classic chevy ratrod 454 v8 auto gray truck

Description for Chevrolet Other Pickups 1948

You either get rat rods or you don't. They aren't built to be pretty, but they are possibly the most accurate reflection of early hot rodding's roots. Rods like this 1948 Chevrolet 3100 pickup were built from a variety of parts that were a unique expression of the builder's vision, and no two are alike. In a world filled with me-too plastic '32 coupes and carbon-copy 3100 trucks, something like this stands out everywhere it goes. Obviously,... primer paint is a mainstay of the rat rod movement, and it works exceptionally well on cars like this 3100. No-nonsense, low maintenance, and designed to show off the builder's custom touches, it has a timeless look that will never go out of fashion. The familiar curved 3100 cab remains, along with the hood, although the latter has been modified to accommodate the monster that lies beneath. But we'll get to that later, for now, note the unique features like the chopped lower body, bed-side exhaust exits, and Lexan back glass. There's a custom trimmed bed out back and the lowered and channeled stance makes it look low and lean without being claustrophobia-inducing inside. Factory fenders were removed to show off the fat radials, and the hood was trimmed to make way for the giant aluminum radiator and monster air breather. It may have taken a fever dream to help inspire the design, but man are we glad it was realized. It's pretty austere inside but that doesn't mean it's not comfortable and functional. They dropped the seats between the custom transmission tunnel, and there's good head room even with the chopped top, and those are cloth bucket seats out of a late-model that are surprisingly comfortable. High-density carpeting on the floor helps with the industrial look and a simple steering column and 3-spoke wheel give it a vintage feel. There are cool VDO gauges and an Equus dash-mounted tachometer that look suitably retro and a B&M shifter gives you someplace to rest your hand while you drive. Like most well-built rat rods, this one is fully functional and safe to drive, not just thrown together for effect. That matters. Power comes from a thumping 454 cubic inch Chevy V8, and with the cog belt-drive system, it's easy to hear it rumbling down the block. Bright chrome valve covers bookend the chrome intake, and a stout Holley 750CFM carb is centered on the block. There's a good-sized cam inside that gives it that lumpy idle that makes a true hot rod, but with an HEI ignition system, it fires easily and drives great. Shorty headers feed a Flowmaster dual exhaust system, adding a rumble to that big block lope. Rack-and-pinion steering makes it easy to handle and disc brakes at all four corners are more than adequate given the truck's miniscule curb weight. The front suspension is a familiar Mustang II so it rides surprisingly well and there's a GM 10-bolt and a 4-link out back. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission simplifies the driving experience and the stance is just about perfect with blacked-out alloys and sticky blackwall radials. Old school, the next best thing, or simply a traditional rod that's ready to rock? How about all of the above? Call today!