some contrast, the door panels were painted in the same paint scheme as the dash, and a chrome glove box door adds some bright trim to the working environment.

The restorer's expertise shows under the hood, where a 1958 date-coded 235 cubic inch inline-six "Blue Flame" is fitted neatly in the black engine bay. It still carries an original-style carburetor and the original 6-volt electrical system was upgraded to 12-volts, complete with an alternator and a newer 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 gears still allow for cruising at higher speeds, but don't expect to dominate the fast lane. The brakes, suspension, and single Flowmaster exhaust system appear to have all been addressed during the restoration, so it runs and drives like it should. White eight-lug steel wheels are at each corner and wear 245/75/16 blackwall 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 or play. Call today!