Custom, Frame-Off Restored 5-Window 3100 327ci V8 Automatic Air Conditioning

This 1949 Chevrolet 3100 5-window represents a comprehensive, ground-up custom build that blends traditional Advance-Design styling with carefully integrated modern performance components. Sourced as a solid, bone-stock example from the Southwest, the truck was completely disassembled and rebuilt with an emphasis on stance, drivability, and period-inspired visual cues. The result is a fully sorted 3100 that retains its iconic postwar identity while benefiting from substantial mechanical and structural upgrades throughout.

The body was stripped and refinished following extensive metal restoration. New front fenders, running boards, and complete bed sheet metal were installed, and 1952 Chevrolet truck doors with factory vent windows were incorporated. Additional upgrades include an Altman Easy Latch system, Juliano's power cowl vent, and a one-piece visor. A power-operated, hard tonneau cover finishes the bed, which features a fresh pine wood floor stained Black. The truck is finished in PPG custom-blended Pond Green with black metallic accents on the cab top, complemented by fresh trim, grille, bumpers, and NOS Unity fog lights. It rides on 15" US Wheel "Rat Rod" steel wheels in black metallic, fitted with B.F. Goodrich wide whitewall tires, accented by bullet caps and custom trim rings formed from 1956 Cadillac hubcaps.

Power comes from a 327ci small block V8 built by Five Star Engines. The block is fitted with Sealed Power pistons and a Comp Cams camshaft, topped with double-hump cylinder heads. Induction is handled by an Edelbrock three-deuce intake with triple Rochester carburetors wearing chrome scoops, configured with only a functional center carburetor for smooth street manners while retaining the classic tri-power appearance. An electronic ignition system manages spark, while Speedway headers feed a coated 2.5" exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. A March Performance accessory drive system is installed, along with an E-Stopp emergency brake. Power is routed through a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission to a 10-bolt rear axle equipped with 3.42 gears and Moser axles. The original frame was boxed at the front and updated with revised crossmembers and driveline mounts. Suspension consists of a Mustang II independent front suspension with tubular control arms and power rack-and-pinion steering, paired rear KYB shocks. The truck is equipped with four-wheel power disc brakes.

Inside, the two-tone cabin combines custom fabrication with classic Chevrolet design cues. A custom Glide Engineering split bench seat with hidden storage is upholstered in black leather with a diamond pattern, matched by coordinating door panels and a custom center console. The factory dash houses Classic Instruments gauges, while a 1959 Chevrolet Impala–style steering wheel is mounted to a tilting ididit column. Additional features include modern air conditioning by Vintage Air, power windows, a backup camera, and a Custom Autosound head unit with Bluetooth and SiriusXM capability.

This 1949 Chevrolet 3100 presents as a thoroughly engineered custom build that combines structural reinforcement, modern suspension geometry, four-wheel power disc braking, and a traditionally styled 327 small block with triple carbs. The extensive restoration and component selection reflect a cohesive approach to performance and aesthetics. The truck has been featured in the July 2022 issue of Classic Truck Performance and the November 2025 issue of The Villages Magazine, and is accompanied by build receipts, component manuals, and digital build photos documenting its construction.

Key Highlights

* Ground-up restoration 5-window 3100 pickup truck
* PPG custom Pond Green with Black cab top
* 327ci V8 built by Five Star Engines
* Tri-Power induction setup to run single middle 2bbl only
* 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission
* 10-bolt rear axle with 3.42 gearing
* Mustang II front suspension
* Front QA1 coilovers
* Power rack-and-pinion steering
* Power four-wheel disc brakes
* Modern air conditioning
* 15" US Wheel "Rat Rod" with custom trim rings
* 3" dropped rear leaf springs
* Power-operated hard tonneau cover
* Pine wood bed floor in Black
* Power windows
* Backup camera
* Custom split bench seat with storage
* Custom Autosound receiver with Bluetooth and SiriusXM capability
* Featured in Classic Truck Performance
* Featured in The Villages Magazine
* Accompanied by build receipts, component manuals, and digital build photos