1949 Chevrolet 3600 3 Window

Description

In the late 1940s to early 1950s, if you needed some heavy gear moved but didn't have space for a giant industrial-strength truck, machines like this 1949 Chevrolet 3600 3-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 whole lot more work than the smaller 3100 series. This Mariner Blue hauler was meticulously frame-off restored a scant 604 miles ago, finished to a very high standard not usually seen on workhorses of this vintage. With a 235 'Stovebolt Six' under the hood, a 4-speed gearbox managing the gears, a wood bed out back, and original colors inside-and-out, this big Advanced-Design tough guy is as nice as they come. Simple, clean, and ready to work, just like it was in 1949 when the world was rebuilding from WWII.

Restored with an eye toward showing this truck off, this 3600 is one of the nicer 'big' 3000 series trucks that we've ever seen. With that being said, this is not just some beauty queen. The builders restored this truck to look great, yes, but they also wanted it to be ready and able to be utilized for its original intended purpose – hard work. Consequently, this Chevy offers just the right combination of utility, beauty, and turn-key functionality. Sure, some of these are over-restored into glam pigs that can hardly be driven, 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 Mariner Blue paint job that emphasizes the rounded fenders and longer wheelbase. It also features a 3-window cab, popular with enthusiasts, and there have been no notable deviations from its original specifications. Fit and finish are very good, much better than you'd probably expect for a vintage pickup this size, 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 look new, while the blue front grille and blue rub strips in the bed tie everything together nicely. Matching blue running boards are a better choice than the usual black pieces found on these trucks, and the whitewalls and 'Baby Moon' wheels dress it up a bit, so it will fit right in anywhere you go.

The original bench seat was wrapped in new tan leather upholstery and provides very good support, a very welcomed addition if you're planning on driving this one regularly. Black vinyl floor coverings are easy to maintain and insulate the cab, while the brown door cards neatly complement the interior and help things look a bit more upscale inside. Painted in matching Mariner Blue, the dash is honest and simple, with two round pods housing NOS gauges for a fresh look into the engine's vitals. There's no radio, although lots of people will sneak one into the glove box and hide the speaker behind the center grille in the dash, but for our money, the sound of the Stovebolt working hard provides plenty of entertainment for our listening pleasure. An original three-spoke steering wheel was restored and installed in a typical, upturned fashion that gives the driver plenty of room in the cockpit, and the tall shifter for the 4-speed gearbox is just a short reach away.

The restorer's expertise shows under the hood, where a 235 cubic inch inline-six 'Stovebolt' is fitted neatly in the matte black engine bay. It still carries an original-style carburetor, oil bath air cleaner, and the original 6-volt electrical system was upgraded to 12-volts, complete with an alternator and newer wiring. The 4-speed manual gearbox still lives behind the engine, although first 'granny' 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 exhaust system were all fully addressed during the restoration, so it runs and drives like it should with only 604 miles on the complete restoration. White eight-lug steel wheels are at each corner covered up with gorgeous 'Chevrolet' Baby Moon hubcaps, and they wear 235/75/16 whitewall 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 gorgeous 3600 that's ready to work or play and comes fully documented with a stack of build receipts, restoration photos, and even its original bill of sale. Call today!