The 1948-1953 Chevrolet Series 3100 half-ton pickups benefited from a redesign that took Chevy trucks into a new era of comfort, convenience, and style.
Chevy's restyled "Advance-Design" trucks were introduced in 1947, well ahead of its first new postwar cars, and little changed in appearance through 1953. The basic intent was to provide more room and comfort for occupants.
Classic Truck Image Gallery
All Advance-Design pickups had a new bench seat accommodating three persons, instead of the old separate seats -- and for the first time the seat was adjustable for leg reach.
The cab, described as "Unisteel Battleship" construction, was larger in every direction. New extra-wide doors swung open on concealed hinges and extended down to cover the sills. Glass area grew considerably via a wider windshield, side windows, and backlight -- Chevy called the result "Observation Car Vision."
Features of the 1948-1950 Chevrolet Series 3100 half-ton pickup included advances such as interior door locks, better steering, and a roomier cab.
Interiors were more colorful than ever before on a commercial Chevrolet, and the dashboard was functional and more glittery.
Mechanical conveniences included interior door locks, a large steering wheel, new steering geometry for less effort, more conveniently positioned foot pedals, an accessory radio, roomy glovebox, and full needle instrumentation.
The 1948-1953 Chevrolet Series 3100 half-ton pickups also featured "four-fold ventilation" through the easy-crank-down side windows, cowl-top ventilator, foot-operated floor vent, and a fresh-air inlet on the curb side of the cowl.
Light-duty trucks in 1947-1949 came only with a 216.5-cid six; later ones may be 235.5-cid, formerly used in heavier trucks. For 1950, the 235.5-cid engine got a redesigned cylinder head, to become the "105 Hi-Torque" six.
The 1948-1953 Chevrolet Deluxe Cab Series 3100 half-ton pickup had rear-corner windows that increased visibility. Pictured here is a 1953 model.
Changes through the period included gray (instead of body-color) inner grille bars for 1949; vent wings, a lower rear-view mirror, and elimination of left-hand cowl vents for 1951; pushbutton (instead of rotating) door handles for 1952; and a slimmer hood nameplate for 1953.
Note. Customized by me with wheels and decals.
