Frame Off Restored California 3100 350 V8 TH350 w/AC

The street rod world is full of creations with wild paint schemes, extreme drivetrains and custom interiors. While those cars are awesome to look at, 10 minute start-up procedures and blind hunts for kill switches and accessory controls wear on even the most enthusiastic rodder. Anyone that's been around this hobby will tell you there is truly something special about owning a well-built custom that can comfortably carry you across the country. And this superb Chevy 3100 is just that - a completely functional vehicle that's wrapped in killer hot rod styling. With reliable small block power, a low maintenance automatic and luxuries like modern air conditioning, this truck was built with the driver in mind. And if you're tired of superficial classics that emphasize appearance over practicality, it's the real deal rod you've been looking for!

Hailing from Yuba City, California, this super cool pickup recently received a roof-to-rocker makeover that's set off by a striking coat of Black and Ruby two-stage. Under that high quality pigment, an incredibly straight fuselage hangs solid panels that, with the exception of a thorough massage during their restoration, appear to have led a quiet, drama-free existence. Those massaged panels feature better than factory alignment and, when opened and closed, sound solid and function exceptionally well. And that functional body's combination of excellent reflections and Kansas-flat surfaces suggest many labor intensive hours were spent exacting top-notch finish work.

While its basic shape is certainly appealing, first rate detailing is what makes this Chevy really pop. At the front of the truck, a familiar chrome grille rides between a fresh chrome bumper, clean halogen headlights and an ornate header crest. Behind that crest, a domed hood leads the eye to sealed and smoked glass that's framed in bright pinstripes, thin wipers and a Fulton-style visor. At the sides of that visor, stainless-trimmed running boards combine with shaved mirrors, traditional door handles and classic “CHEVROLET” scripts to create a simple, attractive profile. At the center of that profile, a spectacular wood bed is detailed with billet rail plugs and stainless skid strips. And at the back of that bed, a pinstriped tailgate reflects fresh chains and stainless tail lamps above a second chrome bumper.

Hoist this custom's hood and you'll find a mean, 350 cubic inch GM crate engine that's good for 8.5 to 1 compression, 260 horsepower and 350 lb./ft. of tire twisting torque. At that top of that jet black small block, a chrome air cleaner forces wind into a coated Edelbrock carburetor. At the base of that carburetor, a crisp aluminum intake hangs a modern HEI distributor between familiar chrome valve covers. At the base of those valve covers, Accel Hi-Temp Super Stock wires snake around cast and painted exhaust manifolds. And in front of those manifolds, a polished pulley system spins a modern power steering pump between a chrome alternator, a Sanden AC compressor and a beefy radiator. Aesthetically, both the monochromatic mill and its assortment of bright accessories seem right at home inside their smooth, color-keyed frame. And details like chrome dipsticks, chrome breathers and a chrome radiator cap ensure this truck looks every bit as good as it runs.

This classic spent most of its time in sunny California living clean and working hard. So, when the time came for rebirth, the truck was a prime candidate for thorough modernization. Nowhere is that theme more evident than under the skin. The dressed 350's power flows from a rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed to a sturdy Dynotech driveshaft and rebuilt Nova axle. That familiar drivetrain pushes a blasted and powdercoated chassis on a Helix 4-bar suspension, which sports fresh Ride Tech coil-overs. Tracking is provided by a Helix Mustang II front clip, which is fitted with adjustable coil-overs and power rack and pinion steering. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to drilled and slotted discs and power-assisted drums. At the center of the floor, true-dual exhaust breathes through throaty Xlerator turbo mufflers. At the corners of the chassis, painted and polished steelies twist 215/60R16 Diamond Back Classic whitewalls around stainless trim rings and “CHEVROLET” branded hub caps. And everything from the truck's quality JEGS starter to its 4-quart oil pan is well-planned, well executed and ready to work its magic!

When you pop this pickup's doors, you'll find a stylish and comfortable cockpit that's sprinkled with modern amenities. Top dead center, a glossy dash hangs New Vintage USA Woodward Series gauges above hardware for Vintage Air climate control. In front of that dash, a traditional bench seat wears an attractive combination of cloth and vinyl hides. At the sides of that seat, vinyl and cloth door panels frame traditional chrome handles. Under those panels, clean carpet anchors color-keyed floor mats. Opposite that carpet, a mouse fur headliner stretches tight behind a chrome mirror and matching sun visors. And in front of the driver, a polished Helix column spins a polished Grant wheel around old school foot pedals.

The sale of this freshly gentrified workhorse includes a stack of component manuals.

This fully sorted Chevy is a wonderful classic to drive, enjoy and haul a couple of your coolest friends in. It's really no surprise that these trucks are amazingly popular with almost everyone who sees them, because they have such a great combination of style, presence and performance. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the phone, park this custom in your garage and get ready for years of care-free cruising!